No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Reading to Birmingham New Street train ticket prices
€15.50
On Mon 03 Aug
Reading to Birmingham New Street train timetable
The journey from Reading to Birmingham New Street on the fastest train in 1h 27m, usually 2h 26m. Each day, 25 trains leave from Reading, starting at 00:22 and ending at 11:45. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
11:15 Reading | 1h 36m, Direct | 12:51 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
11:28 Reading | 2h 28m, 2 change | 13:56 Birmingham New Street | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
11:45 Reading | 1h 32m, Direct | 13:17 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Reading to Birmingham New Street train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Reading to Birmingham New Street with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
CrossCountry: Reading to Birmingham New Street trains
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.
Departing from Reading station
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.
Main stops
Arriving at Birmingham New Street
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.
Reading to Birmingham New Street train travel guide
The train journey from Reading to Birmingham New Street combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Reading, you can get to Birmingham New Street in just 1h 27m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Reading to Birmingham New Street?
Ticket prices from Reading to Birmingham New Street average around €15.50, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
How do I find the best train route from Reading to Birmingham New Street?
What is the fastest train from Reading to Birmingham New Street?
The quickest train journey from Reading to Birmingham New Street takes 1h 27m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
Are there direct trains from Reading to Birmingham New Street?
No, there are no direct trains from Reading to Birmingham New Street. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from Reading to Birmingham New Street?
Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are Reading to Birmingham New Street trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While Reading to Birmingham New Street trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Reading to Birmingham New Street is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do Reading to Birmingham New Street trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Reading to Birmingham New Street 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?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by 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?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the Reading to Birmingham New Street route?
The Reading to Birmingham New Street route is operated by Avanti West Coast. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the 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
Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
-
Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
-
Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap Reading to Birmingham New Street 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