Great Western Railway
Avanti West Coast
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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.
Trains to Reading from Cardiff Central
It takes an average of 1h 46m to travel from Cardiff Central to Reading by train, over a distance of around 95 miles (153 km). There are normally 48 trains per day travelling from Cardiff Central to Reading and tickets for this journey start from £27 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:07 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:20 | |
| Departure station | Cardiff Central | |
| Arrival station | Reading | |
| Journey time | From 1h 22m | |
| Distance | 95 miles (153 km) | |
| Frequency | 48 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £27 | |
| Train operators |
Trains to Reading from Cardiff Central
Want to travel from Cardiff Central to Reading by train? Start your journey with us.
It takes an average of 1 hour 46 minutes to travel from Cardiff Central to Reading by train. You'll find on average 48 trains per day running on this route.
Trains are direct, so once you’re on board you can sit back and relax.
Great Western Railway trains run on this route.
The journey from Cardiff Central to Reading starts at £27.00. Generally, booking Advance train tickets works out cheaper.
See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cardiff Central to Reading?
Want to know more about your journey from Cardiff Central to Reading? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Is there a direct train from Cardiff Central to Reading?
How far is Reading from Cardiff Central by train?
Can I get from Cardiff Central to Reading without flying?
What is the best way to get from Cardiff Central to Reading?
When is the first train from Cardiff Central to Reading?
When is the last train from Cardiff Central to Reading?
How often do trains run from Cardiff Central to Reading?
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Looking for a return trip from Cardiff Central to Reading?
How do I find cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central 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. Book in advance
Train tickets from Cardiff Central to Reading start at £27§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 Central 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.