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Trip Summary
7 trains operate daily from Reading to Liverpool. The train trip from Reading to Liverpool is usually about 3 hours and 42 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest CrossCountry train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 159 mi (257 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 32m |
| Lowest price | €110.87 |
| Most frequent service | Avanti West Coast |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Reading to Liverpool?
2 train services operate from Reading to Liverpool. Avanti West Coast usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avanti West Coast | 4 | 3h 49m | €136.60 |
| CrossCountry | 3 | 3h 34m | €110.87 |
Avanti West Coast is one of the primary rail links between London and Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. On any given day, Avanti West Coast operates almost 300 routes and departs hourly from select destinations.
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 Reading to Liverpool usually takes about 3 hours and 34 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 3 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Reading and Liverpool is approximately 159 miles, or 257 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 32 minutes.
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.
Trains departing from Reading to Liverpool tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Reading at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 15:00. 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 7 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 Liverpool to Reading.
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 buses also operate through the city from many destinations around the United Kingdom.
Liverpool
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Although Liverpool is only England's 10th largest city, its fame ballooned as the birthplace of the world's biggest rock band: The Beatles. Visiting Liverpool would not be complete without a trip to the iconic Beatles Statue, located near the port, followed by a visit to The Beatles Story museum, where visitors can immerse themselves in the band's rise to fame.
To explore some of Liverpool's older history, the Merseyside Maritime Museum provides fascinating exhibits on the city's great port-town past, including exhibitions on the Titanic as well as the Battle of the Atlantic. Football fanatics should check out the world-famous Anfield Stadium, where regular tours help visitors revel in the history and glory of this iconic football club.
Traveling to Liverpool is easy thanks to several rail providers, which facilitate travel around the Liverpool City Region and beyond. Liverpool also has two significant bus terminals for access via coach and an international airport for those traveling from further afield.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Reading?
Main departure station: Reading Station
There is one train station in Reading.
All train stations in Reading:
Reading Station
Where is the train station in Liverpool?
Image credit: Unsplash
Main arrival station: Liverpool Lime Street Station
Liverpool's main rail terminus, Lime Street Station, was opened in 1836, making it the oldest operating mainline rail station in the world. It receives regular services from London via TransPennine Express. Local Merseyrail services arrive and depart from under the main station concourse. Here you'll find several stores and restaurants, as well as coffee shops such as Starbucks, restrooms, and luggage lockers. Long-distance National Express and Megabus coaches depart from the bus station at Liverpool One shopping mall, a six-minute walk away.
Train stations in Liverpool:
Liverpool Lime Street Station
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