Reading Station is situated in the city of Reading in Berkshire. There are famous landmarks nearby, including Basildon Park, Silchester Roman City Walls, and Reading Abbey Ruins.
Reading Station is the 29th busiest train station in the UK and the 8th busiest station outside of London, serving 16.7 million passengers in 2019-20.
Reading Station was originally opened in March 1940 as the western terminus of the Great Western Railway. Between 1865 and 1867 a new station incorporating a tower and clock was built for the Great Western Railway. In July 2014 a substantial redevelopment of the station totalling over £400m was completed.
Trains from Reading Station run across the country to major cities including Newcastle, Southampton, and Manchester. Inter-city trains are operated by CrossCountry with Great Western Railway operating regional trains, South Western Railway operate trains from Reading to London Waterloo. Reading Station is the terminus station of the new Elizabeth Line which runs to London Paddington station.
Station Area Map
Reading Station is located to the North West of the town of Reading, just to the south of the River Thames. Reading Station is located on Station Hill with the main entrance on Blagrave Street, the station car park can be reached from North Street. Reading Station is managed by Network Rail and is the only mainline station in the town of Reading. Reading Museum, Thames LIDO, and The Museum for English Rural Life are all within a short walk from Reading Station.
Reading Station is a terminus station of the Great Western Main Line operated by Great Western Railway which runs from London Paddington to Reading. Four operating companies CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway and Transport for London run trains from and to Reading Station.
Hotels Near Reading Train Station
Premier Inn Reading Central Hotel
Hotel ibis Reading Centre
Hilton Reading
Station Details and Facilities
Address
Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ
General Information
Reading Station Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday 05:15 – 22:45
- Saturday 05:30 – 22:45
- Sunday 07:15 – 22:45
Ticket Buying and Collection
You can book cheap train tickets to Reading with Split My Fare. You will have the option to receive e-Tickets via email or collect your tickets from the self-service ticket machines at Reading Station. Any queries can be answered at the ticket office.
Passenger Services
Items Left on a Train
Contact the train company.
Items Handed In at the Station
Contact First Great Western 0345 7000 125 (Monday to Friday 08:00–20:00; weekend 09:00–17:00).
Station Facilities
ATMs
There are ATMs on the main concourse. There is also a cash machine on the transfer deck/Bridge.
Pay Phones
On the main concourse.
Post Box
Shops
Trolleys
Trolleys are available. A £1 coin deposit is refunded when the trolley is returned.
Waiting Room
Platforms 7b, 8–9a, 8–9b, 10–11b, 12–13a and b, 14–15a and b.
There are benches on most platforms.
Water Fountains
There are two water fountains at the station:
Next to the toilet opposite platform 1.
Next to the toilet opposite platform 8/9.
Public Transport
Bus
There are bus stops on both sides of the station.
Taxi
There are taxi ranks outside the city centre and Caversham exits.
Airports
Gatwick
Regular direct trains.
Heathrow
RailAir operates a frequent coach service.
Accessibility
Accessible Toilets
Main concourse (Radar key required)
Induction Loop
All ticket office counters have induction loops.
Ramp for Train Access
A ramp for train access is available.
Staff Assistance
Staff assistance is available; please request assistance from any member of staff if you have not booked assistance in advance.
Step-Free Access
There is step-free access to all platforms via lifts and a bridge, and access to the ticket office is also step-free.
Wheelchairs
Assistance staff have access to wheelchairs for use around the station.
Toilets
- Main concourse (Radar key required for accessible cubicle)
- Waiting room, platform 7b
- Waiting room, platforms 8a–9a
- Platforms 12b–13b
- Platforms 14b–15b
Baby Changing Facilities
- Main concourse – accessible by wheelchair users. Radar key required (or ask a member of staff)
- Waiting room, platforms 8a-9a
Ticket Office
Located in the ticket hall.
Opening Hours:
- Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45
- Saturday 05:30 - 22:45
- Sunday 07:15 - 22:45
Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only:
- Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00
- Sun 09:00 - 20:00
WiFi
Free public WiFi available.
Parking
There is a long stay car park, a short stay underground car park, and a short stay multi storey car park available at the station.
Accessible Parking
Four Blue Badge spaces are available. The normal tariff applies.
Bicycle Facilities
Outside the city centre entrance
In the underground short stay car park
In the long stay car park
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reading train station called?
Reading train station is also known as Reading Railway Station.
How many stations are there in Reading?
Reading Station is the only mainline railway station in Reading.
Where do I pick up from Reading station?
The pick up point at Reading Station is in the short stay underground car park.
Is Reading a GWR station?
GWR trains regularly arrive at and depart from Reading Station.
Is Reading a big station?
Reading Station is a fairly big station with 15 platforms in total.