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London Paddington to Reading train ticket prices
€25.04
On Thu 24
London Paddington to Reading train timetable
Journey from London Paddington to Reading on the fastest train in 23m, usually 29m. Every day, 166 trains leave from London Paddington, starting at 00:01 and ending at 19:07. During Off-Peak Times from 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter and less crowded journey. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
08:28 London Paddington | 58m, Direct | 09:26 Reading | Elizabeth line | Find tickets |
08:30 London Paddington | 23m, Direct | 08:53 Reading | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
08:32 London Paddington | 23m, Direct | 08:55 Reading | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
08:36 London Paddington | 40m, Direct | 09:16 Reading | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
08:38 London Paddington | 25m, Direct | 09:03 Reading | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
London Paddington to Reading train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London Paddington to Reading 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 is faster from London Paddington to Reading?
Taking the train from London Paddington to Reading is an efficient way to head west out of the capital. Choose between Great Western Railway and Elizabeth Line, weighing up factors like speed and cost. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest ticket or fastest time, we recommend the following options.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Great Western Railway | 23 mins | London Paddington | Business, Speed & First Class | First Class lounge experience, fastest direct route. |
Elizabeth Line | 55 mins | London Paddington | Modern Travel, Cheapest Capped Fares | Usually the cheapest fares. |
Train travel from London Paddington to Reading
London Paddington: Getting to the Platform
Forever known for its famous bear, you’ll set off from Britain’s third-busiest station. London Paddington is a great station to spend a comfortable time waiting for a train. Paddington also boasts world-leading accessibility features. Here’s what you need to know to get your journey started in style.
- On the Tube: Wherever you’re coming from in the capital, London Paddington is easy to reach on the London Underground. Board the Bakerloo Line from Regent’s Park or Charing Cross. If you’re in the east, you might hop on the Hammersmith & City, or Elizabeth lines. The District and Circle lines both take passengers directly to London Paddington too.
- A relaxing wait: Sit back and enjoy a comfortable wait for your train at London Paddington. Standard Class passengers can find a place to rest in ample seating areas, or visit the Paddington Bear statue for a fun selfie. If you’re travelling First Class, relax in premium comfort in London Paddington’s Lounge.
- Coffee stop: Get your caffeine hit before you board from a choice of drinks and snack destinations at London Paddington. If you’re looking for specialty lattes, try Caffe Nero in the middle of the station concourse. Alternatively, buy a nourishing meal at LEON, or pick up a pack of Percy Pig sweets from M&S.
Onboard trains from London Paddington to Reading
Your trip from London Paddington to Reading may be short, but you’ll pass green parks, iconic towns, reservoirs, quaint villages, and golf courses. Here’s what to look out for.
- The View Alert: For the greatest variety of landscapes, choose a seat on the Right-Hand Side of the carriage (facing West).
- Top attractions on the route: Between London and Reading, green spaces next to the railway abound. Look out for Herschel Park near Slough, all the way through to Dinton Pastures Country Park, and Winnersh Meadows just outside Reading.
Arriving at Reading
Step off the train and you’re already in the heart of Reading, nestled between the River Thames to the north and Reading Museum to the south.
- Arrival in Reading: A large station with more than a dozen platforms, you’ll find plenty to do before you get far! Head to station pub The Three Guineas in the main concourse for a traditional pub lunch.
- Getting out: Exit south onto Station Hill, where you’ll be well placed to reach top attractions like Reading Abbey Ruins in under 10 minutes. As a very walkable city, you can also head north into the Thames Quarter, where you can get to Kings Meadow, a spacious park alongside the River Thames.
- Buses from Reading Station: From the train station, board local buses operated by Reading Buses, Carousel Buses, Thames Travel, or RedRose. Fast connections around Reading and to surrounding villages await for a fully integrated travel experience.
Why book London Paddington to Reading trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from London Paddington to Reading start from just €25.04 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., Great Western Railway, Elizabeth line on the London Paddington to Reading route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
London Paddington to Reading train travel guide
Travelling by train from London Paddington to Reading is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London Paddington, you can reach Reading 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 London Paddington to Reading?
Ticket prices from London Paddington to Reading average around €25.04, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
How do I find the best train route from London Paddington to Reading?
What is the fastest train from London Paddington to Reading?
The quickest train journey from London Paddington to Reading takes 23m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
Are there direct trains from London Paddington to Reading?
No, there are no direct trains from London Paddington to Reading. 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 London Paddington to Reading?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
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 London Paddington to Reading train timetables?
While London Paddington to Reading trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from London Paddington to Reading is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do London Paddington to Reading trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London Paddington to Reading 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?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
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?
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 London Paddington to Reading route?
The London Paddington to Reading route is operated by Great Western Railway. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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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.
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Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap London Paddington to Reading train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* 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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