Train from Reading to Cardiff: Tickets & Timetables

Next train departures

Next departures from Reading to Cardiff on 12 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Great Western RailwayTrain
Reading
Cardiff CentralCheapest
Great Western RailwayTrain
Reading
Cardiff CentralFastest
Great Western RailwayTrain
Reading
Cardiff CentralNo tags
Great Western RailwayTrain
Reading
Cardiff CentralNo tags
Great Western RailwayTrain
Reading
Cardiff CentralNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 12:03 AM GMT.

Compare 3 ways to travel from Reading to Cardiff

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Cardiff. The journey takes about 1 hour 50 minutes and with fares starting at just R 240, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day
1h 50mAverage duration
153 kmDistance
6kgCO₂ emissions
Average priceR 209 - R 890Average duration2h 35m
4kg CO₂e
Average priceR 696 - R 4 409Average duration1h 25m
4kg CO₂e
Carpool
Average priceR 240 - R 347Average duration1h 50m
6kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Reading to Cardiff by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

  1. How much is the train ticket from Reading to Cardiff?

    The cheapest train tickets from Reading to Cardiff start from R 696. The average price for this train route is around R 1 583. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the train journey from Reading to Cardiff?

    The average train journey time from Reading to Cardiff is 1h 25m, covering a distance of 153 km. The quickest train can get you there in 1h 21m and is operated by Great Western Railway.

  3. Which train operators serve the Reading to Cardiff route?

    Several major train operators run on this route, with 13 trains available per day.

  4. What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Reading to Cardiff?

    The earliest train from Reading to Cardiff departs at 07:01. And the latest train departs at 23:27.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found
09/12
R 1 206
10/12
R 1 124
Today
R 1 190
12/12
R 1 194
13/12
R 1 120
14/12
R 1 205
15/12
R 743
16/12
R 817
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Reading to Cardiff was searched and found on 15 Dec 2025 with a price of R 743

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

You can expect to pay from R 743 to R 4 243 for a train ticket from Reading to Cardiff based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 743, which is on 2025-12-15.

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