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Reading to London train ticket prices
Travelling from Reading to London by train? Advance Tickets can be as low as £18.10*, with average fares of £28.96. Benefit from Off-Peak train tickets, Return train tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Average
£28.96
From 14 Dec to 20 Dec
Cheapest
£18.10
On Sun 14 Dec
Reading to London train times
Travelling from Reading to London, the fastest train takes 23 minutes with an average travel time of 35 minutes. With 171 daily trains, the first departs at 00:10 and the last at 23:52. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
06:36 | 53 minutes, Direct | 07:29 | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:50 | 1 hour 43 minutes, Direct | 08:33 | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:53 | 52 minutes, Direct | 07:45 | Elizabeth line | Find tickets |
07:42 | 40 minutes, Direct | 08:22 | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:54 | 1 hour 39 minutes, Direct | 09:33 | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
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Reading to London Train journey information
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.
First train
00:10
Last train
23:52
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
23 minutes
Distance
37 miles (59km)
Price
From £18.10
Train operators
Direct train route from Reading to London
The direct train from Reading to London Paddington takes around 23 minutes and covers an average distance of 37 miles (59km). From 00:10 to 23:52, there are 171 trains running every day.
Departing from Reading
The best train from Reading to London departs from Reading Station, located on the Northern edge of the town centre. You can easily reach this station by train, bus, or taxi.
Reading railway station is a major transport hub, providing services operated by CrossCountry, GWR, South Western Railway and Elizabeth Line, Reading Station offers connections to London Paddington, Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, and many other destinations across the UK. The station is also a key interchange for local and regional services.
Main stops
The fastest train offers a direct route with no stops, ensuring a quick and efficient journey. In contrast, the slower train makes several stops, which may vary due to different times, train operators, and routes, including:
- Twyford
- Slough
- Iver
- Ealing Broadway
Arriving at London Paddington
The best train from Reading to London goes to London Paddington, which is located in the Paddington area of central London and connects with London Underground. It is convenient for travel by train, bus, taxi, bike or Underground through London Paddington Station. You can visit Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.
London Paddington is one of the major rail terminals in London, offering services operated by Great Western Railway, Heathrow Express, and the Elizabeth Line. It provides connections to various destinations, including Reading, Oxford, Shenfield, Bristol, Cardiff, and Heathrow Airport. The station is also well-served by London Underground lines, including the Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City lines.
GWR trains from Reading to London
Travel from Reading to London Paddington with GWR in around 30 minutes. The entire journey has no stops, and you will enjoy seamless scenery, from the green fields of the English countryside to the tall buildings in the city centre.
GWR covers South West England and Wales, offering high-speed trains to London, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Oxford and other destinations in between. Enjoy a premium travel experience with first-class amenities, including high-speed WiFi, complimentary meals, and First Class lounges.
GWR Standard Class
Basic facilities still satisfy your needs. Onboard services include:
- Free WiFi
- Plug sockets
- Comfy seats
GWR First Class
High-quality first-class services on board. Onboard services include:
- Free WiFi
- Plug sockets
- Quieter carriages
- Free food and drink
- First Class lounges
Travel with GWR
Quickly learn about the services on GWR to enjoy a comfortable journey.
- Luggage: Up to three items: two large and one small. Large items maximum 25x40x70 cm. Additional luggage may incur charges.
- Bicycles: Best to book ahead. Folding bikes anytime; full-size bikes are not allowed before 10:00 or 16:00-19:00 on weekdays.
- Children: Bring folding strollers; baby-changing facilities on all trains; priority boarding at London Paddington, 9am-5pm weekdays.
- Pets: Up to two dogs, cats, or other small domestic animals, for free. Dangerous or uncontrolled animals may be refused.
- Passenger Assist: Accessible toilets, ramps, wheelchair spaces, and priority seat cards are available on all trains.
Elizabeth Line trains from Reading to London
Travel from Reading to London Paddington with the Elizabeth Line in around an hour. The scenery along this route from Reading to London offers a mix of urban and suburban landscapes. You can see charming towns as well as bustling cityscapes.
Travel seamlessly through the heart of London on the Elizabeth Line, with rapid services from Reading and Heathrow Airport in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. Enjoy free WiFi, ample air conditioning, and energy-efficient lighting on every journey.
Elizabeth Line Standard Class
Basic facilities still satisfy your needs. Onboard services include:
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Energy-efficient lighting
Travel with Elizabeth Line
Quickly learn about Elizabeth Line services for a comfortable journey. Note: there are no toilets on the trains.
- Luggage: Up to three pieces of luggage, with dedicated spaces for them.
- Bicycles: Folding bikes anytime; full-size bikes before 07:30, after 09:30, weekends, and bank holidays.
- Children: Children under 11 travel for free, and you can take buggies on board.
- Pets: Up to 2 small pets with leads or pet carriers. Dangerous or uncontrolled animals may be refused.
- Passenger Assist: Wheelchair spaces in the fifth carriage; priority seats in every carriage.
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 23 minutes, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
1. Where can I buy the cheapest train tickets from Reading to London?
Looking for discounted train tickets? Use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also help you save. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal provides even more savings with split tickets and discount codes. Learn more about buying cheap train tickets in the UK.
2. What is the best way to travel from Reading to London by train?
Use TrainPal Train Journey Planner to enter your departure and destination points for routes, schedules, and prices. Compare Reading to London train prices for the best deals and book in advance for discounts. The TrainPal app offers real-time updates and ticket booking options. Explore the TrainPal app and start planning your journey!
3. What is the fastest train from Reading to London?
The fastest train journey time from Reading to London is 23 minutes . 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.
4. Are there direct trains from Reading to London?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Reading to London. 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.
Check timetables and during the journey
1. Are Reading to London trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Reading to London trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
2. 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.
3. 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
4. How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
Other things you might be interested
1. Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Yes, in the UK, students and seniors have access to various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard allows students to save up to 1/3 on most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy comparable savings. Both types of Railcards are available for purchase online or at train stations and are valid for one year, making them a valuable option for frequent travellers.
2. Can UK train 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 Train Tickets and Off-Peak train 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.
3. How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Save 1/3 with Railcards† from Reading to London
Family & Friends Railcard
£19.31
With Family & Friends Railcard
£28.96
Without
How to buy cheap Reading to London train tickets
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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.
* By combining Advance Ticket offers with split tickets, you’ll get lower fares when you book at least one week before travel (excluding Anytime fares bought on the day of travel). Availability depends on the specific route and cannot be combined with other promotions.
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