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Reading to Lincoln train times and prices
Plan your journey from Reading to Lincoln 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.
Price*
From £55.25
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
3h 55m
Distance
124 miles (200km)
First/last train
06:15 / 17:45
Frequency
19
Train operators
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
Travelling from Reading to Lincoln by train? Find fares from as low as £55.25. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest
£55.25
On Thu 12
Live timetable and departures
From Reading to Lincoln, take the fastest train in 3h 55m, typically 4h 11m. Daily, 19 trains depart from Reading, with the first at 06:15 and the last at 17:45. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
19:19 Reading | 4h 19m, 2 change | 23:38 Lincoln | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
19:50 Reading | 3h 48m, 2 change | 23:38 Lincoln | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
20:13 Reading | 3h 34m, 2 change | 23:47 Lincoln | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
20:47 Reading | 3h 30m, 2 change | 00:17 Lincoln | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
21:15 Reading | 9h 30m, 2 change | 06:45 Lincoln | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
View More Trains
Compare train operators from Reading to Lincoln
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway
- Northern
CrossCountry combines one of the UK’s widest intercity networks with fast long-distance services linking the South West, South Coast, Midlands, Wales, Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland without relying on a London terminus.
Its Class 220 and 221 Voyager trains reach 125 mph, while Class 170 Turbostars cover regional routes. A Voyager fleet refurbishment is adding improved seating, lighting and Wi-Fi.
Standard
Free optional reservations available when booking
Airline-style and table seating with standard legroom
Fully air-conditioned carriages
Trolley service with hot and cold drinks, snacks and alcohol on most long-distance routes.
Luggage
Food & Drink
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
First Class
Ideal for business travellers, long-distance passengers and those looking for greater comfort
Guaranteed seat reservations on Advance First Class tickets
Spacious reclining fabric seats with increased legroom and a quieter carriage
Fully air-conditioned carriages
Complimentary food and drinks served at your seat by a dedicated host
Luggage
Food & Drink
Seat Types
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"CrossCountry’s Voyager services can get busy as they progress along their routes, so choosing the right carriage can make a noticeable difference. On Class 220 and 221 trains, Coach B (on 5-car sets) or specific designated seats in Coach D (on 4-car sets) serve as the unreserved seating areas, making them worth checking if you are travelling with a flexible ticket or cannot reserve a seat."
"It is also worth checking if your service is being operated by one of the £75 million refurbished Voyager trains. The updated trains can be identified by their distinctive red livery with a white X and feature USB-A and USB-C charging ports built into the seat frames, making it easier to keep devices charged throughout a longer journey."
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- 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
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Arriving in Lincoln
Top Things to Do:
Admire Lincoln Cathedral's ornate gothic architecture and colorful stained-glass windows
Peel back the layers of the city's fascinating medieval history at Lincoln Castle
Hunt out rare finds in boutique shops and treat yourself to artisan pastries along Bailgate
Popular Areas in Lincoln:
The Cathedral Quarter for those quintessential Lincoln vibes, Brayford Waterfront for dining and evening drinks, and Cornhill Quarter for modern shopping and a night on the town.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Lincoln: When you step out of the station, keep your eyes peeled for the Steep Hill shuttle. As the name suggests, this walk-and-ride service takes you up the steep hill so you can save your legs on the climb and have more energy to explore at the top. It's worth walking down, though, as the traditional high street is full of shops and cute places to eat."
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Reading to Lincoln
Apply for CrossCountry Delay Repay
CrossCountry calculates Delay Repay compensation according to how late you arrive at your final destination, regardless of the cause of the delay. It operates under Delay Repay 30, so delays of less than 30 minutes are not eligible.
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket, or 50% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket, or 100% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of the total ticket cost, whether single, return or Season Ticket
Apply for East Midlands Railway Delay Repay
EMR bases Delay Repay compensation on the length of the delay when you reach your final destination, and not the delay to an individual train.
15 to 29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket or 12.5% of a return ticket
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket or 25% of a return ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket or 50% of a return ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of either a single or a return ticket
Apply for Northern Delay Repay
Northern bases Delay Repay compensation on the length of your delay when you reach your final destination and the type of ticket you hold.
15 to 29 minutes: 25% of the cost of a single ticket, or 12.5% of a return ticket
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of the cost of a single ticket, or 25% of a return ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of the cost of a single ticket, or 50% of a return ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of the total ticket cost, including the full cost of a return ticket
FAQ
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How much is a train from Reading to Lincoln?
Tickets from Reading to Lincoln typically cost £74.65, but can be as cheap as £55.25 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Reading to Lincoln?
The journey should take, on average, 4h 11m, though it can be as quick as 3h 55m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Reading to Lincoln?
There is no direct service between Reading and Lincoln. Instead, when browsing routes, you will see our recommendations for changeover stations that are the most convenient and time-efficient.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Reading to Lincoln?
You can typically book tickets from Reading to Lincoln up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Reading to Lincoln trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Reading to Lincoln are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Reading from Lincoln?
The distance between Reading and Lincoln is approximately 124 miles (200km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Reading to Lincoln?
There is 19 train running from Reading to Lincoln per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Reading to Lincoln?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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.
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