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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast

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Reading to Formby by train

First train

05:15

Last train

18:15

Departure station

Reading

Arrival station

Formby

Journey time

From 4h 7m

Distance

170 miles (273 km)

Frequency

4 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Merseyrail

About the train journey from Reading to Formby

Want to travel from Reading to Formby by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Reading to Formby usually takes 4 hours 19 minutes on average to travel 170 miles (273 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 4 hours 7 minutes. You can expect to find 4 trains per day running on this popular route. You'll need to make 2 changes during the journey to Formby, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. During your journey, you're likely to be travelling with Avanti West Coast, Merseyrail or CrossCountry, as these are the main train operators on this route.

You can save money on train tickets from Reading to Formby if you book in advance, travel Off-Peak – tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends – or get a Railcard and save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

If you want to know more about the journey, scroll up for timetables and live train times, or keep reading for tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!

FAQs about the train journey from Reading to Formby

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

How do you get to Formby from Reading?

To travel to Formby from Reading, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 4 hours and 19 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 4 hours and 7 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Reading to Formby?

Trains from Reading to Formby take an average of 4 hours and 19 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 4 hours and 7 minutes. You'll usually find 4 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 Formby by train?

The quickest journey time between Reading and Formby by train is 4 hours and 7 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Reading to Formby?

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

Cheap train tickets from Reading to Formby

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Reading to Formby is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

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

† 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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