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Trains from Reading to Birkenhead Central

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Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Reading to Birkenhead Central

Trains to Birkenhead Central from Reading

First train

03:35

Last train

02:14

Departure stationReading
Arrival stationBirkenhead Central
Journey time

From 3h 46m

Distance

159 miles (256 km)

Frequency

28 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Merseyrail, Transport for Wales

What are the train times from Reading to Birkenhead Central?

Check out the next trains departing from Reading to Birkenhead Central for Tuesday 13th October 2026 using our handy timetable below, including platform and live travel information. You can view the full day timetable or search for a different date here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
12:4416:363h 52m, 2 changes
12:4816:484h 0m, 3 changes
13:1517:063h 51m, 2 changes
13:2017:214h 1m, 5 changes
13:3117:293h 58m, 3 changes
13:5217:483h 56m, 3 changes
14:0017:513h 51m, 3 changes
14:1518:063h 51m, 2 changes
14:1918:214h 2m, 5 changes
14:3618:293h 53m, 3 changes

What are the train times from Reading to Birkenhead Central?

Get from Reading to Birkenhead Central in as little as 3 hours 46 minutes on the fastest trains, so you can make the most of your time.

The average train journey from Reading to Birkenhead Central takes around 4 hours 53 minutes. There are around 28 trains that operate on this route daily.

As there are no direct trains between Reading and Birkenhead Central, you'll need to make 2 changes.

Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales and Merseyrail trains operate on this route.

Booking in advance often results in cheaper ticket prices.

With our Journey Planner, you can check live train times, compare prices and check routes.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Reading to Birkenhead Central?

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

How do you get to Birkenhead Central from Reading?

To travel to Birkenhead Central from Reading, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 4 hours and 53 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 3 hours and 46 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Reading to Birkenhead Central?

Trains from Reading to Birkenhead Central take an average of 4 hours and 53 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 3 hours and 46 minutes. You'll usually find 28 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between Reading and Birkenhead Central by train?

The quickest journey time between Reading and Birkenhead Central by train is 3 hours and 46 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Reading to Birkenhead Central?

No, there are no direct trains running from Reading to Birkenhead Central, you’ll usually need to make at least 2 changes during the journey.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Reading to Birkenhead Central?

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 Reading to Birkenhead Central 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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