Reading to London Trains From €22.36*

• 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.

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

• 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.