Salisbury to Reading train with South Western Railway

Sat 19 Sept
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South Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Salisbury to Reading

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept

Cheapest price on 19 Sept

£26

Average ticket price on 19 Sept

£26

Fastest journey on 19 Sept

1 h 19 m

Average journey duration on 19 Sept

1 h 21 m

Trains on 19 Sept

8

Distance

72 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Salisbury to Reading will cost around £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £26.

Fast trains

To travel from Salisbury to Reading you need to make at least one change.

  • South Western RailwayL79320+CrossCountryG00850
    5:471h19
    Salisbury station (SAL)
    7:06Reading station (RDG)
    £261One-way
    1 change
  • South Western RailwayL79337+Great Western RailwayC03035
    7:211h24
    Salisbury station (SAL)
    8:45Reading West (RDW)
    £261One-way
    1 change
  • South Western RailwayL79325+Great Western RailwayC03031
    6:211h31
    Salisbury station (SAL)
    7:52Reading West (RDW)
    £261One-way
    1 change
  • South Western RailwayL79313+Great Western RailwayC03028
    5:151h27
    Salisbury station (SAL)
    6:42Reading West (RDW)
    £261One-way
    1 change
  • South Western RailwayQ25511+CrossCountryG00848
    4:471h22
    Salisbury station (SAL)
    6:09Reading station (RDG)
    £261One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train for Salisbury to Reading

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salisbury to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 32m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £21, while a train costs an average of £21.

Distance: 72 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

£21

Average Price

Cheapest

£14

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 32m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 2m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 26m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Salisbury to Reading is a train with an average price of £21.
The fastest way to travel from Salisbury to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 1h 2m.
Yes, you can take a train between Salisbury and Reading.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 24m sooner (1h 2m by train vs 1h 26m by car). Tickets start at around £21 compared to roughly £14 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.

Direct services run with South Western Railway.

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

Salisbury to Reading train times

The table below shows live departures for Salisbury to Reading trains for today, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
South Western Railway14:21 Salisbury
1h28
15:49 Reading0 changesdirect
Saturday 19 September
South Western RailwayQ25511+CrossCountryG008484:47 Salisbury station (SAL)
1h22
6:09 Reading station (RDG)1 change
South Western RailwayL79313+Great Western RailwayC030285:15 Salisbury station (SAL)
1h27
6:42 Reading West (RDW)1 change
South Western RailwayL79320+CrossCountryG008505:47 Salisbury station (SAL)
1h19
7:06 Reading station (RDG)1 change
South Western RailwayL79325+Great Western RailwayC030316:21 Salisbury station (SAL)
1h31
7:52 Reading West (RDW)1 change
South Western RailwayL79331+CrossCountryG008526:46 Salisbury station (SAL)
1h19
8:05 Reading station (RDG)1 change
South Western RailwayL79337+Great Western RailwayC030357:21 Salisbury station (SAL)
1h24
8:45 Reading West (RDW)1 change
South Western RailwayL79344+CrossCountryG008567:46 Salisbury station (SAL)
1h21
9:07 Reading station (RDG)1 change
South Western RailwayL79348+Great Western RailwayC030408:21 Salisbury station (SAL)
1h22
9:43 Reading West (RDW)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Salisbury to Reading 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.

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

Why should you book Salisbury to Reading trains with Omio?

South Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Salisbury to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Salisbury to Reading.

Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for South Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Salisbury to Reading.
  • 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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Salisbury to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Salisbury to Reading run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 05:08, the last at 23:41. The fastest train covers the 72 km distance in 1h 3m.

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
72 km
Average train duration
1h 2m
Cheapest ticket price
£6
Trains per day
9
Fastest train
1h 3m
First train
5:08
Last train
23:41
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
35 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: South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Salisbury to Reading trainsSouth Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Salisbury and Reading from £6. 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 3m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£6
South Western Railway frequency
19 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 (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
1h 32m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£79
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
6 a day

Complete guide to Reading

Things to do in Reading

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

  • Must visit

Reading Museum

Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.

  • Must visit

The Museum of English Rural Life

Small museum beside the abbey ruins with exhibits on Reading’s medieval abbey. Good for context before walking the historic quarter.

  • Recommended

Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology

University museum covering farming, countryside life, and design. Engaging displays make it a distinctive and family-friendly visit.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for England: hotels are often cheaper than London, but dining, drinks and rail fares still add up for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

FAQs: Salisbury to Reading train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salisbury 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Salisbury to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £6, while the average price tends to be around £21.
The train journey from Salisbury to Reading covers a distance of 72 km and takes approximately 1h 3m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Salisbury to Reading is 72 km.
The first train from Salisbury to Reading leaves at 5:08.
The last train from Salisbury to Reading departs at 23:41.
Trains from Salisbury to Reading run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Salisbury to Reading.
Yes, there is a direct train between Salisbury and Reading. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by South Western Railway.
To travel from Salisbury to Reading, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Salisbury to Reading.
The train station in Salisbury that goes to Reading is Salisbury station (SAL), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Salisbury to Reading is by train, costing approximately £6.
Booking trains from Salisbury to Reading in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Salisbury to Reading offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through picturesque countryside landscapes, charming villages, and rolling hills characteristic of the South West of England.
Yes, a day trip from Salisbury to Reading is feasible with a journey time of 1h 3m and a distance of 72 km. There are 6 trips per day available for trains.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Salisbury to Reading.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Salisbury and Reading

Most Salisbury to Reading trains use the Salisbury to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Salisbury and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Salisbury
Arrival train stations in Reading

Which Salisbury station do trains to Reading leave from?

Trains from Salisbury to Reading leave from Salisbury. The station is 1 km from Salisbury city centre at Salisbury station, South Western Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7RS.
SalisburySalisbury station, South Western Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7RS+44 345 600 0650WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Salisbury from Salisbury city centre

Bus2, 25, 26, 27, X4, 26A, R3, R8, R10, Pr3, R1, 2A, X2 · 4m · every ~40 min

Salisbury train station facilities and services

Salisbury has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Salisbury.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Salisbury. ATMs are available at Salisbury.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Salisbury. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Salisbury: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Salisbury: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Salisbury: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - There is step free access to all platforms. Access to platforms 5 (for trains to Cardiff and the West of England) and 6 (for some services to Basingstoke and London Waterloo) are via level access. Access to all other platforms is via a subway with steep ramps. A staff operated powered wheelchair is available for customers who have difficulty using the ramps. Please speak to our assisted travel team or a member of station staff. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

More options for your journey from Salisbury to Reading

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

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