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St Helens to Reading by train
| First train | 05:28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 00:08 | |
| Departure station | St Helens | |
| Arrival station | Reading | |
| Journey time | From 3h 56m | |
| Distance | 157 miles (252 km) | |
| Frequency | 7 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train operators | CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, TransPennine Express, South Western Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Southern |
About the train journey from St Helens to Reading
Want to travel from St Helens to Reading by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from St Helens to Reading usually takes 5 hours 25 minutes on average to travel 157 miles (252 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 3 hours 56 minutes. You can expect to find 7 trains per day running on this popular route. You'll need to make 1 change 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 Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway or Transport for Wales, as these are the main train operators on this route.
You can save money on train tickets from St Helens 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 St Helens 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 St Helens to Reading take?
The average journey time by train between St Helens and Reading is 5 hours and 25 minutes, with around 7 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 St Helens and Reading by train?
The fastest journey time by train from St Helens to Reading is 3 hours and 56 minutes.
Is there a direct train from St Helens to Reading?
No, there are no direct train services from St Helens to Reading. Travelling from St Helens to Reading by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from St Helens to Reading leave?
The first train from St Helens to Reading leaves at 05:28. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from St Helens to Reading leave?
The last train from St Helens to Reading leaves at 00:08. 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 St Helens and Reading by train?
Trains travelling from St Helens to Reading cover a distance of around 157 miles (252 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Reading to St Helens.
Cheap train tickets from St Helens 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 St Helens 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.