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Trains from Cardiff Bay to Reading

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Great Western Railway
Transport for Wales

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Cardiff Bay to Reading

Trains to Reading from Cardiff Bay

First train

05:38

Last train

23:01

Departure stationCardiff Bay
Arrival stationReading
Journey time

From 1h 47m

Distance

94 miles (152 km)

Frequency

7 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales

Travel by train from Cardiff Bay to Reading

Looking to travel from Cardiff Bay to Reading by train? You've come to the right place!

Generally, the train from Cardiff Bay to Reading takes around 3 hours 28 minutes, but can take just 1 hour 47 minutes on the fastest services. There are up to 7 trains per day from Cardiff Bay to Reading.

You'll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.

Trains on this route are operated by Great Western Railway and Transport for Wales.

Booking early is one of the most effective ways to save money.

Start your search for train tickets from Cardiff Bay to Reading in our Journey Planner.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cardiff Bay to Reading?

Want to know more about your journey from Cardiff Bay to Reading? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you travel to Reading from Cardiff Bay?

To get to Reading from Cardiff Bay, why not take the train? With 7 trains per day and an average journey time of 3 hours and 28 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Cardiff Bay to Reading by train?

On average, it takes around 3 hours and 28 minutes to travel from Cardiff Bay to Reading by train, although you can get there in 1 hour and 47 minutes on the fastest services. With 7 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How fast can trains travel from Cardiff Bay to Reading?

The fastest time a train can travel the 94 miles (152 km) from Cardiff Bay to Reading is 1 hour and 47 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Cardiff Bay to Reading?

There are no direct trains that run between Cardiff Bay and Reading. You’ll need to make at least 1 change along the way.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Cardiff Bay to Reading?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

2. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

3. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

4. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

5. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Cardiff Bay to Reading is right for you.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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