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Trip Summary
8 trains operate daily from Leicester to Reading. The train trip from Leicester to Reading is usually about 2 hours and 48 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest CrossCountry + Connections train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 39 minutes.
| Distance | 82 mi (132 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 39m |
| Lowest price | £44.21 |
| Most frequent service | CrossCountry + Connections |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Leicester to Reading?
CrossCountry + Connections is the one and only train line which connects Leicester to Reading. However, there are 8 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry + Connections | 8 | 2h 48m | £72.05 |
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Leicester to Reading start from £44, and on average cost . Daily there are 8 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Reading. CrossCountry + Connections in Leicester leaves from Leicester Train Station . And in Reading trains arrive at Tilehurst .
From Leicester to Reading train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 2 hours and 48 minutes. If you are looking to get to Reading faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 39 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Leicester to Reading on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Leicester at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 19:00. 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 8 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Reading to Leicester.
City Information
Leicester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Leicester, located in the county of Leicestershire in the East Midlands, is a city with much to explore. Leicester's cultural diversity and large student population mean the city is filled with a wide variety of experiences.
Leicester Cathedral and Belvoir Castle are a must-visit for those looking to discover the past. Leicester is also famous for being the final resting place of King Richard III, with a visitor centre built around the location to tell the story of one of the most famous monarchs in English history. For a broader look at history, try the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the Mesozoic era as well as Ancient Egypt.
If your interests lie more in futuristic endeavours, visit the National Space Centre to take a trip through time and space. Leicester is also home to many traditional English pubs and quaint cafes, making it a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy the moment.
Leicester is easily accessible by train, with Leicester Rail Station serving East Midlands and Thameslink trains. St Margaret's Bus Station is located centrally and serves National Express coaches. If you're travelling from further afield, East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport are both close to Leicester.
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 Leicester?
Image credit: Steve Knight
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Leicester Train Station
Opened in 1840, Leicester Train Station is recognizable by its corner clocktower on London Road above the main entrance. As the city's primary rail station, it receives regular CrossCountry trains to Birmingham and East Midlands Railway services to Sheffield and London. Passengers access platforms via over-track footbridges from the main concourse, which has amenities including several restaurants and public restrooms. Passengers can await their train's arrival in the large waiting room. Local buses stop at stands outside the main entrance to connect with the rest of Leicester.
All train stations in Leicester:
Leicester Train Station
Where is the train station in Reading?
Image credit: Andrew Bowden
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Tilehurst
Tilehurst Railway Station is located in one of Reading's suburbs, Tilehurst, about 3 miles from the centre of Reading. This station is on the extreme northern edge of the suburb, between the River Thames and A329 road. Great Western Railway trains on the London to Bristol route make stops at Tilehurst. Buses stop on Oxford Road, right outside the station, so it is easy to connect to Reading or other suburbs. There are waiting rooms on the middle and north platforms, and the main ticket office is on the south side.
Train stations in Reading:
Tilehurst
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