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CrossCountry
TransPennine Express

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St Helens to Reading by train

First train

06:09

Last train

00:09

Departure station

St Helens

Arrival station

Reading

Journey time

From 3h 42m

Distance

157 miles (252 km)

Frequency

23 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales

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 57 minutes on average to travel 157 miles (252 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 3 hours 42 minutes. You can expect to find 23 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, Transport for Wales or TransPennine Express, 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!

FAQs about the train journey from St Helens to Reading

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 do you get to Reading from St Helens?

To travel to Reading from St Helens, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 5 hours and 57 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 3 hours and 42 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from St Helens to Reading?

Trains from St Helens to Reading take an average of 5 hours and 57 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 3 hours and 42 minutes. You'll usually find 23 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between St Helens and Reading by train?

The quickest journey time between St Helens and Reading by train is 3 hours and 42 minutes.

Are there direct trains from St Helens to Reading?

No, there are no direct trains running from St Helens to Reading, you’ll usually need to make at least 1 change during the journey.

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.

† 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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