Oxford to Reading Trains From £4.10*

Travel from the historic spires of Oxford to Reading’s vibrant riverside in under 30 minutes with a direct Great Western Railway train. Glide through the fields, woodlands and historic villages of the Thames Valley, catching glimpses of the Chiltern Hills before arriving in Reading.

Great Western Railway connects Oxford, Reading and the Thames Valley with destinations all across South Wales, the South West and the Cotswolds, including London Paddington, Bristol, Exeter and Penzance.

Departing from Oxford

Just a 15-minute walk from the historic heart of Oxford and its world-famous university, Oxford railway station is easy to reach on foot and well served by local transport with nearby bus stops, convenient drop-off points and taxi ranks right outside the station entrance.

Managed by Great Western Railway, Oxford station offers fast and frequent services to London Paddington, London Marylebone, Reading, Worcester and Banbury as well as CrossCountry trains connecting to Manchester, Birmingham and the south coast.

Main stops

While CrossCountry trains run direct, non-stop services from Oxford to Reading, Great Western Railway trains call at Didcot Parkway, giving you the chance to enjoy views of the Thames Valley along the way.

Arriving at Reading

Located on Station Road in the heart of town, Reading station is easily accessible with local buses, taxis, and convenient car pick-up points right outside. As the western terminus of the Elizabeth Line, it also offers direct links into London, while services from Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, CrossCountry and the North Downs Line provide a variety of connections across the South West, Wales and the Midlands.

Operated by Network Rail, Reading station provides easy onward travel to major destinations including London Paddington, Oxford, Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham. Both Heathrow and Gatwick airports are also within easy reach thanks to direct rail services and the RailAir coach.

Beyond the station, Reading is a thriving hub where historic landmarks like the Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens sit alongside The Oracle shopping centre, buzzing riverside bars, and the world-famous Reading Festival. 

Great Western Railway train classes 

• Standard Class: Relax on your Oxford to Reading journey with Great Western Railway, and enjoy free Wi-Fi and generous seating. On some services, you can also order freshly prepared food and drink from the onboard café-bar.
• First Class: Travel from Oxford to Reading First Class and relax with reclining seats, wider legroom, fast Wi-Fi, and at-table plug and USB sockets. Complimentary drinks and snacks are also available on some services.

Great Western Railway train travel advice

Heading from Oxford to Reading? Here’s a handy guide to make your trip as comfortable and convenient as possible, covering everything from luggage and bikes to pets, kids, and accessibility.

• Luggage: You can bring up to three items of luggage onboard Great Western Railway services free of charge – from large suitcases to small bags. Larger items should be stowed in racks or at the carriage ends to avoid blocking aisles and doorways.
• Bicycles: Space for bicycles is limited, and both standard bikes and e-bikes require a free reservation – booking in advance is recommended. Folding bikes are welcome onboard all services, but e-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: Under-fives can travel for free, while children aged 5-15 are eligible to pay half-price on standard fares. Teens can also unlock savings of 50% with a 16-17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Passengers may bring up to two pets on board Great Western Railway services at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead, while smaller animals should be transported securely in a carrier. Pets are not allowed on seats.
• Passenger Assist: Help with boarding, handling luggage or navigating stations can be booked in advance via Passenger Assist, or arranged on the day with station staff.

The most affordable way to travel from Oxford to Reading is by direct CrossCountry train, taking you straight from one university city to another in around 25 minutes with no stops.

Watch the scenery unfold as you travel from Oxford’s dreaming spires and riverside meadows, through open farmland and gentle hills, before arriving into bustling Reading.

Stretching all the way from Cornwall in the south to Scotland in the north, CrossCountry links Oxford and Reading with one of Britain’s most extensive long-distance rail networks. With Birmingham as its hub, CrossCountry services connect directly to major cities including Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Leeds.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: Settle into CrossCountry’s Standard Class and enjoy roomy carriages, free Wi-Fi and accessible seating, with onboard catering available on many routes.
• First Class: Travel from Oxford to Reading First Class and enjoy reclining seats, generous legroom, and tables with charging points – perfect for working, studying and unwinding. Complimentary snacks and drinks are also available on selected services.

CrossCountry train travel advice

Planning your train journey from Oxford to Reading? Here’s a quick guide to make your trip comfortable and hassle-free, covering everything from luggage, bikes and kids to pets and accessibility support.

• Luggage: Storage is limited, so CrossCountry recommends travelling light, ideally with just one medium-sized bag. On Voyager services, larger items can be stowed in the racks located in Coaches D and J.
• Bicycles: Both standard bikes and e-bikes are welcome onboard CrossCountry services with a free reservation, while folding bikes can be brought onboard any service as hand luggage. E-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: Under-fives ride for free, while children aged 5-15 are eligible to receive 50% off most fares. Families can save even more with a Family & Friends railcard, offering a third off adult fares and 60% off children’s tickets.
• Pets: Passengers may bring up to two pets onboard free of charge. Dogs should be kept on a lead or transported in a carrier, and all animals should stay off seats.
• Passenger Assist: Assistance with boarding, handling luggage, navigating stations or reserving wheelchair spaces can be booked in advance via Passenger Assist, or requested on the day at staffed stations.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.