How to get to Stafford from Reading

Thu 15 Oct
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Travel by train with
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
National Express
FlixBus
Great Western Railway
1,000+ more
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
National Express
FlixBus
Great Western Railway
1,000+ more
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Travel Information

Compare train for Reading to Stafford

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Stafford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £83 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 33m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £83, while a train costs an average of £83.

Distance: 169 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

£83

Average Price

Cheapest

£34

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 42m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Stafford is a train with an average price of £83.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Stafford is by train with an average journey time of 2h 33m.
Yes, you can take a train between Reading and Stafford.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 39m sooner (2h 3m by train vs 2h 42m by car). Tickets start at around £83 compared to roughly £34 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.

Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, coaches, flights and ferries

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.

Thu
15 Oct
Fri
16 Oct
Sat
17 Oct
Sun
18 Oct
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19 Oct
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20 Oct
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21 Oct

Best day trips from Stafford by train

The most popular day trips by train from Stafford are Birmingham, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Liverpool and Wolverhampton. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Stafford on Omio.

A view of Birmingham

Day trip from Stafford to Birmingham by train

Why visit Birmingham for the day?

Birmingham is known for its industrial past, canal network and diverse food scene. It combines major shopping and cultural landmarks with lively neighbourhoods shaped by manufacturing, music and modern city life.

A view of Manchester

Day trip from Stafford to Manchester by train

Why visit Manchester for the day?

Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, influential music and deep football culture. Red-brick canalside areas, major museums and lively nightlife give it an energetic northern character.

A view of Stoke-on-Trent

Day trip from Stafford to Stoke-on-Trent by train

Why visit Stoke-on-Trent for the day?

Stoke-on-Trent is a Staffordshire city known as The Potteries for its long ceramics heritage. Its six-town layout, bottle kilns and pottery museums give it a practical, industrial character.

A view of Liverpool

Day trip from Stafford to Liverpool by train

Why visit Liverpool for the day?

Liverpool is known for The Beatles, football and a waterfront shaped by its maritime past. Its grand docks, museums and lively city centre give it a proud, creative character.

A view of Wolverhampton

Day trip from Stafford to Wolverhampton by train

Why visit Wolverhampton for the day?

Wolverhampton is a West Midlands city known for its industrial heritage, football culture and diverse communities. Historic buildings, busy markets and venues such as the Grand Theatre give it a direct, urban character.

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FAQs: Reading to Stafford

Travel to Stafford easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Reading to Stafford.

FAQs
You can travel between Reading and Stafford by train.
The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Stafford is a train with an average price of £83.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Stafford is by train with an average journey time of 2h 33m.
The Reading to Stafford distance is approximately 169 km.
The average frequency per day from Reading to Stafford is:
  • Around 6 trains per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Reading and Stafford as scheduled services by train can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Reading to Stafford:
  • Coaches mostly depart from Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride and arrive in Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station.
  • Trains mostly depart from Reading station (RDG) and arrive in Stafford station (STA).
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Reading to Stafford, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast to go to Stafford by train.
Yes, there is a direct route available from Reading to Stafford:
  • 2 direct trains per day with CrossCountry.
Omio customers who travel from Reading to Stafford often also extend their vacation to go to Birmingham New Street (BHM), London Euston (EUS), London, Wolverhampton, Manchester Piccadilly (MAN). Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Stafford and these popular destinations at a great price.
To travel from Reading to Stafford, you can take a train.
In Stafford, you can enjoy performances at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, explore scenic walking trails along the River Sow, and visit the vibrant Stafford Farmers' Market. For a bit of history, visit Stafford Castle for panoramic views, or the Ancient High House for its period rooms. Shugborough Estate offers a glimpse into Georgian life with its mansion and gardens. Art enthusiasts can discover local works at the Shire Hall Gallery, while Victoria Park provides a relaxing space with floral displays and a café. Golfers can enjoy a round at Stafford Castle Golf Club, and the Staffordshire County Museum offers insights into local history.
To fully explore Stafford's main attractions such as the Ancient High House, Stafford Castle, and the surrounding countryside, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.

Travelling from Reading to Stafford: related information

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

HomeTravelTravel to United KingdomTravel to StaffordHow to get to Stafford from Reading

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