- 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 Brighton to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 12 Oct
Cheapest price on 12 Oct
£51
Average ticket price on 12 Oct
£52
Fastest journey on 12 Oct
2 h 18 m
Average journey duration on 12 Oct
2 h 28 m
Trains on 12 Oct
3
Distance
91 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brighton to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brighton to Reading will cost around £52 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £51.
Fast trains
On Mon 12 Oct, we found 3 trains from Brighton to Reading, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 91 km distance in an average of 2 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 18 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 47 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.
16:142h18Brighton18:32Reading£511One-way0 changes- 7:092h19Brighton9:28Reading£521One-way0 changes
6:262h47Brighton9:13Reading£521One-way0 changes
- 16:142h18Brighton18:32Reading£511One-way0 changes
- 7:092h19Brighton9:28Reading£521One-way0 changes
- 6:262h47Brighton9:13Reading£521One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Brighton to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Brighton to Reading run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £32 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:19, the last at 23:33. The fastest train covers the 91 km distance in 1h 43m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £32
Distance 91 km |
Average train duration 1h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 1h 43m |
First train 0:19 |
Last train 23:33 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £32
Live departures
Brighton to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Brighton to Reading trains for today, Sunday 11 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:10 Brighton | 2h13 | 10:23 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:11 Brighton | 2h51 | 12:02 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Brighton to Reading trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Thameslink, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway, Southern and more offer trains services from Brighton to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Brighton 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, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway or Southern to find the best option for your trip from Brighton 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Brighton to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway or Southern to find the best option for your trip from Brighton to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Brighton to Reading.
Train companies: Thameslink, Great Western Railway, Southern, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway from Brighton to Reading trainsThameslink, Great Western Railway, Southern, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway trains will get you between Brighton and Reading from £32. 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
1h 58m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£37
Great Western Railway frequency
2 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
Southern
About
Southern Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local commuter services. Its trains include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, and Class 444 and 450. It also offers a variety of ticket types, such as Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southern Rail are London to Brighton, London to Southampton, and London to Portsmouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southern Duration
1h 52m
Cheapest Southern Price
£62
Southern frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with snacks and drinks
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require a ticket
Quiet zone
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
2h 19m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£53
South Western Railway frequency
1 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
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 43m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£45
Thameslink frequency
3 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
Gatwick Express
About
Gatwick Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, with trains running every 15 minutes throughout the day. The trains are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. There are two types of trains: the Gatwick Express and the Southern service. The Gatwick Express is the fastest service, taking just 30 minutes to reach the airport. The Southern service takes a few minutes longer but offers more stops along the way.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Gatwick Express Duration
1h 45m
Cheapest Gatwick Express Price
£64
Gatwick Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack trolley service available on some services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, staff assistance for boarding and alighting
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead.
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.
Best day trips from Reading by train
The most popular day trips by train from Reading are London, Oxford, Bath, Bristol and Windsor. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Reading on Omio.
Day trip from Reading to London by train
Why visit London for the day?
London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.
How to get from Reading to London by train?
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 59 km distance in 22m.
Day trip from Reading to Oxford by train
Why visit Oxford for the day?
Oxford is known for its historic university, elegant colleges and long academic tradition. Its medieval streets, museums and riverside setting give the city a thoughtful but lively character.
How to get from Reading to Oxford by train?
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 38 km distance in 21m.
Day trip from Reading to Bath by train
Why visit Bath for the day?
Bath is known for its Roman Baths, graceful Georgian architecture and links to Jane Austen. Its compact centre feels elegant yet lively, with historic streets, independent shops and a long-standing spa culture.
How to get from Reading to Bath by train?
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:39. The fastest train covers the 97 km distance in 48m.
Day trip from Reading to Bristol by train
Why visit Bristol for the day?
Bristol is known for its maritime past, inventive culture and distinctive street art. Around the harbourside and Clifton, historic landmarks and a strong independent scene give the city an energetic but relaxed feel.
How to get from Reading to Bristol by train?
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 113 km distance in 54m.
Day trip from Reading to Windsor by train
Why visit Windsor for the day?
Windsor is a historic Thames-side town known for Windsor Castle and its strong royal identity. Its compact centre, riverside setting and nearby parkland give it a refined but approachable character.
How to get from Reading to Windsor by train?
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 26 km distance in 16m.
FAQs: Brighton to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brighton 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 Brighton to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £37, while the average price tends to be around £55.
The train journey from Brighton to Reading covers a distance of 91 km and takes approximately 1h 43m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Brighton to Reading is 91 km.
The first train from Brighton to Reading leaves at 0:19.
The last train from Brighton to Reading departs at 23:33.
Trains from Brighton to Reading run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Brighton to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Brighton to Reading.
There is no night train service from Brighton to Reading.
The train station in Brighton that goes to Reading is Brighton station (BTN), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
Booking trains from Brighton 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 Brighton to Reading offers varied scenery, including picturesque views of the South Downs, rural landscapes, and charming English towns, making it a pleasant and visually appealing trip.
Yes, you can take the train from Brighton to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Brighton and Reading
Most Brighton to Reading trains use the Brighton to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Brighton and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Brighton
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Brighton station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Brighton to Reading leave from Brighton. The station is from Brighton city centre at Brighton Station, Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3XP, United Kingdom.
BrightonBrighton Station, Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3XP, United Kingdom+44 345 127 2920
City-centre transport
Getting to Brighton from Brighton city centre
Bus37, 52 · 4m · £0.89 · every ~6 min
Brighton train station facilities and services
Brighton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Grand Central, The Cyclist
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Brighton. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Brighton. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Brighton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Brighton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Brighton: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Jurys Inn Brighton, Ibis Brighton City Centre, My Brighton Hotel.
Preston ParkPreston Park station, Clermont Road, Preston Park, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 6SG
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston Park from Brighton city centre
Preston Park is 2 km from Brighton city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainBrighton - Bedford, Brighton - London Bridge, Brighton - West Hampstead Thameslink, Brighton - Cambridge, Brighton - Luton, Brighton - Mill Hill Broadway · 3m · £0.89 · every ~6 min
BusUk998, Uk066 · 11m · £0.89 · every ~1 min
025 · 16m · £0.89 · every ~4 min
Preston Park train station facilities and services
Preston Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Preston Park.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston Park.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston Park: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston Park: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: This is a Category C station: This station does not have step-free access. Assistance Meeting Point is outside the ticket office on platforms 1 and 2, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern 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: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Reading station do trains from Brighton arrive at?
Trains from Brighton 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 Brighton
More options for your journey from Brighton to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Brighton
Most popular train connections to Reading
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