- 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 St Albans to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£35
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£37
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 h 35 m
Trains on 18 Sept
2
Distance
55 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from St Albans to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from St Albans to Reading will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from St Albans to Reading, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 55 km distance in an average of 1 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 25 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.
8:271h44St Albans10:11Reading£351One-way0 changes
5:271h25St Albans6:52Reading£391One-way0 changes
- 5:271h25St Albans6:52Reading£391One-way0 changes
- 8:271h44St Albans10:11Reading£351One-way0 changes
Compare prices and tickets St Albans 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.
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18 Sept
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Why should you book St Albans to Reading trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Thameslink, Tube, Elizabeth line and more offer trains services from St Albans to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from St Albans to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink, Tube or Elizabeth line to find the best option for your trip from St Albans 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink, Tube or Elizabeth line to find the best option for your trip from St Albans to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from St Albans to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a train from St Albans to Reading and enjoy the approximately 55 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:40.
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 55 km |
Average train duration 1h 20m |
Trains per day 7 |
First train 0:03 |
Last train 23:40 |
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 91 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: Great Western Railway, Thameslink, Tube, Elizabeth line from St Albans to Reading trainsGreat Western Railway, Thameslink, Tube, Elizabeth line trains will get you between St Albans and Reading. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
2h 28m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£40
Great Western Railway frequency
1 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
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
1h 25m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£39
Thameslink frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Elizabeth line
About
Tfl Rail is a railway service operated by Transport for London in the United Kingdom. It operates on the Great Western Main Line and the Heathrow branch of the London Underground. The service runs from Paddington in London to Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, and Heathrow Airport. It also serves the towns of Taplow, Burnham, Twyford, and Hayes & Harlington. All trains are air-conditioned and feature onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets, and digital information screens. Tfl Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and Oyster cards. Oyster cards are the most popular ticket type, allowing passengers to pay for their journey with a single card. The most popular routes for Tfl Rail are Paddington to Reading, Paddington to Maidenhead, and Paddington to Heathrow Airport. These routes offer frequent services and provide passengers with a convenient way to travel between London and the surrounding areas.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Elizabeth line Duration
1h 44m
Cheapest Elizabeth line Price
£35
Elizabeth line frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available through TfL website or customer service
Refund
Full refund available for service cancellations
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
No dedicated dining car. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Step-free access at most stations, wheelchair spaces on trains, priority seating
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be leashed. Guide dogs welcome
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
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.
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: St Albans to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from St Albans 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 train distance from St Albans to Reading is 55 km.
The first train from St Albans to Reading leaves at 0:03.
The last train from St Albans to Reading departs at 23:40.
Trains from St Albans to Reading run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from St Albans to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from St Albans to Reading.
To travel from St Albans to Reading, you can take a .
There is no night train service from St Albans to Reading.
The train station in St Albans that goes to Reading is St Albans City (SAC), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
Booking trains from St Albans 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 St Albans to Reading offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque countryside of Hertfordshire and Berkshire, providing glimpses of rolling hills and quaint villages along the route.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from St Albans to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in St Albans and Reading
Most St Albans to Reading trains use the St Albans City to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare St Albans and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in St Albans
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which St Albans station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from St Albans to Reading leave from St Albans City. The station is from St Albans city centre at St Albans station, Station Way, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 5HE.
St Albans CitySt Albans station, Station Way, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 5HE+44 345 026 4700
St Albans City train station facilities and services
St Albans City 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 Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at St Albans City.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at St Albans City. ATMs are available at St Albans City.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at St Albans City.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at St Albans City: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at St Albans City: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at St Albans City: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to the platform. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
St Albans AbbeySt Albans Abbey station, Holywell Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 2DN+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to St Albans Abbey from St Albans city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesTowards Watford - Public Service bus stop A/Rail Replacement bus stop on A5183 on Holywell Hill near to the station entrance car park. Towards St Albans - Public Service bus stop B/Rail Replacement bus stop on A5183 on Holywell Hill.
St Albans Abbey train station facilities and services
St Albans Abbey has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at St Albans Abbey.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at St Albans Abbey: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at St Albans Abbey: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at St Albans Abbey: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is located on Platform One, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Reading station do trains from St Albans arrive at?
Trains from St Albans to Reading arrive at Reading. Reading is from Reading city centre.
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.
Most popular train connections from St Albans
More options for your journey from St Albans to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and St Albans
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