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Reading to London Paddington train ticket prices
£13.20
On Wed 9
Reading to London Paddington train timetable
From Reading to London Paddington, take the fastest train in 23m, typically 27m. Daily, 185 trains depart from Reading, with the first at 06:00 and the last at 22:46. During Off-Peak times starting at 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter space with fewer people. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. We save you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
22:58 Reading | 57m, Direct | 23:55 London Paddington | Elizabeth line | Find tickets |
23:09 Reading | 6h 45m, 2 change | 05:54 London Paddington | Elizabeth line | Find tickets |
23:12 Reading | 47m, Direct | 23:59 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
Reading to London Paddington train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Reading to London Paddington 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 should you choose?
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Great Western Railway | 23m | Reading | Commuters and business travellers heading directly to Paddington or beyond. | First Class option, Wi-Fi and roomy seat |
Elizabeth Line | 50m | Reading | Heading to central London stations beyond Paddington, budget-friendly | Stops at 10 stations in central London, high-frequency |
- Great Western Railway is the overall fastest and most comfortable option to reach Paddington. The trip only takes about 20 minutes, with tables on all fares to get some work done while commuting
- Elizabeth Line is a good option if you are heading toward central London beyond Paddington. It’s generally cheaper than GWR with several trains throughout the day.
Train travel from Reading to London Paddington
Reach London in just about 20 minutes, travelling on Brunel's original Great Western Main Line through the Thames Valley.
Reading: Getting to the Platform
Reading is a busy rail interchange, serving nearly 20 million passengers annually. The station has 15 platforms in total. Platforms 1–7 are reached directly from the main concourse, while Platforms 8–15 are accessed via a footbridge with escalators and lifts.
There is no First Class lounge at Reading, and no luggage storage facilities are available at the station. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station, and a wide range of retail outlets and cafés are located within the concourse area.
Onboard trains from Reading to London Paddington
GWR's modern Hitachi Class 800 and 802 trains on this route are among the most comfortable in the UK. All services feature modern seating , tables, and Wi-Fi. The journey is brief but swift, and many business travellers use the time to work, with high-speed internet and electrical charging making it easy to remain productive on the go.
The scenic side
As the train departs Reading, the landscape transitions from suburban areas into the river valley, with periodic glimpses of the River Thames visible through windows on the southern side of the train. The line passes through Maidenhead railway bridge with its Victorian arches.
Key landmarks
The Maidenhead Railway Bridge is the main beauty along the way, recognisable by its flat arches and red bricks. Further towards London, look out for the historic Wharncliffe Viaduct as the train enters West London.
Arriving at London Paddington
London Paddington today welcomes an estimated 60,000 passengers every day. The station is also famous for its connection to the beloved Paddington Bear children's book series.
The correct exit
- Praed Street Exit (Main Exit): The main entrance and exit on Praed Street is your most direct route to street level, taxis and buses.
- Eastbourne Terrace Exit: A quieter exit on the north side of the station, useful for pre-booked taxis and drop-off points.
- Taxi Deck: The taxi rank is situated above Platform 12, accessed via escalators and lifts from the concourse — with a covered marshalled rank and separate collection point for pre-booked cabs.
Onward Travel
The Underground is directly accessible within the station, serving the Bakerloo, District, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines, plus the Elizabeth line for fast connections across London.
- The Heathrow Express also departs from Paddington, reaching Heathrow Airport in just 15 minutes.
Walkability
Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Regent's Canal are all within easy walking distance of Paddington.
Why book Reading to London Paddington trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, 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 Reading to London Paddington start from just £13.20 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, South Western Railway, London Underground on the Reading to London Paddington route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Reading to London Paddington train travel guide
Travelling by train from Reading to London Paddington is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Reading, you can reach London Paddington 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 Paddington?
The average ticket fare from Reading to London Paddington is about £13.20, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
How do I find the best train route from Reading to London Paddington?
What is the fastest train from Reading to London Paddington?
The fastest train journey time from Reading to London Paddington is 23m . 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.
Are there direct trains from Reading to London Paddington?
No, there are no direct trains from Reading to London Paddington. 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 Paddington?
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?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are Reading to London Paddington trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While Reading to London Paddington 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 Reading to London Paddington 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 Reading to London Paddington trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Reading to London Paddington 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?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the 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 Paddington route?
The Reading to London Paddington 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
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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Bicycle
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules 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
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap Reading to London Paddington 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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