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The Box
Plymouth’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, art, natural history and archives in a modern city-centre building.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Plymouth
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 11 Oct
Cheapest price on 11 Oct
£67
Average ticket price on 11 Oct
£68
Fastest journey on 11 Oct
3 h 4 m
Average journey duration on 11 Oct
3 h 11 m
Trains on 11 Oct
11
Distance
253 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Plymouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Plymouth will cost around £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £67.
Fast trains
On Sun 11 Oct, we found 11 trains from Reading to Plymouth, including 6 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 253 km distance in an average of 3 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 4 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 20 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.
W3481212:553h20Reading station (RDG)16:15Plymouth station (PLY)£671One-way0 changes- V1801712:053h06Reading station (RDG)15:11Plymouth station (PLY)£671One-way0 changes
- V1801614:053h06Reading station (RDG)17:11Plymouth station (PLY)£671One-way0 changes
- C0085415:053h25Reading station (RDG)18:30Plymouth station (PLY)£671One-way0 changes
- V1801516:053h04Reading station (RDG)19:09Plymouth station (PLY)£671One-way0 changes
- V1801516:053h04Reading station (RDG)19:09Plymouth station (PLY)£671One-way0 changes
- V1801712:053h06Reading station (RDG)15:11Plymouth station (PLY)£671One-way0 changes
- V1801614:053h06Reading station (RDG)17:11Plymouth station (PLY)£671One-way0 changes
- W3481212:553h20Reading station (RDG)16:15Plymouth station (PLY)£671One-way0 changes
- W3483316:553h20Reading station (RDG)20:15Plymouth station (PLY)£671One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Plymouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Plymouth run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 253 km distance in 2h 34m.
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 253 km |
Average train duration 2h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 2h 34m |
First train 0:12 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 2 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
Live departures
Reading to Plymouth train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Plymouth trains for today, Saturday 10 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:29 Reading | 3h06 | 11:35 Plymouth | 0 changesdirect | |
| 13:30 Reading | 2h43 | 16:13 Plymouth | 0 changesdirect | |
| 23:48 Reading | 4h22 | 4:10 Plymouth | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Reading to Plymouth trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as CrossCountry offer trains services from Reading to Plymouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Plymouth.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Plymouth.
- 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Plymouth.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Plymouth.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Plymouth.
Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry from Reading to Plymouth trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Reading and Plymouth from £40. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
2h 34m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£40
Great Western Railway frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
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 CrossCountry Duration
3h 4m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£68
CrossCountry frequency
1 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
Complete guide to Plymouth
Things to do in Plymouth
Discover the best of Plymouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plymouth trip today.
- Recommended
Plymouth Gin Distillery
Independent museum exploring Plymouth’s role in gin distilling, set in a historic Barbican building with tours and original features.
- Recommended
Mayflower Museum
Small local museum on the Barbican focused on migration, seafaring and Plymouth’s links with transatlantic departures.
- Must visit
The Barbican
Historic waterfront quarter with cobbled lanes, independent shops, harbour views and many of Plymouth’s best-known heritage sights.
- Must visit
Plymouth Hoe
Large open seafront promenade and parkland with lawns, monuments and views over Plymouth Sound; ideal for walks and sunset stops.
- Recommended
West Hoe Park
Peaceful landscaped park beside the Hoe with formal planting, a lido nearby and excellent sea views across Plymouth Sound.
- Vegetarian
Devon Cream Tea
A Devon cream tea pairs scones with clotted cream and jam. In Devon, the cream goes on first, making it a proud local ritual across Plymouth and the county.
- Gluten-free
South Devon Crab
Fresh crab landed on the South Devon coast, often served simply dressed or in sandwiches. It is prized in Plymouth for its sweet flavour and strong fishing heritage.
Stargazy Pie
This traditional pie of pilchards, eggs and potatoes is linked to nearby Cornwall and often found in Plymouth. It reflects the area's historic reliance on coastal fishing.
Quay 33
Long-established seafood restaurant on the Barbican, popular for fresh fish, shellfish and harbour atmosphere close to the historic waterfront.
The Mission
Relaxed bistro in the Barbican area serving British and European dishes with seafood options. Well suited to an easy meal near the waterfront.
The Harbourside Fish & Chips
Historic Barbican pub known for seafood, pies and harbour views. A lively traditional setting for classic Plymouth fare and local ales.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: dining and buses are reasonable, while hotels rise in summer and at weekends. Costs are usually lower than London but similar to other regional waterfront cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxi tips are usually by rounding up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Plymouth Citybus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £7
To the city centre
Plymouth Railway Station -> Royal Parade, Plymouth
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Cash, contactless and mobile payments are accepted on local buses in Plymouth.
- For unlimited travel, an Adult 24 Hr Plymouth ticket is £7.50 in the app, while the operator also states Plymouth day travel is £7 from the driver or app.
FAQs: Reading to Plymouth train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Plymouth 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 Plymouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Plymouth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £82.
The train journey from Reading to Plymouth covers a distance of 253 km and takes approximately 2h 34m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Plymouth is 253 km.
The first train from Reading to Plymouth leaves at 0:12.
The last train from Reading to Plymouth departs at 23:56.
Trains from Reading to Plymouth run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Plymouth.
Yes, there is a direct train between Reading and Plymouth. The service operates 7 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway.
There is no night train service from Reading to Plymouth.
The train station in Reading that goes to Plymouth is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Plymouth station (PLY).
Booking trains from Reading to Plymouth 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 Plymouth offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the rolling countryside of Somerset and Devon, with glimpses of the coastline near Dawlish.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Plymouth.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Plymouth
Most Reading to Plymouth trains use the Reading to Plymouth station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Which Reading station do trains to Plymouth leave from?
Trains from Reading to Plymouth 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 · £0.89 · 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.
Which Plymouth station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading to Plymouth arrive at Plymouth. Plymouth is 1 km from Plymouth city centre.
PlymouthPlymouth station, North Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6AB+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Plymouth from Plymouth city centre
Bus13, 2, 170 · 4m · £2 · every ~11 min
Plymouth train station facilities and services
Plymouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Plymouth.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth. ATMs are available at Plymouth.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Plymouth: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Plymouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via lifts and the station subway. 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 car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Station pay phones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, 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, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Plymouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Plymouth and Reading
Most popular train connections to Plymouth
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