How to get to Reading from Stafford

Wed 04 Nov
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CrossCountry
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West Midlands Trains
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CrossCountry
FlixBus
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
National Express
1,000+ more
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Travel Information

Compare train for Stafford to Reading

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Stafford to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £23 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 39m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, while a train costs an average of £71.

Distance: 169 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£71

Average Price

£23

Average Price

Cheapest

£44

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 39m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 9m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 30m

Average total duration

6h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 34m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare ways to travel from Stafford to Reading

Compare the available ways to get from Stafford to Reading, with the key details around price, speed, convenience, and direct service.

The cheapest way to travel from Stafford to Reading is a coach with an average price of £23.

This is compared to other travel options from Stafford to Reading:

A coach is £49 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stafford to Reading costing on average £71.

The fastest way to travel from Stafford to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 2h 39m.

Other travel options to Reading take longer:

Coach takes on average 6h 30m.

Yes, you can take a train between Stafford and Reading.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 25m sooner (2h 9m by train vs 2h 34m by car). Tickets start at around £71 compared to roughly £44 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.

Travel options
from Stafford to Reading

How to get to Reading from Stafford by train, bus, flight or ferry.

Our recommendation

train

The best way to travel from Stafford to Reading is by taking a train because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

  • Avanti West Coast
    0 changes

Cheapest

  • Avanti West Coast
    0 changes

Fastest

  • Avanti West Coast
    0 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .

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.

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Coach

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.

A view of London

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.

A view of Oxford

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.

A view of Bath

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.

A view of Bristol

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.

A view of Windsor

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.

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FAQs: Stafford to Reading

Travel to Reading 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 Stafford to Reading.

FAQs
You can travel between Stafford and Reading by train.
The cheapest way to travel from Stafford to Reading is a coach with an average price of £23.

This is compared to other travel options from Stafford to Reading:

A coach is £49 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stafford to Reading costing on average £71.

The fastest way to travel from Stafford to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 2h 39m.

Other travel options to Reading take longer:

Coach takes on average 6h 30m.

The Stafford to Reading distance is approximately 169 km.
The average frequency per day from Stafford to Reading is:
  • Around 6 trains per day.
  • Around 1 coaches per day.

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

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Stafford to Reading:
  • Coaches mostly depart from Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station and arrive in Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride.
  • Trains mostly depart from Stafford station (STA) and arrive in Reading station (RDG).
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Stafford to Reading, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains to go to Reading by train.
  • Travel with FlixBus to go to Reading by coach.
Yes, there is a direct route available from Stafford to Reading:
  • 2 direct trains per day with CrossCountry.
Omio customers who travel from Stafford to Reading often also extend their vacation to go to London Paddington (PAD), London, Oxford, Oxford station (OXF), London Liverpool Street (LST). Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Reading and these popular destinations at a great price.
To travel from Stafford to Reading, you can take a train.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.

Travelling from Stafford to Reading: related information

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

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

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