Birmingham New Street to Reading by Train
Traveling by train to Reading from Birmingham New Street is usually a pleasant, relaxing and scenic journey.
As with all rail travel in the United Kingdom unless you book your ticket far in advance the price of your train ticket to Reading from Birmingham New Street could be rather costly, especially if you book to travel during peak times.
However, by using this journey planner to check train times and compare Birmingham New Street to Reading train ticket prices, even just before you travel, you could still find availability of the cheapest advance fare train tickets, more so if you are able to change your departure time to be a few minutes earlier or later.
Birmingham New Street to Reading Train Timetables
Both personalised and comprehensive train timetables for trains operating between Birmingham New Street and Reading may be viewed and downloaded here.
Reading Train Stations
Reading Railway Station is a major transport hub in Berkshire, serving as a critical interchange between London, the South of England, the Midlands, and the West Country. It is one of the UK’s busiest stations outside London, with excellent rail and cross-country connections.
Reading Station Services & Operators
Reading is served by multiple operators, providing high-frequency services to key destinations:
- Great Western Railway (GWR): Fast services to London Paddington (~25 mins via Elizabeth line or GWR express). Long-distance routes to Bristol, Cardiff, Swansea, and Penzance. Commuter services to Oxford, Newbury, and Didcot Parkway.
- CrossCountry: Direct trains to Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, and Edinburgh.
- South Western Railway (SWR): Services to Waterloo via Staines and Ascot.
- Elizabeth line (TfL): Connects Reading to Central London (Bond Street, Liverpool Street) and Essex (Shenfield).
Reading Station Features
Opened in 1840 by the Great Western Railway (GWR) and rebuilt multiple times, with the current modern station dating from 2013–2015 as part of a GBP900m redevelopment featuring a striking glass-fronted concourse and improved passenger facilities.
Reading Station Facilities & Accessibility
- Ticket offices & self-service machines
- Step-free access (lifts & escalators to all platforms)
- Shops, cafes, and lounges (including WHSmith, Costa, and a First Class lounge)
- Bicycle storage & car park (over 1,000 spaces)
- Taxi rank & bus interchange (local and National Express services)
- Waiting areas & real-time departure boards
Reading Station is a vital transport hub, seamlessly connecting London, the Thames Valley, and long-distance UK destinations. Its modern facilities and strategic location make it essential for business, leisure, and commuter travel.
IMPORTANT: If you use this journey planner to book your Birmingham New Street to Reading train journey your ticket will include travel on any other trains, including the London Underground, that you may need take to reach your final destination. You will not need to purchase any additional tickets.
Birmingham New Street Station Information
As your train journey to Reading begins in Birmingham New Street you may find the following information useful:
Train Operators Serving Birmingham New Street
Facilities at Birmingham New Street Railway Station:
- Toilets
- Shops
- Ticket Office
Car Parking at Birmingham New Street Train Station
- NCP Birmingham (0.1 mi, paid)
Birmingham New Street Station Address
- Stephenson Street, B2 4NY
