No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Reading to London Paddington train ticket prices
€25.44
On Sat 04 Apr
Reading to London Paddington train timetable
Travelling from Reading to London Paddington, the fastest train takes 23m with an average travel time of 27m. With 243 daily trains, the first departs at 00:05 and the last at 23:48. Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 on weekdays, and all-day Off-Peak on weekends and bank holidays. Keep informed of live train status, times, delays, and cancellations with us.
| 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 | 2h 8m, 1 change | 10:47 London Paddington | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
Reading to London Paddington train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Reading to London Paddington 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.
Great Western Railway vs Elizabeth Line: Which should you choose?
Two services connect Reading to London Paddington: GWR and the Elizabeth line. It’s a 34-mile journey that takes just 20 to 50 minutes, passing through the Thames Valley. It follows the historic railway engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1838, from Reading's newly renovated station to London's Paddington, with its iconic Victorian terminus.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Great Western Railway | 23m | Reading | Commuters and business travellers heading directly to Paddington or beyond. | First Class option, Wi-Fi and roomy seat |
Elizabeth Line | 50m | Reading | Heading to central London stations beyond Paddington, budget-friendly | Stops at 10 stations in central London, high-frequency |
- Great Western Railway is the overall fastest and most comfortable option to reach Paddington. The trip only takes about 20 minutes, with tables on all fares to get some work done while commuting
- Elizabeth Line is a good option if you are heading toward central London beyond Paddington. It’s generally cheaper than GWR with several trains throughout the day.
Train travel from Reading to London Paddington
Reach London in just about 20 minutes, travelling on Brunel's original Great Western Main Line through the Thames Valley.
Reading: Getting to the Platform
Reading is a busy rail interchange, serving nearly 20 million passengers annually. The station has 15 platforms in total. Platforms 1–7 are reached directly from the main concourse, while Platforms 8–15 are accessed via a footbridge with escalators and lifts.
There is no First Class lounge at Reading, and no luggage storage facilities are available at the station. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station, and a wide range of retail outlets and cafés are located within the concourse area.
Onboard trains from Reading to London Paddington
GWR's modern Hitachi Class 800 and 802 trains on this route are among the most comfortable in the UK. All services feature modern seating , tables, and Wi-Fi. The journey is brief but swift, and many business travellers use the time to work, with high-speed internet and electrical charging making it easy to remain productive on the go.
The scenic side
As the train departs Reading, the landscape transitions from suburban areas into the river valley, with periodic glimpses of the River Thames visible through windows on the southern side of the train. The line passes through Maidenhead railway bridge with its Victorian arches.
Key landmarks
The Maidenhead Railway Bridge is the main beauty along the way, recognisable by its flat arches and red bricks. Further towards London, look out for the historic Wharncliffe Viaduct as the train enters West London.
Arriving at London Paddington
London Paddington today welcomes an estimated 60,000 passengers every day. The station is also famous for its connection to the beloved Paddington Bear children's book series.
The correct exit
- Eastbourne Terrace Exit: A quieter exit on the north side of the station, useful for pre-booked taxis and drop-off points.
- Taxi Deck: The taxi rank is situated above Platform 12, accessed via escalators and lifts from the concourse — with a covered marshalled rank and separate collection point for pre-booked cabs.
Onward Travel
- The Heathrow Express also departs from Paddington, reaching Heathrow Airport in just 15 minutes.
Walkability
Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Regent's Canal are all within easy walking distance of Paddington.
Reading to London Paddington train travel guide
Travelling by train from Reading to London Paddington is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Reading, you can reach London Paddington in just 23m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Reading to London Paddington?
The average fare from Reading to London Paddington is approximately €25.44, 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.
How do I find the best train route from Reading to London Paddington?
What is the fastest train from Reading to London Paddington?
The fastest train journey time from Reading to London Paddington 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 Paddington?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Reading to London Paddington. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Reading to London Paddington?
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?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Reading to London Paddington train timetables?
Reading to London Paddington 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?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
Do Reading to London Paddington trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Reading to London Paddington route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
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?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by 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?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the Reading to London Paddington route?
The train from Reading to London Paddington is operated by Elizabeth line. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
-
Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
-
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.
-
Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
-
Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
-
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 Paddington 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?
More train routes
* 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.
New user welcome pack