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Reading to Birmingham from $14: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Reading, United Kingdom
to
Birmingham, United Kingdom

How to Get from Reading to Birmingham: 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.

$14 by busBest price
132.6 kmDistance
1h 36m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Reading to Birmingham 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
CrossCountry
Train
Average Duration
1h  36m
Estimated price
$60-160
Recommended
Company
Megabus UK
Bus
Average Duration
2h  25m
Estimated price
$14-20
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 132.6 km
Duration: 1h 36m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  53m
Estimated price
$30-50

Traveling From Reading to Birmingham

The journey from Reading to Birmingham showcases a transformation from the serene charm of the Thames Valley to the vibrant urban energy of England's second-largest city.

Best Neighbourhoods in Birmingham

Birmingham’s neighborhoods offer diverse experiences that reflect the city's culture.

Jewellery Quarter
• Famous for its historical jewellery shops.
• Home to vibrant cafes and art galleries.
Digbeth
• Known for its street art and creative spaces.
• Features unique bars and trendy eateries.
Bournville
• Designed by Cadbury for chocolate factory workers.
• Offers lush green parks and picturesque streets.

Best Times To Visit Birmingham's Attractions

Timing your visits to Birmingham's attractions can significantly enhance your experience.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Visit mid-week in the morning for fewer crowds and a more intimate experience.
Cadbury World
Weekdays, particularly in the early afternoon, can help you avoid long queues.
Library of Birmingham
Early openings on weekends allow you to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

Birmingham Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Birmingham experiences a temperate maritime climate, featuring mild summers and cool, damp winters, with rain possible throughout the year. Planning your visit during late spring or early autumn can help maximize outdoor activities and sightseeing, as the weather tends to be the most pleasant.

Dining Recommendation in Birmingham

While Reading offers a cozy café culture, Birmingham's curry houses, like the bustling Adil's, serve up rich and aromatic dishes that reflect the city’s diverse culinary scene. The vibrant atmosphere and use of authentic local spices provide a dining experience that’s lively, flavorful, and distinctly different from what you might find in Reading.

Reading - Birmingham operators

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

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
0344 736 9123
Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/

Train from Reading to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration
1h 36m
Estimated price
$60-160
Bus Show bus routes
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Reading North Interchange to Birmingham Brunel Street

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$14-20

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

Traveling between Reading and Birmingham 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 journey from Reading to Birmingham by car, covering a driving distance of 154.5 km in just under 2 hours. 💷 Explore flexible pricing options ranging from £24 to £39 for a trip from Reading to Birmingham by car, making it a budget-friendly and convenient travel choice.
Average price
£23 - £39
🚆 Hop aboard the direct train from Reading to Birmingham New Street! Operating hourly and every day, this journey with CrossCountry takes around 1 hour and 36 minutes. 🎟️ Ticket prices for the Reading to Birmingham train range from £47 to £126.
Departure Point
Reading station
Arrival Point
Birmingham New Street station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services on the direct train operated by Avanti West Coast include a café bar offering a variety of hot and cold snacks, beverages, and light meals. If you're traveling First Class, complimentary refreshments are provided at your seat, so consider upgrading for a more comfortable experience.
• The train from Reading to Birmingham typically offers two standard seating options: Standard Class (Economy) and First Class. In Standard Class, you'll find standard seating with table options and power outlets. First Class provides more spacious seating, additional legroom, and quieter environments, making it ideal for business travelers. Check Avanti West Coast's website for the latest seating arrangements and options: Avanti West Coast.
• The main operators on the Reading to Birmingham route are Avanti West Coast and Great Western Railway. For more information and to book tickets, visit their websites: Avanti West Coast and Great Western Railway. Remember to check for the latest service updates closer to your travel date.
🚌 The journey from Reading to Birmingham by bus takes approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes with services departing every four hours and operating daily. 🚌 Travelers can expect bus ticket prices between £11 to £16 for the trip from Reading to Birmingham.
Departure Point
Reading North Interchange station
Arrival Point
Birmingham Brunel Street station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• To ensure a smooth journey, check the Megabus UK schedule in advance at Megabus UK, as services operate every four hours and you’ll want to secure your preferred departure time.
• Arriving at Birmingham Brunel Street station, take advantage of the nearby Grand Central shopping and dining options; it's just a short walk away and provides a great opportunity to grab a meal or do some shopping after your trip.
• If you're looking for alternative bus operators for your route, consider checking out National Express at National Express, as they may have different schedules that could suit your travel plans.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Reading to Birmingham.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Reading and Birmingham is 132.0 km by air or 155.1 km by road. By train, it typically takes 1 hour and 36 minutes to travel from Reading to Birmingham. If driving, the journey takes about 1 hour and 53 minutes. Alternatively, taking a bus would take approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes to reach Birmingham from Reading.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Reading to Birmingham is by bus, which takes 2 hours and 5 minutes and costs between £13 and £18. However, if time efficiency is important, the quickest way to reach Birmingham is by train, which takes 1 hour and 36 minutes, but can cost between £47 and £125.
The prices for a train journey from Reading to Birmingham range from £47 to £125, depending on factors such as ticket type and availability. On the other hand, the prices for a bus journey from Birmingham to Reading generally range from £13 to £18.
To travel from Reading to Birmingham without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 154.5 km in approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes. The cost of driving from Reading to Birmingham by car is usually between £23 and £39, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
The most convenient way to travel from Reading to Birmingham without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes and tickets can range from £47 to £125.
Yes, there is a direct link between Reading and Birmingham. One can take a train from Reading to Birmingham New Street, with services operating hourly and taking approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes. Alternatively, there is also a bus service available, departing twice daily and taking around 2 hours and 5 minutes to reach Birmingham Brunel Street from Reading Bagnall Way/Station Rd. Both options provide convenient transportation between the two cities.
There is a wide range of accommodation options available near Birmingham. With over 1554 hotels to choose from, there is something to suit every budget and preference. Prices for hotels start at £31 per night, allowing for affordable options for travelers.

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