Reading to Guildford Trains From £12.90*

Make the short journey between Reading and Guildford and get there in under an hour, usually in about 43 minutes with direct trains from Great Western Railway. With departures every half an hour, travelling between these two South East English destinations is a breeze.

You’ll enjoy a blend of rural scenery and small-town charm as you travel this section of the North Downs Line, with possible views of wild heathland between Crowthorne and Blackwater visible at the midway point of your journey.

Great Western Railway operates services in the Great Western franchise area, comprising Greater London, South East and South West England and South Wales. Key destinations include London Paddington, Oxford, Exeter and Cornwall.

Departing from Reading 

Reading railway station is a busy commuter station located on the northern edge of Reading city centre. It is less than a ten-minute walk from the high street, and many local buses take you right to the station's entrance. 

The station serves a key role on the Great Western Main Line, as the line splits off into other lines to the west of Reading. At the station, you will find services to central London and many other major cities like Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow. 

The Night Riviera sleeper service also runs from Reading station, operated by GWR. Other operators at the station include South Western Railway and CrossCountry.

Main stops

The main stops along the route from Reading to Guildford include Wokingham, Blackwater and North Camp. Slower routes will stop at additional stations such as Winnersh, Crowthorne, Sandhurst (Berks), Farnborough North and Ash. Consult your specific service for actual stops.

Arriving at Guildford

Guildford train station serves the town of Guildford in Surrey, and is the largest and busiest train station in the town. It is located west of the town centre, just a ten-minute walk away.

The station offers connections to both local destinations and major cities, with its most popular route being to London Waterloo. Other major destinations include Portsmouth, Gatwick Airport and Woking.

Guildford is a town rich in history, and the station offers easy access to many historic landmarks, such as Watts Chapel, Guildford Cathedral and Guildford Castle. We also recommend learning more about the area’s heritage at Guildford Museum, if you’re interested in history. And what better way to finish your day than with a pint at one of Guildford’s many cosy pubs?

Great Western Railway train classes

GWR offers two classes of train service for its Reading to Guildford train journey.

• Standard Class: Enjoy comfy seating and free Wi-Fi, as well as charging sockets and tables.
• First Class: Opting for a First Class service from Reading to Guildford will get you more spacious and comfortable seating, large tables, and a premium catering service.

Great Western Railway train travel advice

Get informed about taking the train with GWR with our handy guide, so you can board your train to Guildford with confidence.

• Luggage: Up to three pieces of luggage are allowed per passenger. Must be stored in the designated space by your seat, with limited space for large suitcases by the carriage doors. No oversized luggage permitted.
• Bicycles: Pre-booking is recommended for travelling with a bike. Space for min. 2 full-size bikes on each train. Folding bikes are permitted without restriction. No e-scooters.
• Children: Baby changing facilities on board. Pushchairs should be folded and stored in a designated space. Save on family travel with Family Tickets for up to two adults and four children. Railcards can get you even more savings, like the 16–25 Railcard.
• Pets: Up to two pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead or in a carrier; all other pets must be in a carrier. Pet access to the Pullman dining car is for assistance dogs only. 
• Passenger Assist: GWR offers passengers with reduced mobility or disabilities support across every stage of the travel experience, from planning travel to disembarking the train.

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