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Reading to London Paddington train ticket prices
€25.86
On Wed 16
Reading to London Paddington train timetable
Journey from Reading to London Paddington on the fastest train in 23m, usually 29m. Every day, 181 trains leave from Reading, starting at 00:05 and ending at 21:30. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
11:20 Reading | 26m, Direct | 11:46 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
11:28 Reading | 24m, Direct | 11:52 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
11:29 Reading | 54m, Direct | 12:23 London Paddington | Elizabeth line | Find tickets |
11:36 Reading | 23m, Direct | 11:59 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
11:39 Reading | 2h 4m, 1 change | 13:43 London Paddington | South 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?
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 €25.86 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 Overground 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?
Ticket prices from Reading to London Paddington average around €25.86, 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.
How do I find the best train route from Reading to London Paddington?
What is the fastest train from Reading to London Paddington?
The quickest train journey from Reading to London Paddington 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 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, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
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
How do I find Reading to London Paddington train timetables?
Reading to London Paddington 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 Paddington trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Reading to London Paddington 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
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?
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 route from Reading to London Paddington is operated by Great Western Railway. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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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
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee 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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