Cheap train tickets from Reading to Plymouth
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Reading to Plymouth Train Schedule
Trip Summary
8 trains operate daily from Reading to Plymouth. The train trip from Reading to Plymouth is usually about 3 hours and 28 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Great Western Railway train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 11 minutes.
| Distance | 157 mi (252 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 11m |
| Lowest price | $58.35 |
| Most frequent service | Great Western Railway |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Reading to Plymouth?
Great Western Railway is the one and only train line which connects Reading to Plymouth. However, there are 8 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Western Railway | 8 | 3h 29m | $61.12 |
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 about traveling by train from Reading to Plymouth
The distance between Reading and Plymouth is approximately 157 miles, or 252 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 28 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 11 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 Plymouth tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. 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 Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Reading at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. 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 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 Plymouth 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.
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 center 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 buses also operate routes to the city as a more affordable way to travel throughout the United Kingdom.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Reading?
Image credit: Andrew Bowden
Link to image attributionMain departure 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
Where is the train station in Plymouth?
Image credit: Reading Tom
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Plymouth Station
Plymouth Railway Station is north of the city center, 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 rental car 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
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Need a return trip from Plymouth to Reading?
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