- Must visit
Shakespeare's New Place
An interactive theatre exhibition about Shakespeare's life, works and legacy, with family-friendly displays close to the historic centre.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Stratford-upon-Avon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £52 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 5m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £52, while a coach costs an average of £61.
Distance: 96 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£52 Average Price Cheapest | £61 Average Price | £18 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 28m Average total duration 5h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Stratford-upon-Avon:
A train is £10 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Reading to Stratford-upon-Avon costing on average £61.
Other travel options to Stratford-upon-Avon take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 58m.
You'll arrive about 9m sooner (1h 35m by train vs 1h 44m by car). Tickets start at around £52 compared to roughly £18 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.
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.
Trains from Reading to Stratford-upon-Avon run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:52, the last at 21:33. The fastest train covers the 96 km distance in 1h 33m.
Distance 96 km |
Average train duration 1h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £38 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 1h 33m |
First train 5:52 |
Last train 21:33 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Stratford-upon-Avon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stratford-upon-Avon trip today.
An interactive theatre exhibition about Shakespeare's life, works and legacy, with family-friendly displays close to the historic centre.
Tudor cottages and gardens exploring Shakespeare's mother Mary Arden and rural family life through exhibits and live interpretation.
A butterfly attraction with tropical enclosures, insects and small reptile displays; enjoyable for families and visitors wanting something different.
A broad riverside park with lawns, footpaths, boating views and space to relax beside key cultural sights and the Avon.
The town's main historic shopping street, lined with timber-framed buildings, independent shops and easy access to major Shakespeare sites.
A canal basin walking area with colourful narrowboats, waterside paths and links to the theatre, parks and local pubs nearby.
A slow-cooked Warwickshire stew of beef, root vegetables and onions. It reflects hearty Midlands farm cooking suited to colder weather.
A traditional Warwickshire fruit cheese made by reducing apples with cider until firm. It is a historic local preserve often served with cheese.
Cobs are the local Midlands bread roll, often filled with bacon, sausage or cheese. The name is a regional staple locals use every day.
Refined modern British dining in an elegant country-house setting just outside town, known for tasting menus and carefully prepared seasonal dishes.
A long-established riverside restaurant serving classic British dishes and seafood with smart, relaxed surroundings near the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Historic timber-framed pub with traditional ales and hearty British plates. A classic choice for atmosphere in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Moderate for England: rooms can be pricey in peak season, but pub meals, cafés and walkable sights help keep daily costs reasonable.
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up for taxis. Café tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Stratford-upon-Avon railway station -> Bridge Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Reading to Stratford-upon-Avon trains use the Reading to Stratford-upon-Avon station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Stratford-upon-Avon train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options are available at Reading.
ATMs are available at Reading.
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Stratford-upon-Avon has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Stratford-upon-Avon.
Ticket office support is available at Stratford-upon-Avon. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Stratford-upon-Avon: Parking, WC.
Available at Stratford-upon-Avon: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stratford-upon-Avon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Red Line Taxis (Wheelchair Access) 017889 777365, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is located at the front of the station, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need