How much does a train ticket cost from Birmingham to Reading?

The cheapest train tickets from Birmingham to Reading start from £15. The average price for this train route is around £53. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Birmingham to Reading?

The average train journey time from Birmingham to Reading is 1h 38m, covering a distance of 81 miles. The fastest train gets you there in 1h 31m and is operated by CrossCountry .

Which train operators serve the Birmingham to Reading route?

Several major train operators run on this route with 10 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Birmingham to Reading?

The earliest train from Birmingham to Reading departs at 07:03. And the latest train departs at 20:03.

Train Birmingham to Reading from £15

Next train departures

Next departures from Birmingham to Reading on 26 January
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	08:03	Birmingham New Street	1h 40m	09:43	Reading	Cheapest
Train	17:34	Birmingham New Street	1h 31m	19:05	Reading	Fastest
Train	08:03	Birmingham New Street	1h 40m	09:43	Reading	No tags
Train	08:33	Birmingham New Street	1h 34m	10:07	Reading	No tags
Train	08:33	Birmingham New Street	1h 34m	10:07	Reading	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 14:37 GMT.

Compare 3 ways to travel from Birmingham to Reading

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Carpool stands out as a good way to reach Reading. The journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes and with fares starting at just £11, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

1h 40mAverage duration

82 milesDistance

5kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average price£14 - £91	Average duration6h 10m	CO₂ emissions 3kg CO₂e
Train	Average price£15 - £197	Average duration1h 38m	CO₂ emissions 3kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average price£11 - £17	Average duration1h 40m	CO₂ emissions 5kg CO₂e

Train Companies

CrossCountry

4.5/546 reviews

Staff4.6

Timeliness4

Cleanliness3.9

WiFi3.9

Based on 46 reviews, the company was rated 4.3 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the departure location but often complained with the power outlets. CrossCountry ticket prices on this trip start at £15

GB train companies: Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, RegioJet, Amtrak Acela, FlixTrain

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Birmingham to Reading by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your journey.

How much does a train ticket cost from Birmingham to Reading?
The cheapest train tickets from Birmingham to Reading start from £15. The average price for this train route is around £53. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Birmingham to Reading?
The average train journey time from Birmingham to Reading is 1h 38m, covering a distance of 81 miles. The fastest train gets you there in 1h 31m and is operated by CrossCountry.
Which train operators serve the Birmingham to Reading route?
Several major train operators run on this route with 10 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Birmingham to Reading?
The earliest train from Birmingham to Reading departs at 07:03. And the latest train departs at 20:03.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

24/01

£17

25/01

£26

Today

£29

27/01

No data

28/01

No data

29/01

£15

30/01

£20

31/01

No data

The cheapest trip from Birmingham to Reading was searched and found on 29 Jan 2026 with a price of £15

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Birmingham to Reading as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from £15 to £186 for a train ticket from Birmingham to Reading based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at £15, which is on 2026-01-29.