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Outbound fromReading to Cardiff Central by train
It takes an average of 1h 40m to travel from Reading to Cardiff Central by train, over a distance of around 95 miles (153 km). There are normally 42 trains per day travelling from Reading to Cardiff Central and tickets for this journey start from £25.50 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:49 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:27 | |
| Departure station | Reading | |
| Arrival station | Cardiff Central | |
| Journey time | From 1h 21m | |
| Distance | 95 miles (153 km) | |
| Frequency | 42 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £25.50 | |
| Train operators |
How to travel from Reading to Cardiff Central by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Reading to Cardiff Central? Look no further.
You'll usually find 42 trains per day running between Reading and Cardiff Central, which usually take 1 hour 40 minutes to complete the 95 miles (153 km) journey. It can take as little as 1 hour 21 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. As soon as you board the train, you'll be able to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey as there are direct services available. Great Western Railway trains are the main operator of services on this route, so you're likely to travel with them for all or at least part of your journey to Cardiff Central.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Reading to Cardiff Central start from £25.50 when you book in advance. Travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard can also help you save.
Keen to book your train tickets to Cardiff Central? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable with live train times above, and tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs further down the page.
FAQs about the train journey from Reading to Cardiff Central
Want to know more about your journey from Reading to Cardiff Central? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Is there a direct train from Reading to Cardiff Central?
How far is Cardiff Central from Reading by train?
Can I get from Reading to Cardiff Central without flying?
What is the best way to get from Reading to Cardiff Central?
When is the first train from Reading to Cardiff Central?
When is the last train from Reading to Cardiff Central?
How often do trains run from Reading to Cardiff Central?
How far in advance can I book tickets from Reading to Cardiff Central?
Looking for a return trip from Reading to Cardiff Central?
Cheap train tickets from Reading to Cardiff Central
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 Reading to Cardiff Central 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.