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London Waterloo to Reading train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
€19.70
On Sat 24
Live timetable and departures
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
09:12 London Waterloo | 59m, 1 change | 10:11 Reading | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
09:14 London Waterloo | 59m, 1 change | 10:13 Reading | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
09:24 London Waterloo | 1h 50m, Direct | 11:14 Reading | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
09:26 London Waterloo | 59m, 1 change | 10:25 Reading | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
09:27 London Waterloo | 1h 3m, 1 change | 10:30 Reading | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- 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
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- 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
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from London Waterloo
Address:
Station Approach, London, SE1 8SW, United Kingdom
Public Transport Links:
London Underground: Located in Fare Zone 1, the station is directly linked to Waterloo Tube station on the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines.
Bus: Hop on TfL routes and night buses from the main Victory Arch exit (stops A, B, C, V and W), Tenison Way (stops H, J and K) and Waterloo Road (stops D, E and F). Areas served include Holborn, Lambeth, Oxford Street and Elephant & Castle. The express Bakerloop service from stop D is a speedier way to get to Old Kent Road, New Cross and Lewisham.
River bus: Travel along the River Thames to and from the London Eye Waterloo Pier (a 6-minute walk from the station).
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: Licensed black cabs take passengers to and from the taxi rank on Waterloo Road.
Platforms:
24 in total, numbered 1-24 from left to right when viewed from the station entrance. Suburban trains on the South West Main Line generally use platforms 1-6 on the southeastern end of the station, while long-distance services usually depart from platforms 7-16 across the centre of the main concourse. Platforms 17-24 tend to be used by trains on the Waterloo to Reading line.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"The lower concourse is a great waiting area away from the crowds, with a Sainsbury’s Local and Black Sheep Coffee for quick refreshments, plenty of seats and tables and often another passenger playing on the station piano. If you’ve got loads of time to spare, check out more shops and eateries in The Sidings, a new retail space with exciting pop-ups and BrewDog’s flagship bar housing duckpin bowling lanes and a giant slide."
FAQs about London Waterloo Station
Where is London Waterloo station?
London Waterloo is in the Waterloo area in Lambeth, a short walk from the south bank of the River Thames.
Which Tube line is Waterloo station on?
Waterloo station is on the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines, together covering major residential, business and sightseeing areas. Passengers can take a direct shuttle to Bank on the Waterloo & City line. Other lines head to locations across northwest, central, east and south London, including Oxford Circus, Morden and Stratford.
Is Waterloo East and Waterloo the same station?
No, Waterloo East is a separate rail station, connected to London Waterloo via a walkway.
Is there food at Waterloo station?
Yes, choose from over 20 outlets, from West Cornish Pasty, Pret and M&S to Costa and other coffee shops.
What facilities are there at Waterloo station?
London Waterloo has plenty of shops and eateries, as well as a ticket office, toilets and left luggage facilities.
Arriving in Reading
Top Things to Do:
Explore Reading Abbey Ruins and discover the remains of a medieval royal monastery founded by Henry I.
Visit Reading Museum to see its full-size Victorian replica of the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
Stroll along the River Thames for peaceful waterside walks and picturesque views around Caversham.
Discover Basildon Park, a majestic Georgian mansion surrounded by beautiful Berkshire countryside.
Popular Areas in Reading:
Broad Street, Forbury Gardens, Kennet and Avon Canal, Prospect Park, The Oracle, Reading Town Centre
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Reading: Reading is surprisingly easy to explore on foot, particularly around the town centre and Abbey Quarter. If you're visiting during August, a very useful tip is to check whether your trip coincides with Reading Festival, as the town can become considerably busier and transport arrangements may change. For something different in the area, definitely take a walk towards Caversham and follow the Thames Path for a quieter side of Reading away from the main shopping streets."
FAQ
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How much is a train from London Waterloo to Reading?
Tickets from London Waterloo to Reading typically cost €37.03, but can be as cheap as €19.70 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from London Waterloo to Reading?
The journey should take, on average, 59m, though it can be as quick as 59m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from London Waterloo to Reading?
Yes, there is a direct train between London Waterloo and Reading. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from London Waterloo to Reading?
You can typically book tickets from London Waterloo to Reading up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do London Waterloo to Reading trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from London Waterloo to Reading are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is London Waterloo from Reading?
The distance between London Waterloo and Reading is approximately 38 miles (61km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from London Waterloo to Reading?
There is 9 train running from London Waterloo to Reading per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from London Waterloo to Reading?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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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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