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Reading to Birmingham New Street train ticket prices
£14.70
On Tue 22
Reading to Birmingham New Street train timetable
The journey from Reading to Birmingham New Street on the fastest train in 1h 27m, usually 2h 29m. Each day, 77 trains leave from Reading, starting at 00:05 and ending at 21:56. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
15:43 Reading | 1h 35m, Direct | 17:18 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
15:44 Reading | 2h 43m, 2 change | 18:27 Birmingham New Street | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:48 Reading | 2h 29m, 3 change | 18:17 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
16:15 Reading | 1h 36m, Direct | 17:51 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
16:18 Reading | 2h 30m, 3 change | 18:48 Birmingham New Street | Great Western Railway | 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.
Why book Reading to Birmingham New Street trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from Reading to Birmingham New Street start from just £14.70 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., LNR & WMR, Great Western Railway, Chiltern Railways on the Reading to Birmingham New Street route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Reading to Birmingham New Street train travel guide
Taking the train from Reading to Birmingham New Street is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Reading, you can arrive at Birmingham New Street in just 1h 27m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
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 £14.70, 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.
What is the best way to travel from Reading to Birmingham New Street by train?
What is the fastest train from Reading to Birmingham New Street?
The fastest train journey time from Reading to Birmingham New Street is 1h 27m . 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 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?
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 Reading to Birmingham New Street train timetables?
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?
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 Reading to Birmingham New Street trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Reading to Birmingham New Street are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the Reading to Birmingham New Street route?
The train from Reading to Birmingham New Street is operated by LNR & WMR. 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
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.
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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.
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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.
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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 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
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* 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.
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