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Trip Summary
6 trains operate daily from Plymouth to Reading. The train trip from Plymouth to Reading is usually about 4 hours and 28 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Great Western Railway train can get you there in as little as 3 hours.
| Distance | 157 mi (252 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 0m |
| Lowest price | £51.31 |
| Most frequent service | Great Western Railway |
| Train lines | 3 |
Which train should you take from Plymouth to Reading?
There are 3 train lines with service from Plymouth to Reading. Great Western Railway is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry + Connections | 5 | 3h 59m | £59.28 |
| Great Western Railway | 3 | 4h 11m | £33.47 |
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 1 | 8h 56m | £51.31 |
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Plymouth to Reading start from £51, and on average cost . Daily there are 5 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Reading. CrossCountry + Connections in Plymouth leaves from North Rd . And in Reading trains arrive at Tilehurst .
From Plymouth to Reading train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 3 hours and 59 minutes. If you are looking to get to Reading faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 0 minutes.
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.
Great Western Railway + Connections train tickets from Plymouth to Reading start from £51, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to Reading. Great Western Railway + Connections in Plymouth leaves from North Rd . And in Reading trains arrive at Tilehurst .
From Plymouth to Reading train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 8 hours and 56 minutes. If you are looking to get to Reading faster, Great Western Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 0 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Reading on a weekend there is typically one Great Western Railway + Connections scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Plymouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Plymouth and Reading is approximately 157 miles, or 252 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 28 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours,
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Plymouth to Reading. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Plymouth at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:00. 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 6 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 Plymouth.
City Information
Plymouth
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Located on the south coast of Devon, Plymouth is an English port city steeped in maritime heritage with a recently-revitalized waterfront. Although many seaport towns in Britain have a boastful history, none can quite match Plymouth's. It was here, just off the coast of Plymouth Port, that English naval forces defeated the Spanish Armada. Plus, one of the most famous landmarks in the city is the Mayflower Steps. These meaningful steps commemorate when the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth port in 1620 for the New World.
In addition to its history, Plymouth has enough modern amenities to compete as a tourist destination. With big brands and independent stores on offer, the city centre is a wonderland for shoppers. Drake Circus is the town's premier shopping venue, with over 70 covered shops for the rainier days. The West End area offers more independent retailers, including the Plymouth Market, selling local crafts, foods, and much more.
Travel to Plymouth is simple. Either fly in via Exeter Airport, or catch a train from destinations like London, Liverpool, or Leeds. National Express and Megabus coaches also operate routes to the city as a more affordable way to travel throughout the United Kingdom.
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 Plymouth?
Image credit: Reading Tom
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Plymouth Station
Plymouth Railway Station is north of the city centre, very close to the North Cross roundabout, and within a short walk of the Plymouth Coach Station. The station building is simple but efficient and includes a café with hot food, retail shops, restrooms, and a parking and car hire agency outside. The Great Western Railway route from London to Penzance stops in Plymouth, as do an additional GWR route and a CrossCountry train route heading north.
All train stations in Plymouth:
Plymouth 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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