- Must visit
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
Main town museum with collections on Northampton's shoe industry, archaeology and art, plus family-friendly galleries.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Northampton
Showing times and prices for 14 Aug
Cheapest price
£21
Average price
£36
Fastest journey
1 h 52 m
Average duration
1 h 59 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
88 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Northampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Northampton will cost around £36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £21.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Reading for Northampton every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 88 km distance in an average of 1 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 52 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 12 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
6:151h52Reading8:07Northampton£211One-way0 changes- 8:151h52Reading10:07Northampton£401One-way0 changes
9:452h12Reading11:57Northampton£471One-way0 changes
- 8:151h52Reading10:07Northampton£401One-way0 changes
- 6:151h52Reading8:07Northampton£211One-way0 changes
- 9:452h12Reading11:57Northampton£471One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Reading to Northampton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Northampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £21, and a coach costs an average of £54.
Distance: 88 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£42 Average Price Cheapest | £55 Average Price |
2h 13m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Reading to Northampton train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Northampton trains for tomorrow, Friday 14 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:15 Reading | 1h52 | 8:07 Northampton | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:15 Reading | 1h52 | 10:07 Northampton | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:45 Reading | 2h12 | 11:57 Northampton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Northampton by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Fri
14 Aug
14 Aug
Sat
15 Aug
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Mon
17 Aug
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18 Aug
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20 Aug
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Why should you book Reading to Northampton trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as West Midlands Trains or Cross Country offer trains services from Reading to Northampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Northampton.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Northampton.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Northampton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Northampton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Northampton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Northampton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Northampton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:41. The fastest train covers the 88 km distance in 1h 52m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 88 km |
Average train duration 1h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 1h 52m |
First train 0:05 |
Last train 23:41 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country from Reading to Northampton trainsCrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country trains will get you between Reading and Northampton from £21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 52m
Cheapest Price
£21
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
West Midlands Trains
About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 7m
Cheapest Price
£32
West Midlands Trains frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 51m
Cross Country frequency
12 a day
Complete guide to Northampton
Things to do in Northampton
Discover the best of Northampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Northampton trip today.
- Recommended
Northampton Battlefield Society Resource Centre
Independent museum at Delapré Abbey exploring the Battle of Northampton and local medieval history through immersive displays.
- Recommended
Abington Park Museum
Community museum preserving village and manor history in a traditional setting, offering a quieter local-history visit near Northampton.
- Must visit
Abington Park
Popular town park with a lake, museum, broad lawns and tree-lined paths, ideal for a relaxed walk close to the centre.
- Recommended
Racecourse Park
Major urban park with gardens, sports facilities and open green space, good for walking and seeing local daily life.
- Recommended
Market Square
Historic market square at the heart of Northampton, useful for shopping, events and soaking up the town-centre atmosphere.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Northamptonshire Cheese
A crumbly hard cheese made in Northamptonshire since the 18th century. Its rich, nutty flavour makes it one of the county’s best-known traditional foods.
Northamptonshire Sausage
A traditional British sausage strongly associated with Northamptonshire, usually made with seasoned pork and herbs and served with mash or in breakfasts.
Northamptonshire Pork Pie
A local style of pork pie linked to Northamptonshire’s boot and market town heritage, with hot-water crust pastry and seasoned pork filling.
Saffron
Well-known town centre restaurant focused on Turkish and Mediterranean cooking, with generous portions and a lively atmosphere.
Phipps NBC Western House
Historic riverside pub and brewery tap for Phipps NBC ales, with hearty British food and a relaxed traditional atmosphere.
Hibiscus at Delapré Abbey
Elegant restaurant in Delapré Abbey serving modern British dishes in a refined heritage setting suited to a longer meal.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: rooms and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, though spare change is appreciated.
Smart Mover
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £6.90
To the city centre
Northampton Station -> Northampton Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Adult Buzz Card day travel in Northampton is £6.90 and is sold by the driver on most town bus services.
- Contactless payment is available on many local buses, but availability can vary by operator, so check before boarding if you need to pay by card.
FAQs: Reading to Northampton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Northampton by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Northampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Northampton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £21, while the average price tends to be around £42.
The train journey from Reading to Northampton covers a distance of 88 km and takes approximately 1h 52m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Northampton is 88 km.
The first train from Reading to Northampton leaves at 0:05.
The last train from Reading to Northampton departs at 23:41.
Trains from Reading to Northampton run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Northampton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Northampton.
To get from Reading to Northampton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Reading to Northampton.
The train station in Reading that goes to Northampton is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Northampton station (NMP).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Northampton is by train, costing approximately £21.
Booking trains from Reading to Northampton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Reading to Northampton offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with stretches of rolling fields and quaint villages interspersed with more industrial landscapes. While not renowned for being particularly scenic, certain sections provide pleasant rural vistas.
A day trip from Reading to Northampton is feasible as the journey takes 1h 52m, covers 88 km, and there are 6 trains per day.
Typically, spending 2-3 days in Northampton allows visitors to explore its main attractions, such as the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Delapré Abbey, and the historical sites in the town centre.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Northampton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Northampton
Most Reading to Northampton trains use the Reading to Northampton station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Northampton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Northampton
Which Reading station do trains to Northampton leave from?
Trains from Reading to Northampton leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · £2 · every ~15 min
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Reading WestReading West station, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PY
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainReading - Basingstoke, Reading - Newbury, Reading - Bedwyn, London Paddington - Bedwyn · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
Bus15, 15a, 16, 17, 91, 85, 88, 93, 43 · 4m · £2 · every ~49 min
Reading West train station facilities and services
Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
TilehurstTilehurst station, Oxford Road, Tilehurst, Berkshire, RG31 6TH+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Tilehurst from Reading city centre
Tilehurst is 4 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLondon Paddington - Didcot Parkway, Reading - Didcot Parkway · 3m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus16, 85, 88, 18, 93, 43 · 16m · £2 · every ~18 min
16, 85, 88, 18, 93, 43 · 19m · £2 · every ~18 min
Tilehurst train station facilities and services
Tilehurst has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Tilehurst.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Tilehurst.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Tilehurst.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Tilehurst: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Tilehurst: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Tilehurst: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C - This station does not have step free access to operational platforms, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please call our free help line for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Northampton station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading to Northampton arrive at Northampton. Northampton is 2 km from Northampton city centre.
NorthamptonNorthampton station, Black Lion Hill, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1SP+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Northampton from Northampton city centre
Northampton is 2 km from Northampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus8, 8A · 14m · £2 · every ~8 min
Northampton train station facilities and services
Northampton has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Northampton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Northampton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Northampton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Northampton: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Northampton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Northampton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Reading to Northampton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Northampton and Reading
Most popular train connections to Northampton
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