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Reading to London train ticket prices
€21.82
On Sat 04 Apr
Reading to London train timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
08:29 Reading | 55m, Direct | 09:24 London Paddington | Elizabeth line | Find tickets |
08:30 Reading | 24m, Direct | 08:54 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
08:33 Reading | 24m, Direct | 08:57 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
08:35 Reading | 24m, Direct | 08:59 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
08:39 Reading | 1h 35m, 1 change | 10:14 Vauxhall | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
Reading to London train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Reading to London with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
CrossCountry vs Great Western Railway vs South Western Railway: Which should you choose?
If you’re planning on taking the train to the capital from Reading, you have different companies and even arrival stations to choose from. See how each operator compares and buy cheap train tickets for the service that best suits you.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Arrival station | Best for | Feature services |
Great Western Railway (GWR) | 30m | Business, speed, First Class seating | Free WiFi, generous luggage allowance | |
Elizabeth line | 54m | London Paddington | Budget, travelling light | Free WiFi |
South Western Railway (SWR) | 1h 25m | Budget, students | Direct to South Bank of River Thames |
- Great Western Railway (GWR) runs the fastest Reading to London train with minimal waiting time between services (up to 11 trains an hour). It’s also the only operator with First Class carriages.
- Elizabeth line services run along the same line as GWR with more intermediate stops. It is often cheaper, but has fewer amenities for long-distance journeys. The walk-through trains are mostly fitted with longitudinal metro-style seating without tray tables. There are also no luggage racks or toilets on board.
- South Western Railway (SWR) is the only operator running direct trains up to twice an hour from Reading to London Waterloo. If Waterloo is your final stop, you won’t have to change trains.
Train travel from Reading to London
Breeze from Reading to London like a local. Here’s your cheat sheet for making this 37-mile (59-kilometre) journey seamless.
Reading: Getting to the platform
Conveniently adjacent to the town centre, you can easily reach Reading station on foot or by bus. Board a direct route to the station or Station Road. Taxi drop-off points include the northern entrance, station forecourt and Station Hill.
- Platform guide: Reading station has 15 platforms. From Station Hill, Forbury Road or the Apex Plaza, platforms 1–3 and 4–6 are located on opposite ends of the concourse. Use the footbridge to reach platforms 8–15, where you’ll typically find trains from Reading to London. Most Elizabeth line services use platform 13 or 14. Double-check the departure boards and leave enough time to use the stairs, escalators or lifts to reach your platform.
- Pre-departure treats: If you’re taking a longer service into the capital, you may want to grab some snacks for the train. Reading station has a range of eateries and shops to keep you covered, from M&S and Delice de France to WHSmith.
On board trains from Reading to London
No matter which route you choose, you’ll catch glimpses of suburban scenery from the train window.
- Views from your seat: A Reading to London train operated by GWR or Elizabeth line traverses charming countryside on the way to the city. Services zip through the White Waltham Airfield before Maidenhead and the lush green corridor between Langley Park Country Park and Richings Park after Slough. Grab a seat on the right facing the front of the train. The SWR route offers a relaxed journey through suburban towns. Sit on the left side for views over Bedfont Lakes Country Park and the River Thames.
- Trolley service: GWR is the only operator with onboard catering, and refreshments are free when you travel from Reading to London first class. Given the short journey time, you may not be able to get served on the train. First Class ticket holders can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks in the GWR First Class lounge upon arrival.
Arriving at London Paddington
GWR and Elizabeth line trains terminate at London Paddington station, located in the northwestern corner of central London.
- Which exit? Follow signs to the main exit on Praed Street for buses, shops and the Alexander Fleming Museum. Many offices are situated near the Eastbourne Terrace exit, which is also step-free. To catch a cab or reach the Regent’s Canal, go up to the Paddington Basin and Bishops Bridge Road exit from the platform level.
- First Class lounge: If you purchased a Reading to London First Class ticket, you have one hour’s access to the lounge on platform 1. Charge your devices, use the free WiFi or showers or snack on the complimentary refreshments.
- Onward travel: All exits offer access to local bus routes. Passengers hopping off a GWR train can change for the Elizabeth line by platform 1. The Bakerloo, Circle and District lines on the London Underground are near platform 5 on the main concourse. On the upper level, a separate Tube station near Paddington Basin connects you to eastbound Circle and Hammersmith & City line trains. The Paddington Basin exit also has a taxi rank.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Reading to London train travel guide
The train journey from Reading to London combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Reading, you can get to London in just 23m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Reading to London?
The average fare from Reading to London is approximately €21.82, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
What is the best way to travel from Reading to London by train?
What is the fastest train from Reading to London?
The fastest train journey time from Reading to London is 23m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
Are there direct trains from Reading to London?
No, there are no direct trains from Reading to London. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from Reading to London?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Reading to London train timetables?
Reading to London trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Reading to London trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Reading to London are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the Reading to London route?
The route from Reading to London is operated by Elizabeth line. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
How to buy cheap Reading to London train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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