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Reading to London Paddington train ticket prices
€23.23
On Tue 19 May
Reading to London Paddington train timetable
Journey from Reading to London Paddington on the fastest train in 23m, usually 29m. Every day, 295 trains leave from Reading, starting at 00:05 and ending at 23:50. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
10:35 Reading | 24m, Direct | 10:59 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
10:38 Reading | 39m, Direct | 11:17 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
10:39 Reading | 2h 2m, Direct | 12:41 London Paddington | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
10:43 Reading | 24m, Direct | 11:07 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
10:46 Reading | 26m, Direct | 11:12 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?
Two services connect Reading to London Paddington: GWR and the Elizabeth line. It’s a 34-mile journey that takes just 20 to 50 minutes, passing through the Thames Valley. It follows the historic railway engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1838, from Reading's newly renovated station to London's Paddington, with its iconic Victorian terminus.
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
- 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 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.
Reading to London Paddington train travel guide
Taking the train from Reading to London Paddington is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Reading, you can arrive at London Paddington in just 23m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Reading to London Paddington?
The average fare from Reading to London Paddington is approximately €23.23, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
What is the best way to travel from Reading to London Paddington by train?
What is the fastest train from Reading to London Paddington?
The fastest train journey time from Reading to London Paddington is 23m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Reading to London Paddington?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Reading to London Paddington. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Reading to London Paddington?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are Reading to London Paddington trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Reading to London Paddington 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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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
Which train companies operate the Reading to London Paddington route?
The train from Reading to London Paddington 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
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. 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
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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