- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Sheffield to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£69
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£73
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
3 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
4 h
Trains on 20 Sept
3
Distance
217 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sheffield to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sheffield to Reading will cost around £73 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £69.
Fast trains
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 3 trains from Sheffield to Reading, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 217 km distance in an average of 4 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 30 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 17 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.
8:563h30Sheffield12:26Reading£691One-way0 changes- 18:564h12Sheffield23:08Reading£691One-way0 changes
19:514h17Sheffield0:08Reading£821One-way0 changes
- 8:563h30Sheffield12:26Reading£691One-way0 changes
- 18:564h12Sheffield23:08Reading£691One-way0 changes
- 19:514h17Sheffield0:08Reading£821One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Sheffield to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Sheffield to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £61 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 20m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £61, while a train costs an average of £91.
Distance: 217 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£91 Average Price | £61 Average Price Cheapest | £43 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 20m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 6m Average total duration 6h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Sheffield to Reading is a coach with an average price of £61.
This is compared to other travel options from Sheffield to Reading:
A coach is £30 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sheffield to Reading costing on average £91.
The fastest way to travel from Sheffield to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 2h 50m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 36m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sheffield and Reading including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 27m sooner (2h 50m by train vs 3h 17m by car). Tickets start at around £91 compared to roughly £43 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.
Live departures
Sheffield to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Sheffield to Reading trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G01141 · G01177 | On time 8:56 Sheffield station (SHF) | 3h11 | 12:07 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
C02164+ G89686+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+ W34623 | Delayed 8:41 8:57Sheffield station (SHF) | 3h41 | 12:38 Reading station (RDG) | 3 changes | |
 W84659+ Y14828+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+C42190 | On time 9:11 Sheffield station (SHF) | 3h42 | 12:53 Reading station (RDG) | 3 changes | |
| G01146 · G01179 | On time 9:56 Sheffield station (SHF) | 3h15 | 13:11 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
| C02174+W34764+G89689+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington | Delayed 9:41 9:57Sheffield station (SHF) | 3h43 | 13:40 Reading station (RDG) | 3 changes | |
| G07975+W84664+C42176+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington | Delayed 10:13 10:11Sheffield station (SHF) | 4h00 | 14:11 Reading station (RDG) | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sheffield to Reading by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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
20 Sept
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21 Sept
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22 Sept
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23 Sept
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26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Sheffield to Reading trains with Omio?
Hull Trains as well as Grand Central Trains, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway and more offer trains services from Sheffield to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sheffield to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs Hull Trains?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Hull Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of Grand Central Trains, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Sheffield 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Hull Trains with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sheffield to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Trainline, Raileurope or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Grand Central Trains, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Sheffield to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Sheffield to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Sheffield to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Sheffield to Reading run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 22:26. The fastest train covers the 217 km distance in 2h 35m.
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 217 km |
Average train duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 35m |
First train 2:24 |
Last train 22:26 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 5 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: CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country from Sheffield to Reading trainsCrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country trains will get you between Sheffield and Reading from £40. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
2h 40m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£35
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
East Midlands Railway
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£81
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the 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
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone
London North Eastern Railway
About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London North Eastern Railway Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price
£62
London North Eastern Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone
east_midlands_trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average east_midlands_trains Duration
3h 13m
Cheapest east_midlands_trains Price
£99
east_midlands_trains frequency
16 a day
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
2h 41m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£180
Cross Country frequency
9 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
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.
- Must visit
Forbury Gardens
Large riverside park with formal gardens, open lawns, and abbey remains. Ideal for relaxing walks close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Broad Street
Traffic-free shopping street at the heart of Reading. A practical and lively route linking major shops, historic lanes, and public spaces.
- Recommended
Thames Side Promenade
Riverside walking area along the Thames near Caversham Bridge. Visit for benches, water views, and an easy stroll near the centre.
Berkshire pork sausages
Berkshire pork sausages are a long-standing county staple, prized for well-seasoned local pork and often served with mash in traditional pubs.
- Vegetarian
Spotted dick
Spotted dick is a classic steamed suet pudding with dried fruit, commonly served with custard and strongly associated with traditional English cooking.
- Vegetarian
Summer pudding
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.
L'Ortolan
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for carefully plated tasting-style dishes and polished service.
The Cunning Man
Traditional pub by the Thames serving British classics, Sunday roasts and local drinks in a relaxed historic setting.
Miller & Carter Oracle
Popular central Reading restaurant specialising in well-cooked steaks, grills and hearty sides in a lively contemporary space.
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.
Reading Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £5.90
To the city centre
Reading Station -> Reading Station, Reading
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Contactless payment works on all Reading Buses services, and daily charges are capped automatically at the day ticket rate.
- For multi-operator travel, the Reading All-Bus Day ticket covers Reading Buses and selected other local operators.
FAQs: Sheffield to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sheffield 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Sheffield to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £91.
The train journey from Sheffield to Reading covers a distance of 217 km and takes approximately 2h 35m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Sheffield to Reading is 217 km.
The first train from Sheffield to Reading leaves at 2:24.
The last train from Sheffield to Reading departs at 22:26.
Trains from Sheffield to Reading run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Sheffield to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Sheffield to Reading.
To get from Sheffield to Reading, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Sheffield to Reading.
The train station in Sheffield that goes to Reading is Sheffield station (SHF), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Sheffield to Reading is by train, costing approximately £35.
Booking trains from Sheffield 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 Sheffield to Reading offers a mix of urban and countryside views, including the picturesque Peak District and rolling landscapes of the Midlands, making it a moderately scenic route.
A day trip from Sheffield to Reading is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 35m. However, there are 8 train trips available per day for this route.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Sheffield to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Sheffield and Reading
Most Sheffield to Reading trains use the Sheffield to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Sheffield and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Sheffield
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Sheffield station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Sheffield to Reading leave from Sheffield. The station is 1 km from Sheffield city centre at Sheffield station, Sheaf Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 2BP.
SheffieldSheffield station, Sheaf Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 2BP+44 8704420104
City-centre transport
Getting to Sheffield from Sheffield city centre
Bus56 · 1m · £4 · every ~7 min
TramBlue, Purp, Yell · 4m · every ~20 min
Sheffield train station facilities and services
Sheffield has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Sheffield.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Sheffield.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sheffield. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sheffield: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Sheffield: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sheffield: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the concourse and ticket hall. There are lifts available to all platforms. This station has tactile paving at the edge of each platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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.
Which Reading station do trains from Sheffield arrive at?
Trains from Sheffield to Reading most often arrive at Reading. Some services arrive at Reading West, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Reading arrival station.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
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 7PY
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.
Most popular train connections from Sheffield
More options for your journey from Sheffield to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Sheffield
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