Is there a cheaper travel option other than the firstminute train fares between Between cardiff and reading?

Answer 1

Look at buying singles between, say, Cardiff and Bristol Parkway, and from Bristol Parkway to Reading. For such "shorter" journeys you can usually get cheap day singles/returns rather than a long distance saver fare. The only rule against such ticket combinations is that the train *must* stop at the station where you change from one ticket to another - you do not need to get off the train, or to change trains.

Answer 2

I very much doubt it. These are the special book in advance tickets issued by the train operating company in question, First Great Western. They offer discounts of between 15% and 60%. The trouble is, i bet none are available when you want to travel!