- Must visit
Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery
Main town museum inside the old Music Hall, covering Shrewsbury’s history, Roman finds and changing exhibitions in a central location.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Shrewsbury
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£50
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£74
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
3 h 1 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
3 h 6 m
Trains on 23 Sept
6
Distance
185 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Shrewsbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Shrewsbury will cost around £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £50.
Fast trains
To travel from Reading to Shrewsbury you need to make at least one change.
G38953+
W3461710:413h11Reading station (RDG)13:52Shrewsbury station (SHR)£501One-way1 change- G39032+G1493810:133h09Reading station (RDG)13:22Shrewsbury station (SHR)£711One-way1 change
G00861+G3836411:153h07Reading station (RDG)14:22Shrewsbury station (SHR)£811One-way1 change- G00701+
C1699710:463h07Reading station (RDG)13:53Shrewsbury station (SHR)£811One-way1 change - G00858+G3859410:153h07Reading station (RDG)13:22Shrewsbury station (SHR)£811One-way1 change
- G00701 · G66735+W7020610:463h01Reading station (RDG)13:47Shrewsbury station (SHR)£811One-way2 changes
- G00861+G3836411:153h07Reading station (RDG)14:22Shrewsbury station (SHR)£811One-way1 change
- G00701+C1699710:463h07Reading station (RDG)13:53Shrewsbury station (SHR)£811One-way1 change
- G00858+G3859410:153h07Reading station (RDG)13:22Shrewsbury station (SHR)£811One-way1 change
- G39032+G1493810:133h09Reading station (RDG)13:22Shrewsbury station (SHR)£711One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train for Reading to Shrewsbury
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Shrewsbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £70 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 24m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £70, while a train costs an average of £70.
Distance: 185 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£70 Average Price Cheapest | £38 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 24m Average total duration Fastest 2h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Shrewsbury is a train with an average price of £70.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Shrewsbury is by train with an average journey time of 2h 54m.
Yes, you can take a train between Reading and Shrewsbury.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 22m sooner (2h 54m by train vs 3h 16m by car). Tickets start at around £70 compared to roughly £38 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 Shrewsbury train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Shrewsbury trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19:15 Reading | 3h06 | 22:21 Shrewsbury | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 23 September | |||||
| G39032+G14938 | 10:13 Reading station (RDG) | 3h09 | 13:22 Shrewsbury station (SHR) | 1 change | |
| G00858+G38594 | 10:15 Reading station (RDG) | 3h07 | 13:22 Shrewsbury station (SHR) | 1 change | |
| G38953+W34617 | 10:41 Reading station (RDG) | 3h11 | 13:52 Shrewsbury station (SHR) | 1 change | |
| G00701 · G66735+W70206 | 10:46 Reading station (RDG) | 3h01 | 13:47 Shrewsbury station (SHR) | 2 changes | |
| G00701+C16997 | 10:46 Reading station (RDG) | 3h07 | 13:53 Shrewsbury station (SHR) | 1 change | |
| G00861+G38364 | 11:15 Reading station (RDG) | 3h07 | 14:22 Shrewsbury station (SHR) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Shrewsbury by train
Compare 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.
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23 Sept
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Why should you book Reading to Shrewsbury trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Great Western Railway offer trains services from Reading to Shrewsbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Shrewsbury.
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 Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Shrewsbury.
- 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Shrewsbury.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Shrewsbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Shrewsbury run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £51 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:40, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 185 km distance in 2h 36m.
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 185 km |
Average train duration 2h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price £51 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 2h 36m |
First train 0:40 |
Last train 21:30 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 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, Great Western Railway from Reading to Shrewsbury trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Reading and Shrewsbury from £51. 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
2h 36m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£51
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
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
3h 34m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£63
Great Western Railway frequency
1 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
Complete guide to Shrewsbury
Things to do in Shrewsbury
Discover the best of Shrewsbury — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Shrewsbury trip today.
- Recommended
Shropshire Regimental Museum
Museum in Shrewsbury Castle exploring the county’s regiments through uniforms, medals and stories. A strong choice for military history.
