Is Reading a good place to visit?

Yes, it has a great mix of history, shopping, and riverside walks.

How long is the train journey?

Approximately 5.5 hours including transfers.

Are there direct trains?

No, you will need to change in London.

What is the best route by car?

The M6/M40 route is usually the most direct.

No, there are no direct ferries from Cumbria to Reading.

Keswick

Reading

Train Driving

Keswick to Reading

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Keswick to Reading is a long-distance trip of approximately 400 kilometers. By car, you will travel south on the M6, then transition to the M40 or M1/M25 to reach the Thames Valley. By train, the most common route is to travel to London Euston and then take a connecting service to Reading. This journey takes you from the mountainous Lake District to the bustling commuter town of Reading in the south of England.

Total Distance: 400 km driving distance; 350 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest, taking approximately 5 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally more cost-effective for groups.

Compare Keswick to Reading Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	5 hours 30 mins	5 hours
Avg Price	110-220 GBP	80-140 GBP
Operator	Avanti West Coast / GWR	N/A
Route	Bus to Penrith, train to London Euston, tube to Paddington, train to Reading.	M6 South, M40 South, A329(M) to Reading.
Tip	The Elizabeth Line is a fast way to get from central London to Reading.	The M25 can be very busy; consider the M40 route to avoid it.

Travel Tips

London Transfer
Allow plenty of time for the transfer between London Euston and Paddington.
Traffic
The M40 is generally better than the M1 for reaching Reading.
Booking
Book train tickets well in advance to avoid high prices.
Parking
Reading has several large car parks; check for pre-booking options.
Weather
Southern England is generally warmer than Cumbria.