How much does a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Reading cost?

The average train ticket price from Cardiff to Reading is $103. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Reading is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the trip from Cardiff to Reading?

A train trip between Cardiff and Reading is around 1h 27m, although the fastest train will take about 1h 23m. This is the time it takes to travel the 154 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between Cardiff and Reading?

The number of trains from Cardiff to Reading can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 12. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Cardiff to Reading by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Cardiff to Reading?

When taking the train from Cardiff to Reading, you can travel comfortably and safely with Great Western Railway.

Train Cardiff to Reading from $56

Next train departures

Next departures for Cardiff to Reading on November 19
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:50pm	Cardiff Central	1h 26m	7:16pm	Reading	Cheapest
Train	3:54pm	Cardiff Central	1h 24m	5:18pm	Reading	Fastest
Train	7:23am	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	9:10am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:23am	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	9:10am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:49am	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	9:17am	Reading	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Reading on November 20
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:50pm	Cardiff Central	1h 26m	7:16pm	Reading	Cheapest
Train	3:54pm	Cardiff Central	1h 24m	5:18pm	Reading	Fastest
Train	7:23am	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	9:10am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:23am	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	9:10am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:49am	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	9:17am	Reading	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Reading on November 21
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	9:49am	Cardiff Central	1h 29m	11:18am	Reading	Cheapest
Train	3:54pm	Cardiff Central	1h 24m	5:18pm	Reading	Fastest
Train	7:23am	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	9:10am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:23am	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	9:10am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:49am	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	9:17am	Reading	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 4:03 PM GMT.

Compare 3 ways to go from Cardiff to Reading

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Reading. The journey takes about 2 hours 30 minutes, and with fares starting at just $20, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

2h 30mAverage Duration

153 kmDistance

6kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$19 - $72	Average Duration2h 50m	CO₂ emissions 4kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$59 - $369	Average Duration1h 27m	CO₂ emissions 4kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average Price$20 - $25	Average Duration2h 30m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e

Train companies

Great Western Railway

4/542 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness4.7

Cleanliness4.7

Wifi4

Based on 42 reviews, the company was rated 4 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the seats but often complained with the WiFi. Great Western Railway ticket prices on this trip start at $59

GB train and bus companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, RegioJet, FlixTrain, CrossCountry

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cardiff to Reading by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Reading cost?
The average train ticket price from Cardiff to Reading is $103. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Reading is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the trip from Cardiff to Reading?
A train trip between Cardiff and Reading is around 1h 27m, although the fastest train will take about 1h 23m. This is the time it takes to travel the 154 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between Cardiff and Reading?
The number of trains from Cardiff to Reading can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 12. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Cardiff to Reading by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Cardiff to Reading?
When taking the train from Cardiff to Reading, you can travel comfortably and safely with Great Western Railway.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

11-17

$80

11-18

$86

Today

$86

11-20

$80

11-21

$92

11-22

$86

11-23

$98

11-24

No data

The cheapest trip from Cardiff to Reading was searched and found on Nov 17, 2025 with a price of $80

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Cardiff to Reading, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $80 to $345 for a train ticket from Cardiff to Reading based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $80 which is on 2025-11-20.