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Trains from Preston (Lancs) to Reading

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CrossCountry
Great Western Railway

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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.
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  3. Preston (Lancs) to Reading

Trains to Reading from Preston (Lancs)

It takes an average of 5h 41m to travel from Preston (Lancs) to Reading by train, over a distance of around 175 miles (281 km). There are normally 39 trains per day travelling from Preston (Lancs) to Reading and tickets for this journey start from £30 when you book in advance.

First train

04:25

Last train

23:49

Departure stationPreston (Lancs)
Arrival stationReading
Journey time

From 3h 41m

Distance

175 miles (281 km)

Frequency

39 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £30

Train operators

CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales

Taking the train from Preston (Lancs) to Reading in 3 hours 41 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Preston (Lancs) to Reading? We've got you covered.

It usually takes around 5 hours 41 minutes to travel the 175 miles (281 km) from Preston (Lancs) to Reading by train, although you can get there in as little as 3 hours 41 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 39 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You're likely to be travelling with Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway or Transport for Wales to Reading. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.

Book train tickets from Preston (Lancs) to Reading in advance instead of buying them on the day and they can start from £30.00. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices in our Journey Planner, for example when you travel at Off-Peak times or use a Railcard.

If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Reading by train, or check our timetable above to view live train times.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Preston (Lancs) to Reading?

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

How do I get from Preston (Lancs) to Reading?

You can travel from Preston (Lancs) to Reading by train in about 5 hours and 41 minutes. With around 39 trains running each day, taking the train is easy. Find out more in our Journey Planner.

How long is the train journey from Preston (Lancs) to Reading?

On average, the train journey from Preston (Lancs) to Reading takes around 5 hours and 41 minutes, with 39 trains per day. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific train and any potential delays. Use our Journey Planner to check out more information.

How much is the train from Preston (Lancs) to Reading?

Train tickets from Preston (Lancs) to Reading start from as little as £30, depending on the time of booking, class of service and type of train. Booking in advance often results in cheaper prices.

What is the fastest train from Preston (Lancs) to Reading?

The fastest trains from Preston (Lancs) to Reading can cover the distance of 175 miles (281 km) in as little as 3 hours and 41 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Preston (Lancs) 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 Preston (Lancs) to Reading start at £30§ 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 Preston (Lancs) 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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