Cardiff, South Glamorgan to Reading, Berkshire from $20: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Cardiff 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.
$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.
See more options
Compare prices for your selected dates
| Type | Mo 03/02 | Tu 04/02 | We 05/02 | Th 06/02 | Fr 07/02 | Sa 08/02 | Su 09/02 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $14 | $33 | $10 | $13 | $13 | $13 | $11 |
| Train | $33 | $33 | $33 | $34 | $22 | $57 | $34 |
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.
Contact phone
+44 3457 000 125Website
https://www.gwr.com/
Train from Cardiff Central to Reading
Average Duration
1h 24mEstimated price
$65-140Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk
Bus from Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music to Reading
Average Duration
2h 30mEstimated price
$17-24Cardiff 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.
Or choose the category:
The distance between Cardiff and Reading is approximately 96 miles, or 110.5 miles by road. By train, it takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes to travel from Cardiff to Reading. If you prefer to drive, the journey takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes. Taking a bus is the longest option, with an estimated travel time of 3 hours.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Cardiff to Reading is taking the night bus, which costs £14-£20 and takes around 3 hours. However, if time-efficiency is a priority, the quickest option is to take the train, which costs £47-£110 and takes only 1 hour and 25 minutes. Both options provide convenient and reliable transportation between the two cities, allowing travelers to choose based on their specific priorities. It is advisable to consider factors such as budget and time constraints when selecting the most suitable mode of transportation for the journey.
The prices for a train ticket from Cardiff to Reading range from £47 to £110, depending on the class and time of travel. On the other hand, the bus ticket prices for the journey from Reading to Cardiff range from £14 to £20. It is advisable to check for any promotional offers or discounts available to get the best possible price for your trip.
To travel from Cardiff to Reading without using public transportation, you can consider driving. The distance between the two cities is approximately 110 miles, and it takes around 1 hour and 55 minutes to drive from Cardiff to Reading. The cost for this option can vary between £27 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 taking a train. The journey typically takes 1 hour and 25 minutes and the cost ranges from £47 to £110. Is a convenient and efficient option for those looking to travel between the two cities.
Yes, there is a direct link between Cardiff and Reading. First Great Western Service operates a train service that departs from Cardiff Central station and arrives at Reading station. The journey on the train takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. Alternatively, Megabus UK operates a bus service that departs from Cardiff University Park Place and arrives at Reading Bagnall Way/Station Rd. The bus journey takes about 3 hours. Both options provide direct transportation between the two cities.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Reading with over 982 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in Reading start at £38 per night. Visitors to Reading can find a range of lodging options to suit their preferences and budget, from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best available rates and desired amenities.