Getting to the University of Reading by Train

Your complete guide to travelling to the University of Reading by train, with detailed routes, student discounts, and the best ticket options for your journey.

Mark Wilshin

Published: July 23, 2025

Updated: May 9, 2026

Getting to the University of Reading by train

Located almost two miles out of town, the University of Reading is a respected public research university known for its excellence in architecture, meteorology, climate science, business and the arts.

Less than 30 minutes from London, the University of Reading is easy to reach by train – it’s fast, affordable, and environmentally friendly, making it the perfect choice for a university recognised as Sustainable University of the Year 2025.

Discover here how to get to the University of Reading by train and how to find cheap student tickets with our guide to train travel to universities in the UK. It contains everything you need to know, from student rail discounts and smart booking tips, plus directions on how to get to campus from Reading station.

Arriving at Reading station

The University of Reading spans several campuses, with the two main Whiteknights and London Road sites in Reading itself. The closest train station to the University of Reading is Reading station, located less than a mile from the main Whiteknights campus.

From the station, you can take a 20-minute bus ride or enjoy a scenic 30-minute walk across the river to reach the university. Reading station sits on the Great Western Main Line and is served by Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, and the Elizabeth Line. It offers frequent connections to cities such as London Paddington, Birmingham, Bristol and Oxford, as well as destinations along the South Coast.

Reading station provides useful amenities including ticket machines, a staffed ticket office, accessible toilets, waiting areas, step-free access, shops, cafés, and free public Wi-Fi.

Popular train routes to the University of Reading

London to the University of Reading trains

Regular train services run 24/7 from London Paddington to Reading with the fastest and most frequent options between 5:00 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. The 40-mile journey takes just around 25 minutes with Great Western Railway, which also offers First Class travel and features spacious seating, at-seat power, and complementary refreshments. Reading is also served by the Elizabeth Line, providing additional connections with the London Underground. From Reading station, the University of Reading is easily accessible with just a 20-minute bus ride or a 35-minute walk. The London to Reading train also stops at Slough en route.

Cardiff to the University of Reading trains

Trains from Cardiff Central to Reading run frequently throughout the day, starting around 5 in the morning and continuing until 9.30 at night. There are direct services with Great Western Railway and the 110-mile journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. First Class options are available on many trains, offering comfortable seating, power sockets, and complimentary refreshments. Key stops along the route include Newport, Bristol Parkway and Swindon.

Newcastle to the University of Reading trains

Frequent trains run between Newcastle and Reading from 4:40 a.m. until just after 8:00 p.m. Direct CrossCountry services complete the 280-mile journey in just over 4 hours and 30 minutes, with many trains offering First Class travel with spacious seating, free Wi‑Fi, at-seat power outlets, and complementary drinks and snacks. Key stops along the route include York, Sheffield, Birmingham New Street and Oxford.

Please note: Specific times and services are subject to change. Always check the latest information before travelling.

Discover the University of Reading: What to expect?

Located two miles south of Reading city centre, the University of Reading is a distinguished public research university with origins dating back to the Schools of Art and Science of 1860. Receiving its royal charter in 1926, Reading became the only UK university to be founded during the interwar period.

The university spans four campuses, Whiteknights, London Road and Greenlands (situated on the banks Thames in Buckinghamshire), as well as one in Malaysia, and is organised into 16 schools. As well as being one of the UK’s most sustainable universities, it’s also widely recognised for its excellence in architecture, meteorology, business and the arts.

As well as some fine examples of Brutalist architecture and an impressive library with nearly a million books, visitors to the University of Reading can also enjoy exploring several specialist collections and museums, including the Museum of English Rural Life, the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, the Cole Museum of Zoology, and the Harris Garden.

The University of Reading Students’ Union supports more than 160 clubs and societies, helping to create a vibrant and inclusive student community. Among the university’s distinguished former faculty are Sir Austen Chamberlain, former Foreign Secretary and Nobel Peace Prize laureate for his role in negotiating the Locarno Treaties, and Gustav Holst, the celebrated composer of The Planets.

In addition to open days held in June, October, and November, the University of Reading offers taster days where prospective students can sit in on subject-specific classes. Monthly guided campus tours are available (advance booking is recommended), and visitors can also explore the university independently through a self-guided tour, which can be requested through the university’s website.

Student train discounts

Planning train travel to universities in the UK? If you’re wondering how to get to the University of Reading by train, TrainPal makes it easy to compare prices, find the best train schedules, and book cheap train tickets for students. Whether you’re coming from London or further afield, here’s how to save on your journey:

Railcards: If you’re between 16 and 25, or a full-time student over 25, a 16-25 Railcard entitles you to a third off most rail fares. Students aged 26 to 30 can get the same discount with a 26-30 Railcard.

Advance Tickets: Booking your journey to the University of Reading in advance via the TrainPal app or website can lead to significant savings, especially for longer trips. However, fares are limited and often cheaper the further in advance you book.

GroupSave offers: Travelling with friends? Groups of three to nine people can get a third off on Off-Peak tickets when travelling together, perfect for open days or weekend travel.

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak fares: Travelling outside peak times, such as mid-mornings, afternoons, or evenings, can be more affordable, and even more so when combined with a railcard, offering a flexible and budget-friendly option.

Split Ticketing: TrainPal automatically checks if dividing your journey into separate tickets can lower the cost, even while you stay on board the same train. It’s a simple way to save without any extra hassle.

From booking tips to railcard discounts, TrainPal is your go-to platform for affordable train travel. Compare student train tickets to the University of Reading, and get the latest information on train routes and schedules.

FAQ

Q: What’s the closest train station to the University of Reading?

A: Reading Station is the nearest, located around 1.5 miles from the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus. It’s a 10-minute taxi ride, a 15-minute bus journey, or a 30-minute walk away.

Q: Is there a direct train from London to the university?

A: Yes, direct trains from London Paddington to Reading Station run frequently with a journey time of around 25 minutes. From there, it’s a quick journey via local bus or taxi to campus.

Q: Are there luggage storage facilities at Reading Station?

A: Yes, Reading station has secure luggage storage services, including lockers and a staffed left-luggage office.

Q: Can I get student discounts on train tickets?

A: Students can find cheap train tickets to the University of Reading using the TrainPal app, with savings available via railcards, advance bookings, GroupSave, Off-Peak fares, and split ticketing options.