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Trip Summary
There are usually 9 daily train trips available from Birmingham to Reading. Traveling by train from Birmingham to Reading usually takes one hour and 38 minutes, but the fastest CrossCountry train can make the trip in one hour and 34 minutes.
Distance | 81 mi (131 km) |
Fastest train | 1h 34m |
Lowest price | $88.49 |
Trains per day | 9 |
Most frequent service | CrossCountry |
Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Birmingham to Reading?
CrossCountry is the one and only train line which connects Birmingham to Reading. However, there are 9 trains per day to choose from.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
CrossCountry | 9 | 1h 39m | $88.49 |
CrossCountry operates an extensive rail network in the U.K., centered in Birmingham. In standard class, passengers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Trains also contain a small café or a trolley that passes through the carriages. An upgrade to first-class gives passengers more legroom and complimentary food. The journey from Birmingham to Reading usually takes about 1 hours and 39 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 9 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trains from Birmingham to Reading are the most crowded on Wednesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Birmingham at 11:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 9 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Birmingham to Reading.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Reading to Birmingham.
City Information
Birmingham
As the second-largest city in the UK, Birmingham effortlessly blends the city’s quaint vibe with modern-day high-rises. One of the top local attractions is St. Martin in the Bull Ring, the original parish church of Birmingham. Featuring remarkable Gothic Revival architecture standing in stark contrast with the futuristic-looking shopping centers, the church is a great spot for travelers looking for a bit of respite. As you stroll around the city, don’t forget to visit the famous Cadbury World, which details the long history of the brand, as well as all the products it produces. For culturally-inclined activities, head to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which offers over 40 exhibits.
If you wish to try out authentic Indian dishes with a local twist, head over to Pushkar. For those who wish to enjoy a more upscale dining experience, Bank offers a chic menu in an elegant setting.
The principal rail station is Birmingham New Street Station, which is the busiest train station in the UK. The Birmingham Coach Station offers coach services by National Express as far as London and Dublin. The city’s main airport is the Birmingham Airport, which is located 6 miles east of the city center.
Reading
Image credit: Reading Tom
Link to image attributionImage credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Reading Tom
Link to image attributionLocated only 20 minutes west of London, Reading is a large university and market town in the English county of Berkshire. Reading has an intriguing mix of the past and the present, with a vibrant student scene thriving among the city's medieval and Victorian architecture.
Reading sits on the River Thames, at the end-point of the Kennet and Avon Canal, so there are a number of pretty riverside walks to take in the scenery. Explore the gardens and meet the animals at Beadle Wildlife Park, a vast park crisscrossed with nature trails.
To discover the town's past, visit the Reading Museum, where you can take a trip through time from early Saxon settlements to the Industrial Revolution through 21st-century life.
Since Reading is home to a large university, you are always guaranteed exciting nightlife. Filled with many restaurants, pubs, bars, and clubs, Reading is the perfect place for a night on the town. Try The Nag's Head, The Lyndhurst, or The Purple Turtle to start your night right.
Because Reading is only a short way from London, getting to Reading is simple. Fly to one of London's large international airports for access from around the world. Reading Train Station is also one of Britain's main railway interchanges, making it easy to reach from all over the country by train. National Express buses also operate through the city from many destinations around the United Kingdom.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Birmingham?
Main departure station: Birmingham New St
There is one train station in Birmingham.
All train stations in Birmingham:
Birmingham New St
Where is the train station in Reading?
Main arrival station: Reading Station
Reading has one train station.
All train stations in Reading:
Reading Station
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- Train Tickets
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- Birmingham to Reading