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Trip Summary
There are 9 daily trains from Cheltenham to Reading. Traveling by train from Cheltenham to Reading usually takes around one hour and 40 minutes, but the fastest Great Western Railway train can make the trip in one hour and 31 minutes.
| Distance | 56 mi (91 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 31m |
| Lowest price | £34.80 |
| Trains per day | 6 |
| Most frequent service | Great Western Railway |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Cheltenham to Reading?
2 train services operate from Cheltenham to Reading. Great Western Railway usually has more trains scheduled, with 7 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry | 2 | 1h 41m | £78.68 |
| Great Western Railway | 7 | 1h 40m | £22.27 |
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 Cheltenham to Reading usually takes about 1 hours and 41 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 2 trips on this route every day, and 0 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
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Cheltenham to Reading. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Cheltenham at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 14:00. 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 scheduled trains on most days. 6 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 Cheltenham.
City Information
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 coaches also operate through the city from many destinations around the United Kingdom.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Cheltenham?
Main departure station: Cheltenham Spa Station
There is one train station in Cheltenham.
All train stations in Cheltenham:
Cheltenham Spa Station
Where is the train station in Reading?
Main arrival station: Reading Station
Reading has one train station.
Train stations in Reading:
Reading Station
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Need a return trip from Reading to Cheltenham?
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