Reading to Birmingham New Street Trains From £6.40*

Travel from Reading to Birmingham New Street in comfort and style with a direct CrossCountry train in just 1 hour and 36 minutes.

Bypassing the capital completely, you can just sit back and enjoy the views, as you travel through the rolling hills of the Chilterns and the historic towns of Oxfordshire and Warwickshire.

CrossCountry offers extensive long-distance train services across the UK, connecting key destinations including Birmingham, Reading, Manchester, Newcastle, and Plymouth, with routes that span from the southwest to the northeast and Scotland.

Departing from Reading station

Managed by Network Rail, Reading station is a major transport and commuter hub and one of the busiest interchanges outside of London. With step-free access to all platforms and excellent connectivity to national rail services, Reading links key cities across the country including London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads, Cardiff, Birmingham, Exeter, Plymouth, Southampton and Manchester.

Centrally located on Station Road, Reading station is easily accessible by bus, taxi and car. And with over 1,300 parking spaces, 344 cycle stands, and two taxi ranks, it’s ideal for both commuters and long-distance travellers.

Now also a terminus on the Elizabeth Line, Reading station is served by Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, South Western Railway, and the North Downs Line, connecting Reading with the South West, South Wales, the Midlands, and London. There are also airport connections to Heathrow via the RailAir coach and to Gatwick via direct train services.

Main stops

Your Reading to Birmingham New Street train will typically stop at Oxford, Banbury, Leamington Spa, Coventry, and Birmingham International.

Arriving at Birmingham New Street

Centrally located in the heart of Birmingham, Birmingham New Street is the city’s main rail gateway with frequent services to London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and beyond. It also offers convenient connections to Birmingham Airport and the wider West Midlands.

From the station, you’re just steps away from Grand Central and the Bullring, two of the UK’s top shopping destinations. Visit Birmingham’s back-to-back houses for a glimpse into the city’s urban history or head to the grand Victoria Square, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, the Thinktank Science Museum, and the Old Rep theatre – the perfect way to discover the city’s art and culture. 

The nearby canal network, dotted with lively bars and cafés, also provides a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Or for an even sweeter escape, head out of the city and indulge in a visit to Cadbury World.

CrossCountry train classes 

• Standard Class: Standard CrossCountry services offer free Wi-Fi, ample luggage and bike storage, accessible seating, with catering available on most services. So, no matter whether you’re on board a long-distance Voyager or a regional Turbostar train, you’ll enjoy clean, spacious carriages and friendly onboard service.
• First Class: Travel Reading to Birmingham New Street First Class and relax in wider reclining seats with extra legroom and at-seat tables – perfect for both working or unwinding. Enjoy complementary Wi-Fi as well as free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on many services.

CrossCountry train travel advice

To make sure you’re well prepared for your Reading to Birmingham New Street train journey, we provide all the information you might need for travelling with CrossCountry, including storage facilities, luggage allowance, travelling with children and pets, and assisted travel.

• Luggage: Storage space on CrossCountry trains is limited, so it’s best to bring just one medium-sized bag. Larger items can be placed in dedicated luggage areas located in Coaches D and J on Voyager trains.
• Bicycles: Standard bikes and e-bikes are welcome with a free reservation. Folding bikes can be brought onboard without a reservation. E-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: Children under 5 travel for free. For kids aged 5-15, the Family & Friends railcard offers 33% off adult fares and 60% off child fares, perfect for family trips.
• Pets: You can bring up to two pets at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead or in a secure carrier and are not allowed on seats or in restaurant cars.
• Passenger Assist: If you need help with boarding, finding your platform, or reserving wheelchair space, you can book Passenger Assist when purchasing your ticket. If you haven’t booked in advance, just ask staff at the station on the day of travel, and they’ll do their best to assist you.

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