Cardiff to Reading from $20: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$20 by busBest price

95.6 kmDistance

1h 24m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cardiff 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.

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Type	Mo 06/01	Tu 07/01	We 08/01	Th 09/01	Fr 10/01	Sa 11/01	Su 12/01
Bus	$14	$33	$10	$13	$13	$13	$11
Train	$33	$33	$33	$34	$22	$57	$34

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Traveling From Cardiff to Reading

The journey from Cardiff to Reading offers a fascinating contrast, with Cardiff's vibrant Welsh culture and scenic waterfront giving way to Reading's bustling town life and thriving arts scene.

Best Neighbourhoods in Reading

Reading boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and experiences.

Town Centre

• Hub for shopping and dining options

• Vibrant nightlife and cultural events

Caversham

• Picturesque parks along the Thames

• Quaint cafes and riverside pubs

The Oracle

• Modern shopping complex with entertainment

• Scenic riverside views and dining experiences

Best Times To Visit Reading's Attractions

Plan your visit to maximize enjoyment at Reading's top sites with these tips.

Reading Abbey

Early mornings on weekdays provide a peaceful atmosphere and fewer visitors.

The Oracle Shopping Centre

Visit during weekday afternoons to sidestep the weekend crowds and find great deals.

Forbury Gardens

Heading here in spring offers vibrant blooms and fewer people on weekdays.

Reading Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Reading experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers, making spring and early autumn the ideal times for outdoor activities. Understanding the seasonal weather patterns helps in planning your itinerary, ensuring the most enjoyable travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Reading

A must-try dish in Reading is the locally sourced lamb from The Griffin, where rustic charm meets a contemporary twist, offering a flavor profile distinct from Cardiff’s hearty Welsh fare. The inviting atmosphere, paired with the use of fresh ingredients and innovative cooking techniques, makes for a memorable dining outing that showcases the culinary diversity of the region.

Cardiff - Reading operators

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

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

+44 3457 000 125

Website

https://www.gwr.com/

Train from Cardiff Central to Reading

Average Duration

1h 24m

Estimated price

$65-140

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+49 30 300 137 300

Website

https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music to Reading

Average Duration

2h 30m

Estimated price

$17-24

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

Traveling between Cardiff 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 scenic road trip from Cardiff to Reading, spanning a driving distance of 177.0 km and offering picturesque countryside views along the way. 💷 With car hire prices ranging from £28 to £43 for this journey, the affordability and flexibility of traveling by road make it a convenient choice. ⏱️ A drive of approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes will lead you from Cardiff to Reading, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable travel experience between these two charming UK destinations.

Average price

£27 - £43

🌍 The scenic train ride from Cardiff to Reading takes approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes. 🎫 Tickets for the Cardiff to Reading train range from £51 to £111, offering a range of fare options to suit your budget. Enjoy a hassle-free and comfortable journey with First Great Western Service for a memorable trip from Cardiff to Reading.

Departure Point

Cardiff Central station

Arrival Point

Reading station

Useful tips for train travellers

• Onboard catering on the train service from Cardiff to Reading varies by operator, with Great Western Railway (GWR) offering a First Class dining service, including complimentary meals and refreshments. In Standard Class, there’s a snack trolley service with options like sandwiches, crisps, and hot beverages. You can check the daily menu on their website before your journey.

• There are different seating options available for your journey. Great Western Railway provides First Class and Standard Class seating. First Class seats offer more space, greater comfort, and complimentary refreshments. Standard Class seats are comfortable but more basic. Be sure to reserve your preferred seating when booking your tickets through the GWR website.

• Multiple operators serve the Cardiff to Reading route, primarily Great Western Railway (GWR) and Transport for Wales. You can visit their websites for schedules and ticket booking: GWR (gwr.com) and Transport for Wales (tfw.wales).

🚌 Travelling from Cardiff to Reading by bus involves a journey with a transfer, taking approximately 3 hours and 1 minute 🕒. The services are operated by FlixBus, departing from Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music and arriving at Bridge Street via Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride 🚌. 💷 The prices for a bus ticket between Reading and Cardiff range from £16 to £21, providing a cost-effective option for your travel needs 💰.

Departure Point

Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music station

Arrival Point

Reading station

Useful tips for bus travellers

• Make sure to check the FlixBus schedule in advance, as services from Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music may not run frequently throughout the day; you can find the timetable and book tickets on their website: FlixBus.

• When traveling from Cardiff to Reading, you will need to transfer at Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride; ensure you have a few minutes to switch buses, and keep an eye on departure times so you don’t miss your connecting bus.

• Upon arriving at Reading Station, follow the signs to the main concourse for easy navigation; the station is centrally located and provides access to various local transport options, including buses and taxis; for further assistance, check out the station map available here: Reading Station Map.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Cardiff to Reading.

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The distance between Cardiff and Reading is approximately 154.5 km, with a road distance of 177.8 km. If you prefer to travel by train, it typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes to reach Reading from Cardiff. By car, the journey from Cardiff to Reading usually takes around 1 hour and 55 minutes. Alternatively, if you opt for a bus, it typically takes around 3 hours to reach Reading from Cardiff.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Cardiff to Reading is the night bus, which takes around 3 hours and costs £14-£20. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option is to take the train, which takes only 1 hour and 25 minutes but costs £47-£110.

When traveling from Cardiff to Reading, the prices for a train ticket can vary from £47 to £110. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between Reading and Cardiff range from £14 to £20.

To travel from Cardiff to Reading without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 177.0 km, which takes approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes. The road trip offers the convenience of personal freedom and flexibility, allowing you to explore the scenic routes at your own pace. The cost of this journey by car may vary between £28 and £43, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.

The best way to travel from Cardiff to Reading without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes and costs between £47 and £110.

Yes, there is a direct link between Cardiff and Reading. The most convenient mode of transportation is by train, which takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. Trains depart hourly from Cardiff Central station and arrive at Reading station. Alternatively, there is also a bus service operated by Megabus UK, which takes around 3 hours to reach Reading from Cardiff University Park Place.

There are numerous options for accommodation near Reading. With over 982 hotels available, there is something for every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in the area start at £38.