- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Romford to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Romford to Reading will cost around £34 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £34.
On Sat 31 Oct, we found 2 trains from Romford to Reading, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 81 km distance in an average of 1 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 20 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 22 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.

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Trains from Romford to Reading run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £34 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 81 km distance in 52m.
Distance 81 km |
Average train duration 1h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £34 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 52m |
First train 0:10 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Romford to Reading.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Small museum beside the abbey ruins with exhibits on Reading’s medieval abbey. Good for context before walking the historic quarter.
University museum covering farming, countryside life, and design. Engaging displays make it a distinctive and family-friendly visit.
Large riverside park with formal gardens, open lawns, and abbey remains. Ideal for relaxing walks close to the town centre.
Traffic-free shopping street at the heart of Reading. A practical and lively route linking major shops, historic lanes, and public spaces.
Riverside walking area along the Thames near Caversham Bridge. Visit for benches, water views, and an easy stroll near the centre.
Berkshire pork sausages are a long-standing county staple, prized for well-seasoned local pork and often served with mash in traditional pubs.
Spotted dick is a classic steamed suet pudding with dried fruit, commonly served with custard and strongly associated with traditional English cooking.
Summer pudding is a Berkshire favourite in berry season, made by lining bread with soft fruit and juice for a bright, old-fashioned local dessert.
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for carefully plated tasting-style dishes and polished service.
Traditional pub by the Thames serving British classics, Sunday roasts and local drinks in a relaxed historic setting.
Popular central Reading restaurant specialising in well-cooked steaks, grills and hearty sides in a lively contemporary space.
Moderate for England: hotels are often cheaper than London, but dining, drinks and rail fares still add up for visitors.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Reading Station -> Reading Station, Reading
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Reading.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Romford to Reading 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 Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Romford to Reading trains use the Romford to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Romford and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Romford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Romford.
Wi-Fi is available at Romford.
Ticket office support is available at Romford. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Romford: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Romford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Romford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Accessibility Category B2. This station has step-free access to all platforms. Access can be gained from South Street side entrance via a steep ramp. The ramps leading from the subway to the platforms are fairly steep. Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 1,2,4 and 5, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located within the stations ticket hall. The ticket machines are accessible via the stations main entrance. There is no step free access to the ticket machines via the stations side entrance ramp, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Gidea Park is 1 km from Romford city centre. Public transport options include:
Gidea Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Gidea Park.
Wi-Fi is available at Gidea Park.
Ticket office support is available at Gidea Park. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gidea Park: Parking, WC.
Available at Gidea Park: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gidea Park: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Accessibility Category B1. This station has step-free access to all platforms. Use the Crossways car park entrance. There is no step-free access from the Station Road main entrance. Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 3&4, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located within the stations ticket hall on Station Road and outside the car park entrance on Crossways, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Harold Wood is 3 km from Romford city centre. Public transport options include:
Harold Wood has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Harold Wood.
Ticket office support is available at Harold Wood. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Harold Wood: Parking, WC.
Available at Harold Wood: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Harold Wood: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Accessibility Category A. This station has step-free access to all platforms Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 3&4, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located within the ticket hall entrance on Gubbins Lane and at the car park entrance on Station Road, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
Check train stations information for Romford and Reading, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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