No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Oxford to Reading train timetable
From Oxford to Reading, take the fastest train in 21m, typically 25m. Daily, 69 trains depart from Oxford, with the first at 00:10 and the last at 23:15. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
14:02 Oxford | 22m, Direct | 14:24 Reading | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
14:17 Oxford | 25m, Direct | 14:42 Reading | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
14:31 Oxford | 26m, Direct | 14:57 Reading | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
14:41 Oxford | 25m, Direct | 15:06 Reading | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
15:01 Oxford | 22m, Direct | 15:23 Reading | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
Oxford to Reading train tickets and times
Great Western Railway: Oxford to Reading trains
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.
CrossCountry: Oxford to Reading trains
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.
Oxford to Reading train travel guide
Travelling by train from Oxford to Reading is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Oxford, you can reach Reading in just 21m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Oxford to Reading?
The average fare from Oxford to Reading is approximately £4.10, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
How do I find the best train route from Oxford to Reading?
What is the fastest train from Oxford to Reading?
The fastest train journey time from Oxford to Reading is 21m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
Are there direct trains from Oxford to Reading?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Oxford to Reading. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Oxford to Reading?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Oxford to Reading train timetables?
Oxford to Reading trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
Do Oxford to Reading trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Oxford to Reading route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the Oxford to Reading route?
The train from Oxford to Reading is operated by CrossCountry. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
-
Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
-
Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
-
Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
-
Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
-
Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap Oxford to Reading train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
More train routes
* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
New user welcome pack