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Trains from Reading to Cardiff Queen Street

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CrossCountry
Great Western Railway

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Reading to Cardiff Queen Street

Trains to Cardiff Queen Street from Reading

First train

04:49

Last train

23:16

Departure stationReading
Arrival stationCardiff Queen Street
Journey time

From 1h 38m

Distance

95 miles (152 km)

Frequency

86 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales

Travel by train from Reading to Cardiff Queen Street

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

Generally, the train from Reading to Cardiff Queen Street takes around 3 hours 23 minutes, but can take just 1 hour 38 minutes on the fastest services. There are up to 86 trains per day from Reading to Cardiff Queen Street.

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

Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales and CrossCountry trains run on this route.

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

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

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

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

How do I travel from Reading to Cardiff Queen Street?

You can get from Reading to Cardiff Queen Street by train in 3 hours and 23 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 1 hour and 38 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Reading to Cardiff Queen Street take?

The average journey time by train between Reading and Cardiff Queen Street is 3 hours and 23 minutes, with around 86 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Reading and Cardiff Queen Street by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Reading to Cardiff Queen Street is 1 hour and 38 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Reading to Cardiff Queen Street?

No, there are no direct train services from Reading to Cardiff Queen Street. Travelling from Reading to Cardiff Queen Street by train will require a minimum of 1 change.

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

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 Cardiff Queen Street 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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