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The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford to Reading
Showing times and prices for 26 Nov
Cheapest price
£38
Average price
£38
Fastest journey
2 h 30 m
Average duration
2 h 30 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
46 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Watford to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Watford to Reading will cost around £38 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £38.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Watford for Reading every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 46 km distance in an average of 2 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 30 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 30 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.
04:132h30
Watford06:43Reading
£381One-way
0 changes
04:132h30
Watford06:43Reading
£381One-way
0 changes
Live departures
Watford to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Watford to Reading trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 26 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 09:38
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:13 Watford | 2h30 | 06:43 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Watford to Reading 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Watford to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Watford to Reading run on average 18 times per day, taking around 1h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 46 km distance in 1h 29m.
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 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 1h 29m |
First train 00:09 |
Last train 23:55 |
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 Rail, West Midlands Trains, Tube from Watford to Reading trainsGreat Western Rail, West Midlands Trains, Tube trains will get you between Watford and Reading from £30. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
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 Duration
1h 44m
Cheapest Price
£42
Great Western Rail frequency
5 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
West Midlands Trains
About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
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
Tube frequency
3 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.
FAQs: Watford to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford 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.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, a day trip from Watford to Reading is feasible as the journey takes 1h 29m, covering a distance of 46 km. Trains run 18 times per day.
The train journey from Watford to Reading offers a mix of urban and suburban landscapes, with views of the English countryside and some picturesque sections, particularly as it passes through the Chiltern Hills.
Booking trains from Watford to Reading in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
To get from Watford to Reading, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
The train distance from Watford to Reading is 46 km.
The cost of a train ticket from Watford to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £30, while the average price tends to be around £37.
The train journey from Watford to Reading covers a distance of 46 km and takes approximately 1h 29m. Trains run 18 per day.
The cheapest way to get from Watford to Reading is by train, costing approximately £30.
The train station in Watford that goes to Reading is Watford High Street (WFH), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The first train from Watford to Reading leaves at 0:09.
The last train from Watford to Reading departs at 23:55.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Watford to Reading.
Yes, you can take the train from Watford to Reading.
Trains from Watford to Reading run approximately 18 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Watford to Reading.
There is no night train service from Watford to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Watford and Reading
Watford
Reading
The major train station for departures in Watford is Bushey. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bushey for your trip from Watford to Reading.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:45 - 21:00 Saturday 08:15 - 15:15 Sunday 09:15 - 16:30
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent
Parking
- Car Park: Bushey Station
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: behind the Ticket Office
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Bushey
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop A in Pinner Road for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop A in Pinner Road for southbound services to Harrow & Wealdstone
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:00 Saturday 10:30 - 12:30
Distance to city center
3 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: Local shops nearby
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Accessibility category B2. Long sloping ramp from station entrance to booking hall. Level access from booking hall to platforms.
- Accessible public telephones: Outside booking office. Sloped passage from entrance to booking hall.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Carpenders Park
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop C in Prestwick Road for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop B in Prestwick Road for southbound services to Euston
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDining
ATMAccessibility
HotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:30 - 10:00 Saturday 09:30 - 12:15
Shopping
- Type of shops available: High Street shops located nearby
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only
- Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Watford High Street
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop A in Lower High Street for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop B in Lower High Street for southbound services to Harrow & Wealdstone
- Metro: Watford London Underground station (Metropolitan line) is approximately 34 minutes' walk away
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibility
WCHotel
Lounge
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:30 - 23:00 Saturday 05:30 - 23:00 Sunday 06:30 - 22:30 Booking Office and Travel Centre
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 6. The toilet facilities are available: Monday - Sunday 04:00-23:00. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. A RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. The National key toilet facilities are available: Monday - Saturday 04:00-14:00 and Sunday 06:00-14:00.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Station forecourt
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Watford Junction
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from bay 1 of the bus station at the side of the railway station.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Watford North
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Watford - Public Service bus stop A/Rail Replacement bus stop on Bushey Mill Lane between level crossing and junction of Southfield Avenue. Towards St Albans - Public Service bus stop B/Rail Replacement bus stop on Bushey Mill Lane between level crossing and opposite Sandown Road junction.
The major train station for arrivals in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your journey to Reading from Watford.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
Parking
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading West
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Reading: Bus Stop on Oxford Road under Railway Bridge. Heading away from Reading Bus Stop on Oxford Road, outside McDonalds.
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityMore options for your journey from Watford to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Watford
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