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Reading to London train ticket prices
£18.10
On Sun 17 May
Reading to London train timetable
Journey from Reading to London on the fastest train in 23m, usually 29m. Every day, 284 trains leave from Reading, starting at 00:16 and ending at 23:52. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
16:18 Reading | 25m, Direct | 16:43 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:27 Reading | 27m, Direct | 16:54 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:30 Reading | 27m, Direct | 16:57 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:31 Reading | 54m, Direct | 17:25 London Paddington | Elizabeth line | Find tickets |
16:35 Reading | 25m, Direct | 17:00 London Paddington | Great 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 | London Paddington | 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 | London Waterloo | 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.
Reading to London train travel guide
Travelling by train from Reading to London is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Reading, you can reach London 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?
Ticket prices from Reading to London average around £18.10, 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.
What is the best way to travel from Reading to London by train?
What is the fastest train from Reading to London?
The quickest train journey from Reading to London 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 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?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are Reading to London trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
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?
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 Reading to London trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Reading to London 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 route?
The train from Reading to London 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
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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
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
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals 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 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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