The Hive
Small gallery and learning space on Wyle Cop showing contemporary exhibitions and community-led art in one of the town’s characterful quarters.
- Must visit
The Quarry
Quarry parkland beside the River Severn, popular for walks, flower displays and open lawns. A classic place to relax near the historic centre.
- Recommended
Dingle Garden
Formal sunken garden within the Quarry, designed for colourful seasonal planting and peaceful riverside strolling close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Wyle Cop
Historic street lined with independent shops and timber-framed buildings. It captures the character of old Shrewsbury and rewards slow wandering.
Shropshire Fidget Pie
A rich fruit loaf from Shropshire, packed with dried fruit and spice. It is a long-standing regional bake often served sliced with butter or cheese.
Fidget Pie
A traditional Shropshire savoury pie made with bacon, apples, onion and potato. It reflects the county’s farming produce and old farmhouse cooking.
- Gluten-free
Shropshire Blue
A soft blue cow’s milk cheese from Shropshire with a distinctive orange natural rind. It is one of the county’s best-known artisan foods.
The Third Place
Well-known Indian restaurant serving classic and contemporary dishes in a comfortable, polished setting close to the centre.
House of the Rising Sun
Popular burger and grill restaurant with a lively casual atmosphere. Known for generous portions and a dependable town-centre location.
The Loopy Shrew
Stylish central restaurant serving refined modern British cooking in an intimate, smart setting. Good for a relaxed but special meal.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK market town. Dining and hotels are usually cheaper than in London, while local buses and cafés remain fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up, and café tipping is optional.
Connect On-Demand
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- :
To the city centre
Shrewsbury Station -> The Square, Shrewsbury
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless payment is available on all Shrewsbury Park and Ride buses.
- Shrewsbury Park and Ride does not run on Sundays or most bank holidays.
FAQs: Reading to Shrewsbury train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Shrewsbury 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 Shrewsbury, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Shrewsbury can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £51, while the average price tends to be around £70.
The train journey from Reading to Shrewsbury covers a distance of 185 km and takes approximately 2h 36m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Shrewsbury is 185 km.
The first train from Reading to Shrewsbury leaves at 0:40.
The last train from Reading to Shrewsbury departs at 21:30.
Trains from Reading to Shrewsbury run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Shrewsbury.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Shrewsbury.
To travel from Reading to Shrewsbury, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Reading to Shrewsbury.
The train station in Reading that goes to Shrewsbury is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Shrewsbury station (SHR).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Shrewsbury is by train, costing approximately £51.
Booking trains from Reading to Shrewsbury 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 Shrewsbury offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds and the rolling hills of Shropshire. Passengers can enjoy glimpses of charming villages, lush green landscapes, and historic landmarks along the way.
A day trip from Reading to Shrewsbury is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 36m. Trains run 8 times per day.
To fully explore Shrewsbury, including its historic sites, shopping, and surrounding countryside, a stay of two to three days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Shrewsbury.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Shrewsbury
Most Reading to Shrewsbury trains use the Reading to Shrewsbury station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Shrewsbury 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 Shrewsbury
Which Reading station do trains to Shrewsbury leave from?
Trains from Reading to Shrewsbury 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.
Which Shrewsbury station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading to Shrewsbury arrive at Shrewsbury. Shrewsbury is from Shrewsbury city centre.
ShrewsburyShrewsbury station, Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 2DQ+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Shrewsbury from Shrewsbury city centre
Bus511, 512 · 0m · £2 · every ~2 min
Shrewsbury train station facilities and services
Shrewsbury has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Shrewsbury.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Shrewsbury. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Shrewsbury: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Shrewsbury: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Shrewsbury: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. Step free access to all platforms. The lift to Platform 3 is accessible from the front of the station. The lift to Platforms 4 to 7 is situated at the end of the subway beyond the ticket barriers, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards, 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 Shrewsbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Shrewsbury and Reading
Most popular train connections to Shrewsbury
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