- Must visit
Poole Museum
Harbour-front museum telling Poole’s story through local archaeology, ceramics and maritime displays in restored historic buildings.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Poole
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£54
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£54
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
2 h 59 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
2 h 59 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
109 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Poole is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Poole will cost around £54 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £54.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Reading to Poole, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 109 km distance in an average of 2 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 59 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 59 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.
5:432h59Reading8:42Poole£541One-way0 changes
- 5:432h59Reading8:42Poole£541One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Reading to Poole
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Poole among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £55 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 18m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £55, while a train costs an average of £91.
Distance: 109 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£91 Average Price | £55 Average Price Cheapest | £21 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 18m Average total duration Fastest 1h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Poole is a coach with an average price of £55.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Poole:
A coach is £36 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Poole costing on average £91.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Poole is by train with an average journey time of 1h 48m.
Other travel options to Poole take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 21m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Poole including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 8m sooner (1h 48m by train vs 1h 56m by car). Tickets start at around £91 compared to roughly £21 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Reading to Poole train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Poole trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 7:52 Reading | 1h51 | 9:43 Poole | 1 change | |
| 8:54 Reading | 1h43 | 10:37 Poole | 1 change | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
| 5:43 Reading | 2h59 | 8:42 Poole | 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 Poole by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
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23 Sept
23 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Reading to Poole trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as South Western Railway or Cross Country offer trains services from Reading to Poole.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Poole.
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 South Western Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Poole.
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Poole.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Poole.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Poole.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Poole
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Poole run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £87 but you can travel from only £55 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 22:49. The fastest train covers the 109 km distance in 1h 41m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £55
Distance 109 km |
Average train duration 1h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £87 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 41m |
First train 5:00 |
Last train 22:49 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 35 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £55
Train companies: CrossCountry, South Western Railway, Cross Country from Reading to Poole trainsCrossCountry, South Western Railway, Cross Country trains will get you between Reading and Poole from £55. 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 CrossCountry Duration
1h 58m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£33
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
South Western Railway
About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
2h 12m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£54
South Western Railway frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
1h 41m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£87
Cross Country frequency
12 a day
Complete guide to Poole
Things to do in Poole
Discover the best of Poole — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Poole trip today.
- Recommended
Poole Pottery Visitor Centre
Working pottery and visitor centre showing how traditional Poole pottery is made, with displays, demonstrations and a shop for collectors.
- Recommended
RNLI Poole Old Lifeboat Museum
Compact RNLI museum by the quayside exploring lifeboat history, rescues and the heritage of the volunteer service founded in Poole.
- Must visit
Poole Quay
Historic waterfront lined with old buildings, pubs and boat activity. It is ideal for harbour views, walks, events and ferries around the bay.
- Must visit
Sandbanks Beach
Long sandy beach backed by pine trees and sea views, popular for swimming, walking and sunsets near the Sandbanks peninsula.
- Recommended
Poole Park
Large urban park with boating lake, gardens, play areas and regular events. A good family stop close to central Poole.
- Gluten-free
Poole Harbour Oysters
Fresh native oysters from nearby Poole Harbour, prized for their clean, briny flavour and long shellfish tradition on this Dorset coast.
- Gluten-free
Dorset Crab
Brown crab landed on the south coast, often served dressed or in sandwiches. It is a classic local seafood choice tied to Poole’s fishing heritage.
- Gluten-free
Dorset Scallops
Sweet, delicate scallops from Lyme Bay and the Dorset coast, commonly pan-fried. They are a regional favourite on Poole seafood menus.
The View Restaurant
Smart waterside dining room at Harbour Heights with modern British cooking and wide views over Poole Harbour and Sandbanks.
Custom House
Popular harbourside seafood restaurant known for fish, shellfish and relaxed waterside dining close to Poole Quay.
Jenkins and Sons
Lively quay restaurant serving seafood, grills and British favourites with harbour views and a polished but informal atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK coast: hotels rise in summer, meals are mid-priced, and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-14 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
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.
Morebus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.60
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
Poole Railway Station -> Poole Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless bank card payment and tap on tap off are available on Morebus services, including the m1/m2 and Zone A day tickets.
- For central Poole, Poole Railway Station is walkable to Poole Bus Station and the town centre, so you may not need onward transport.
FAQs: Reading to Poole train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Poole 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 Poole, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Poole can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £87, while the average price tends to be around £91.
The train journey from Reading to Poole covers a distance of 109 km and takes approximately 1h 41m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Poole is 109 km.
The first train from Reading to Poole leaves at 5:00.
The last train from Reading to Poole departs at 22:49.
Trains from Reading to Poole run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Poole.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Poole.
To get from Reading to Poole, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Reading to Poole.
The train station in Reading that goes to Poole is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Poole station (POO).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Poole is by coach, costing approximately £55.
Booking trains from Reading to Poole 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 Poole offers pleasant countryside views, passing through areas such as the North Wessex Downs and New Forest National Park, making it a moderately scenic route.
Yes, a day trip from Reading to Poole is feasible, with a travel duration of 1h 41m and a distance of 109 km. There are 4 trips per day available by train.
To fully explore Poole's attractions, including its harbour, beaches, and nearby nature reserves, plan for a stay of 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Poole.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Poole
Most Reading to Poole trains use the Reading to Poole station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Poole 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 Poole
Which Reading station do trains to Poole leave from?
Trains from Reading to Poole 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.
Which Poole station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading to Poole arrive at Poole. Poole is 1 km from Poole city centre.
PoolePoole station, Serpentine Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Poole from Poole city centre
Poole is 1 km from Poole city centre. Public transport options include:
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation forecourt, off Serpentine Road
Poole train station facilities and services
Poole has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Poole.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Poole. ATMs are available at Poole.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Poole.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Poole: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Poole: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Poole: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - There is level access to both sides of the station by ramps. Interchange between platforms is via a ramped underpass at the London end of the platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Poole
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Poole and Reading
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