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Formby to Reading by train

First train

07:27

Last train

16:20

Departure station

Formby

Arrival station

Reading

Journey time

From 4h 10m

Distance

170 miles (273 km)

Frequency

11 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, Merseyrail

About the train journey from Formby to Reading

Want to travel from Formby to Reading by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Formby to Reading usually takes 4 hours 26 minutes on average to travel 170 miles (273 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 4 hours 10 minutes. You can expect to find 11 trains per day running on this popular route. You'll need to make 2 changes during the journey to Reading, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. During your journey, you're likely to be travelling with TransPennine Express, Merseyrail or CrossCountry, as these are the main train operators on this route.

You can save money on train tickets from Formby to Reading if you book in advance, travel Off-Peak – tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends – or get a Railcard and save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

If you want to know more about the journey, scroll up for timetables and live train times, or keep reading for tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Formby to Reading? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Formby to Reading take?

The average journey time by train between Formby and Reading is 4 hours and 26 minutes, with around 11 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Formby and Reading by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Formby to Reading is 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Formby to Reading?

No, there are no direct train services from Formby to Reading. Travelling from Formby to Reading by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

What time does the first train from Formby to Reading leave?

The first train from Formby to Reading leaves at 07:27. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Formby to Reading leave?

The last train from Formby to Reading leaves at 16:20. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Formby and Reading by train?

Trains travelling from Formby to Reading cover a distance of around 170 miles (273 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Reading to Formby.

Cheap train tickets from Formby to Reading

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Formby to Reading is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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