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Trip Summary
There are 14 daily trains from Oxford to Reading. Traveling by train from Oxford to Reading usually takes around 34 minutes, but the fastest Great Western Railway train can make the trip in 22 minutes.
| Distance | 24 mi (38 km) |
| Fastest train | 0h 22m |
| Lowest price | $8.87 |
| Trains per day | 9 |
| Most frequent service | Great Western Railway |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Oxford to Reading?
2 train services operate from Oxford to Reading. Great Western Railway usually has more trains scheduled, with 11 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry | 3 | 0h 25m | $16.76 |
| Great Western Railway | 11 | 0h 36m | $12.47 |
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 Oxford to Reading usually takes about 0 hours and 25 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 3 trips on this route every day, and 3 daily trips on weekends.
Great Western Railway is a train company in the United Kingdom responsible for rail services in the west of England and south Wales, including many intercity services to and from London. Whether you book a seat on a standard or first-class carriage, you can expect plenty of legroom, complimentary WiFi, power outlets/USB charging points, and onboard restrooms. There are also café cars or snacks trolleys onboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Oxford to Reading on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Oxford at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. 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 14 scheduled trains on most days. 9 of these are direct connections to Reading. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Reading to Oxford.
City Information
Oxford
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Although Oxford is probably best known for its world-class university and the famous Bodleian library, there is much more to the city than just academia. On a sunny day, take a punt down the River Cherwell at the Cherwell Boathouse, but make sure to book in advance if you'd like a chauffeur.
If the weather is less favorable, visit the famous Oxford Covered Market, where you can wander through over 55 shops in the 18th-century building. Oxford is also home to several museums, including the famous Ashmolean Museum that has been around since 1683. The Ashmolean mainly showcases art and archaeology; however, if that's not your style, alternatives include the Museum of Natural History or the Museum of History and Science.
If you'd prefer to experience history first-hand, visit Oxford Castle, a building that has been in existence for over 1,000 years. Guided tours are available where you can hear stories of the castle's inhabitants and its fascinating history.
National Express and Megabus provide access to Oxford from London and other cities, while frequent train service is also available.
Reading
Image credit: Reading Tom
Link to image attribution
Image 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 Oxford?
Main departure station: Oxford Train Station
Oxford Train Station is the starting point for trains to London operated by Great Western and Chiltern Railways. Cross Country services to Manchester and Newcastle Upon Tyne also stop at the station, alongside local and regional services. Be careful not to confuse the Oxford station with Oxford Parkway Station, located much further outside of the city. Oxford Train Station is on Park End Street, and the building is relatively small. However, it does offer amenities like restrooms and a limited choice of food outlets in the main waiting area and ticket hall. There is an additional waiting room for the furthest platforms accessed via a pedestrian bridge. Frequent buses depart from the bus stop directly in front of the station, connecting travelers to local and intercity services.
All train stations in Oxford:
Oxford Train Station
Where is the train station in Reading?
Main arrival station: Reading Station
Reading receives travelers from Oxford at its two active train stations.
Train stations in Reading:
Reading Station
Tilehurst
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