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Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) to Reading from $29: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom
to
Reading, United Kingdom

How to Get from Cambridge to Reading: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$29 - DriveBest price
112.7 kmDistance
1h 39m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) to Reading with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Train
Average Duration
1h  40m
Estimated price
$41-128
Recommended
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  39m
Estimated price
$29-45
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 112.7 km
Duration: 1h 39m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
4h  2m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
2h  47m
Estimated price
$50-108

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 10/03Tu 11/03We 12/03Th 13/03Fr 14/03Sa 15/03Su 16/03
Bus $51 $50 $65 $50 $68 $51 $70
Train $77 $77 $77 $51 $77 $77 $77
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Traveling From Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) to Reading

The journey from Cambridge to Reading offers a transition from the historic charm and academic ambiance of a university town to the vibrant buzz of a commercial center, creating a captivating contrast in experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Reading

Reading's neighborhoods blend cultural vibrancy with historic charm.

Caversham
• Scenic views along the River Thames.
• Bustling cafes and boutique shops.
Reading Town Centre
• Diverse dining options from global cuisines.
• Vibrant shopping scene with top brands.
Katesgrove
• Quirky street art and creative spaces.
• Close-knit community with friendly locals.

Best Times To Visit Reading's Attractions

Timing your visits to Reading's top attractions can enhance your experience.

Reading Abbey Ruins
Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer visitors and ideal lighting.
The Oracle Shopping Centre
Weekdays, especially Tuesday or Wednesday mornings, provide a quieter shopping experience.
Forbury Gardens
Late spring or early autumn offers beautiful blooms and mild weather without large crowds.

Reading Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Reading experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild, wet winters and warm summers, making spring and early autumn the best times to visit for pleasant conditions. Weather can influence your travel activities, so consider packing layers and an umbrella for added comfort during your explorations.

Dining Recommendation in Reading

For a taste of Reading, try the grilled lamb at The Moderation, where the rich flavors showcase local ingredients in a lively pub atmosphere that contrasts with Cambridge's more gastronomy-focused eateries. The vibrant atmosphere and hearty dishes provide a different culinary experience that reflects the town's diverse food scene.

Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) - Reading operators

Explore transport companies operating between Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) and Reading, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
0345 026 4700
Website
https://www.greatnorthernrail.com/

Train from Cambridge to King's Cross

Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
$28-40
Contact phone
0345 026 4700
Website
https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/

Train from Cambridge to King's Cross

Average Duration
1h 6m
Estimated price
$35-70

Train from Cambridge to Farringdon

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$35-75
Contact phone
+44 3457 000 125
Website
https://www.gwr.com/

Train from Paddington to Reading

Average Duration
36m
Estimated price
$21-55
Contact phone
0343 222 1234
Website
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/elizabeth-line/

Train from Paddington to Reading

Average Duration
53m
Estimated price
$11-28

Train from Farringdon Without to Reading

Average Duration
1h 2m
Estimated price
$12-35
Website
https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/

Train from Cambridge to London Liverpool Street

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$24-35
Contact phone
0345 6000 650
Website
https://www.southwesternrailway.com/

Train from Clapham Junction to Reading

Average Duration
1h 14m
Estimated price
$22-55
Bus
Website
traveline.info

Bus from Liverpool Street Station to Clapham Junction Station

Average Duration
58m
Estimated price
0-0

Cambridge to Reading: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) and Reading offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a delightful road trip from Cambridge to Reading, covering a distance of 146.5 km in just 1 hour and 39 minutes. 💸 Explore flexible pricing options ranging from £23 to £36 for the journey by car, ensuring a budget-friendly travel experience.
Average price
£23 - £35
🚄 Although there is no direct train from Cambridge to Reading, travelers can easily reach their destination with a transfer at King's Cross St. Pancras station and Paddington. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. 💷 Ticket prices for the train journey between Cambridge and Reading typically range from £32 to £101, providing flexibility for travelers to choose the fare that suits their budget and schedule.
Departure Point
Cambridge station
Arrival Point
Reading station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your train trip may include catering options such as refreshments, snacks, and meals, depending on the operator. For example, Great Western Railway offers a 'Shop On Board' service with a selection of light bites and drinks, while the train could also provide complimentary snacks and beverages in First Class. Check the specific catering service on the operator's website prior to your journey.
• Seating options available on this route typically include Standard Class and First Class. Standard Class provides comfortable seating with sufficient legroom, while First Class features more spacious seats, complimentary refreshments and quieter carriages. If you're looking for an upgrade, consider First Class on Great Western Railway for a more relaxed journey. Operators like CrossCountry may have a similar setup; confirm seat types when booking.
• The primary train operators for this route include Great Western Railway and CrossCountry. Visit their websites for detailed schedules and bookings: Great Western Railway (gwr.com) and CrossCountry (crosscountrytrains.co.uk). For local transport services in Reading, consider checking the Reading Buses website (reading-buses.co.uk) for information on bus routes and schedules.
🚌 Route 1: The journey from Cambridge to Reading takes 3 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of 171 km with one transfer. First, take the National Express 788-14 bus to London Heathrow Airport, then switch to the 504-QM bus heading towards Penzance. 🚌 Route 2: This route also takes 3 hours and 47 minutes, spanning 160 km with a transfer. Start by boarding the National Express 788-14 bus to London Heathrow Airport, then change to the Reading Town Centre - Heathrow Airport bus operated by RailAir for the final leg of the trip. 🚌 Route 3: Traveling from Cambridge to Reading on this route will take approximately 3 hours and 42 minutes, covering a distance of 188 km with a transfer. The journey involves taking the National Express 727-18 bus to London Heathrow Airport, followed by the Reading Town Centre - Heathrow Airport bus by RailAir to reach your destination.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) to Reading.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Cambridge and Reading is approximately 112.7 km. If you prefer to drive, it would take around 1 hour and 39 minutes to reach Cambridge from Reading. Alternatively, you can take a train and arrive in Reading from Cambridge in about 1 hour and 28 minutes. If you decide to take the train and then transfer to a bus, the total travel time would be approximately 4 hours and 3 minutes. Lastly, the bus journey from Cambridge to Reading takes approximately 3 hours and 48 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Cambridge to Reading would be to drive, as it is the cheapest option and takes around 1 hour and 39 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, taking the train via London would be the quickest option, taking only 1 hour and 28 minutes.
The prices for a train ticket between Cambridge and Reading range from £31 to £94, depending on factors such as class and booking time. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between Reading and Cambridge range from £27 to £38.
To get from Cambridge to Reading without using public transportation, the best option is to drive. The driving distance is approximately 146.5 km, which takes about 1 hour and 39 minutes. The cost of driving varies, but generally ranges from £23 to £35 for fuel and tolls.
The best way to travel from Cambridge to Reading without a car is by train via London. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes and the ticket prices range from £31 to £94.
There is no direct train or bus link between Cambridge and Reading. The fastest way to travel is by train, which takes approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes with transfers at King's Cross St. Pancras station and London Paddington. Driving is also an option, with a distance of approximately 146.6 km and a typical travel time of 1 hour and 39 minutes. Alternatively, taking a combination of train and bus can take around 4 hours and 3 minutes.
There are numerous hotel options available in Reading. With over 982 hotels to choose from, you'll have plenty of options to suit your preferences and budget. Prices for accommodations in the area start at £38, providing a range of affordable choices.

Trips from Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)

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