- Must visit
The Hepworth Wakefield
Contemporary art gallery in a striking riverside building, known for modern exhibitions and Yorkshire sculpture displays.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Wakefield among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £204 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 27m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £204, while a train costs an average of £204.
Distance: 250 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£204 Average Price Cheapest | £50 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 27m Average total duration Fastest 2h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 45m sooner (2h 57m by train vs 3h 42m by car). Tickets start at around £204 compared to roughly £50 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 Wakefield run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £184 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 22:33. The fastest train covers the 250 km distance in 3h 30m.
Distance 250 km |
Average train duration 2h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £184 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 30m |
First train 5:13 |
Last train 22:33 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Wakefield — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wakefield trip today.
Contemporary art gallery in a striking riverside building, known for modern exhibitions and Yorkshire sculpture displays.
Former colliery transformed into an industrial museum with pithead structures, exhibitions and open grounds to explore.
Yorkshire country house museum with historic rooms, landscape gardens and family-friendly activities in nearby Sandal.
Waterside park with broad lawns, lakes, woodland walks and seasonal colour; ideal for relaxed strolls near the city centre.
Restored urban waterfront with paths, public art and modern architecture linking the river, gallery and old mill buildings.
Large country park with woodland trails, lakes and long views, offering quieter walks on the eastern edge of Wakefield.
A rich Yorkshire fruit loaf spiced with tea and dried fruit, traditionally sliced and spread with Wensleydale cheese in West Yorkshire.
Slow-cooked beef in a dark ale gravy under a pastry lid, common across Yorkshire pubs and a hearty regional comfort dish.
A roast beef dinner with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and gravy. It is a defining Sunday meal across Yorkshire.
Popular Turkish grill and meze restaurant with a lively atmosphere, generous portions and well-known charcoal-cooked dishes.
Smart modern British restaurant in Wakefield city centre, known for seasonal cooking and a polished but relaxed setting.
Established Indian restaurant serving classic curries and tandoori dishes in a friendly, traditional dining room.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs are fairly manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips, but small change is welcome.
Official public transport app
Wakefield Westgate -> Wakefield Bus Station, Wakefield
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Wakefield 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 Wakefield, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Reading to Wakefield trains use the Reading to Wakefield Westgate station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Wakefield 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.
Wakefield Westgate has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Wakefield Westgate.
ATMs are available at Wakefield Westgate.
Ticket office support is available at Wakefield Westgate.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wakefield Westgate: Parking, WC.
Available at Wakefield Westgate: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wakefield Westgate: 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 taxis: A small number are accessible, therefore advance notification (via station) ensures they are available when required, 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.
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