Reading to Watford train with Tube

Sun 20 Sept
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Tube
London Overground
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
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Tube
London Overground
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Watford

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept

Cheapest price on 20 Sept

£42

Average ticket price on 20 Sept

£42

Fastest journey on 20 Sept

1 h 44 m

Average journey duration on 20 Sept

1 h 44 m

Trains on 20 Sept

1

Distance

46 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Watford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Reading to Watford will cost around £42 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £42.

Fast trains

On Sun 20 Sept, we found 1 trains from Reading to Watford, including 1 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 46 km distance in an average of 1 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 44 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 44 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.

  • Great Western Railway
    9:291h44
    Reading
    11:13Watford
    £421One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Reading to Watford

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Watford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £39 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 43m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £39, while a train costs an average of £39.

Distance: 46 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

£39

Average Price

Cheapest

£11

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 43m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 2m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Watford is a train with an average price of £39.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Watford is by train with an average journey time of 1h 13m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Watford including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £39 compared to roughly £11 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-28.48. The journey takes 1h 13m versus 1h 2m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Reading to Watford train times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Watford trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western Railway8:12 Reading
1h25
9:37 Watford0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to Watford 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.

Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept

Why should you book Reading to Watford trains with Omio?

Tube as well as London Overground, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway and more offer trains services from Reading to Watford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Watford.

Why book with Omio vs Tube?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Tube, but also compare tickets for the likes of London Overground, South Western Railway or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Watford.
  • 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 Tube with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Watford.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of London Overground, South Western Railway or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Watford.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Watford.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Reading to Watford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Reading to Watford run on average 23 times per day, taking around 1h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:15. The fastest train covers the 46 km distance in 51m.

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
46 km
Average train duration
1h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
£27
Trains per day
23
Fastest train
51m
First train
0:02
Last train
23:15
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
3 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: Tube, London Overground, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway from Reading to Watford trainsTube, London Overground, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Reading and Watford from £27. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
1h 47m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£27
South Western Railway frequency
13 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

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
51m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£41
Great Western Railway frequency
9 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

Tube

About
The \Tube\" refers to the London Underground, a rapid transit system serving Greater London and parts of the adjacent home counties. It is operated by London Underground Limited (LUL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Transport for London (TfL). Opened in 1863, it was the world's first underground passenger railway. The network, nicknamed \"the Tube\" due to its circular, deep-level tunnels, has 11 lines and 270 stations, covering approximately 250 miles. It carries over a billion passengers annually and is known for its iconic roundel symbol and schematic map."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Tube Duration
1h 29m
Cheapest Tube Price
£40
Tube frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
You can take as much luggage as you can comfortably carry, as long as it's under two meters long and fits within the space beneath your feet or between your legs while seated.
Luggage storage
There are no luggage racks on the Tube, so you'll technically be taking up the space of an actual person with your luggage.
Cancellation Policy
If your Tube journey was delayed by 15 minutes or more for reasons within TfL's control, you can claim a refund for the single pay as you go fare for the delayed journey.
Refund
If your Tube journey is delayed by 15 minutes or more due to reasons within TfL's control, you are entitled to a refund of the single fare for the affected journey.
Amenities on board the train
Food sold onboard
Food is allowed on the Tube, but alcoholic drinks are banned on all TfL services.
USB plugs
Accessibility
Currently 93 Tube stations (more than a third of them) have step-free access, and all DLR stations and tram stops are step-free.
Pets
Dogs and other domestic animals are allowed on the London Underground as long as they are under control, on a leash or in a carrier, and not on the seats.

London Overground

About
London Overground is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a network of suburban rail services in and around Greater London. The services run from early morning until late at night, with some lines running 24 hours a day. The trains come in a variety of types, including the Class 378 Capitalstar, Class 172 Turbostar, Class 315, Class 317, Class 508 and Class 700 Desiro City. London Overground offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, off-peak and super off-peak tickets. Onboard facilities include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, power sockets and CCTV. The most popular routes for London Overground are from Euston to Watford Junction, from Liverpool Street to Enfield Town, and from Clapham Junction to Stratford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London Overground Duration
1h 6m
Cheapest London Overground Price
£41
London Overground frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
Two large items of luggage and one small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Luggage racks available at the ends of carriages and overhead storage
Cancellation Policy
Refunds subject to administrative fee and fare conditions
Refund
Full refund available for service cancellations
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Step-free access at many stations, wheelchair spaces on trains, priority seating
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be leashed. Maximum two dogs per passenger

Complete guide to Watford

Things to do in Watford

Discover the best of Watford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Watford trip today.

  • Must visit

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

A visitor attraction and working studio where tours reveal how Harry Potter films were made, with original sets and props.

  • Recommended

Watford Museum

Watford's local museum in a historic house, with exhibitions on the town's people, industry and changing streets.

Watford Palace Theatre

An arts centre with galleries, performances and cinema, making it a useful stop for contemporary local visual culture.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for southern England. Hotels can be pricey on London commuter routes, but dining and local transport are usually a little cheaper than central London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 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
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, 10% is usual for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.

FAQs: Reading to Watford train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Watford 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 Watford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Watford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £27, while the average price tends to be around £39.
The train journey from Reading to Watford covers a distance of 46 km and takes approximately 51m. Trains run 23 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Watford is 46 km.
The first train from Reading to Watford leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Reading to Watford departs at 23:15.
Trains from Reading to Watford run approximately 23 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Watford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Watford.
To get from Reading to Watford, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Reading to Watford.
The train station in Reading that goes to Watford is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Watford Junction (WFJ).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Watford is by train, costing approximately £27.
Booking trains from Reading to Watford 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 Watford offers glimpses of the English countryside, including rolling hills and small towns, but is not typically highlighted as a particularly scenic route compared to others in the UK.
Yes, a day trip from Reading to Watford is feasible with a travel time of 51m and a distance of 46 km. Trains run 17 times per day.
In Watford, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as attending performances at the Watford Palace Theatre or exploring the shops and dining options at Intu Watford. For entertainment, try Topgolf Watford, or attend community arts events at The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre. Nature enthusiasts can visit the Rickmansworth Aquadrome for walking and cycling, or explore Cassiobury Park and its nature reserve. Don't miss the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London for a behind-the-scenes look at the Harry Potter films. Additionally, Watford Museum offers insights into the town's history, while Cheslyn House and Gardens provide a tranquil escape. For luxury, The Grove features beautiful gardens, a golf course, and spa facilities.
To fully explore Watford's attractions, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter, Cassiobury Park, and Watford Palace Theatre, a two to three-day visit is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Watford.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Watford

Most Reading to Watford trains use the Reading to Watford Junction station pair, with some services arriving at Watford High Street. Use this guide to compare Reading and Watford 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 Watford

Which Reading station do trains to Watford leave from?

Trains from Reading to Watford 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 3451652030ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
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 7PYParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
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.

More options for your journey from Reading to Watford

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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