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Trip Summary
3 trains operate daily from Leeds to Reading. The train trip from Leeds to Reading is usually about 4 hours and 38 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest CrossCountry + Connections train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 18 minutes.
| Distance | 164 mi (264 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 18m |
| Lowest price | $154.31 |
| Most frequent service | CrossCountry + Connections |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Leeds to Reading?
2 train services operate from Leeds to Reading. CrossCountry + Connections usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry + Connections | 2 | 4h 44m | $154.31 |
| London North Eastern Railway + Connections | 1 | 4h 27m | $154.31 |
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Leeds to Reading start from $154, and on average cost . Daily there are 2 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Reading. CrossCountry + Connections in Leeds leaves from New Station St . And in Reading trains arrive at Tilehurst .
From Leeds to Reading train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 4 hours and 44 minutes. If you are looking to get to Reading faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 4 hours and 18 minutes.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is a privately-owned train company that operates passenger services on behalf of the UK government. LNER manages the prestigious East Coast mainline route, connecting London King's Cross Station to various cities, including Leeds, Bradford, and Hull. With a comprehensive network of 55 stations and a fleet of approximately 75 trains, LNER facilitates numerous daily journeys, offering standard and first-class ticket options.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Leeds and Reading is approximately 164 miles, or 264 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 38 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 18 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.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Leeds 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 Leeds at 12:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. 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 3 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 Leeds.
City Information
Leeds
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Leeds is where you should go if you're looking for action, entertainment, history, and culture in the Yorkshire area. Its vibrant community attracts visitors from all places, especially when sports, theatre, and dance events occur in the city.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the city's remarkable Victorian arcades as well as historic houses and estates. Start your tour at Shibden Hall in West Yorkshire, a landmark built in 1420. You should also drop by the Royal Armories Museum to see a spectacular display of arms and armors used in different parts of the world.
Leeds has long served as a destination for world-class performances and events. Leeds' entertainment calendar is one that never runs dry. Check out the Leeds Playhouse for some theatrical performances and The HiFi Club if you want to enjoy live music 'til the break of dawn.
Traveling to Leeds is scenic and straightforward on Northern Rail. The central train station in the city is located at New Station Street. Additional transportation is offered by the buses serving the area: National Express, Megabus, and FlixBus. Thanks to affordable bus tickets, see how you can travel to Leeds and 4 other iconic United Kingdom cities for under £60.
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 Leeds?
Image credit: It's No Game
Link to image attributionMain departure station: New Station St
New Station Street is located in front of the large Leeds Railway Station. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority partnered with Leeds City Council and Network Rail to transform the area outside the station to better accommodate the influx of people catching a train, bus, taxi, or walking to/from the city center. As a result, you will find an expansive pedestrian forecourt area from the station to the Queen's Hotel and many seating areas. The station's interior offers many opportunities to shop or dine before catching a train. This is where you can find additional amenities, including restrooms and travel information. Several train lines make the stop in Leeds, most notably CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, and London North Eastern Railway.
All train stations in Leeds:
New Station St
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 center 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.
All train stations in Reading:
Tilehurst
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