No booking fees on the app

No booking fees on the app

Best Price Promise

Best Price Promise

Delay Repay

Delay Repay

24/7 customer support

24/7 customer support

  1. Home
  2. Train Journey
  3. Reading to London Paddington

Reading to London Paddington train ticket prices

Travelling from Reading to London Paddington by train? Find fares from as low as £21.10. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards 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.
Cheapest

£21.10󰄽

On Sun 22 Feb

  • £22.20󰄽
    Wed18 Feb
  • £24.30󰄽
    Thu19 Feb
  • £22.10󰄽
    Fri20 Feb
  • £24.30󰄽
    Sat21 Feb
  • Sun22 Feb
  • £24.30󰄽
    Mon23 Feb
  • £21.10󰄽
    Tue24 Feb

Reading to London Paddington train timetable

Journey from Reading to London Paddington on the fastest train in 23m, usually 32m. Every day, 303 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.

DepartsArrivesOperator

08:50

Reading
37m, Direct

09:27

London Paddington
Great Western Railway
Find tickets

08:58

Reading
23m, Direct

09:21

London Paddington
Great Western Railway
Find tickets

08:58

Reading
58m, Direct

09:56

London Paddington
Elizabeth line
Find tickets

09:09

Reading
44m, Direct

09:53

London Paddington
Great Western Railway
Find tickets

09:09

Reading
1h 58m, 2 change

11:07

London Paddington
South Western Railway
Find tickets
View More Trains

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.

Price
From £21.10
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
35 miles (56km)
Journey time
23m
First train
00:05
Last train
23:50
Frequency
303

Direct train route from Reading to London Paddington

Reading and London Paddington are 35 miles (56km) apart. The direct train takes about 23m. Every day 303 trains run between Reading and London Paddington. The first train departs at 00:05, and the last train departs at 23:50. Check the latest schedule for train information.

Departing from Reading

The fastest train from Reading to London Paddington departs from Reading railway station, a key transport hub in Berkshire. Located on the Northern edge of the town centre, it is close to the main retail areas and the River Thames. The station is accessible by train, taxi, and bus.

Reading Station also provides services to destinations such as Dun Paddington, Oxford, Bristol, and Cardiff. The station is operated by Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, South Western Railway, and the Elizabeth Line, offering a wide range of travel options.

Main stops

The main stops on this route include:

  • Twyford
  • Maidenhead
  • Slough
  • Iver
  • and others.

Stops may vary depending on the operators, schedules, and routes.

Arriving at London Paddington

The speediest route from Reading to London Paddington arrives at London Paddington, situated on Praed Street in the Paddington district. The station is accessible by taxi, bus, underground, or bicycle.

London Paddington is operated by Great Western Railway, Elizabeth Line, and Heathrow Express, and the station also provides train services to cities like St Albans City, Plymouth, Bath Spa, Exeter St Davids, and others.

The London Underground's Bakerloo, Circle and District, Circle and Hammersmith & City, and Elizabeth Line all serve Paddington. These four lines are split between two distinct stations, requiring passengers to move between different platforms or areas to access each line.

In London Paddington, you can visit Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, dine at various eateries, and enjoy comedy shows and other entertainment.

Great Western Railway trains from Reading to London Paddington

The journey from Reading to London Paddington by Great Western Railway train takes around 23 minutes. This route brings you to explore the city's buildings and busy streets, enjoy the riverside views, mountain forests, and rural scenery, and experience the unique charm of diverse landscapes.

GWR, which was a British railway company, connected London with the regions of southwest, west, and West Midlands in England, as well as most parts of Wales. Improved connectivity between regions and facilitated passenger travel.

In addition, the train provides free WiFi, comfortable seating, plenty of luggage space, and a range of convenient amenities for passengers to enjoy.

Great Western Railway Standard Class

Provide comfortable seats, power sockets, and free WiFi.

Great Western Railway First Class

Enjoy more spacious seating, complimentary drinks and snacks, USB charging ports, and upgraded free WiFi. Experience access to a fully-equipped first-class lounge.

Travel with Great Western Railway

We offer information on luggage, bicycles, children, pets, and passenger assistance, for those travelling with Great Western Railway.

  • Luggage: Up to three pieces of luggage. Small suitcases, bags, medium-sized luggage, and larger items are permitted. Large items maximum 25x40x70 cm.
  • Bicycles: Book your bicycle parking in advance due to limited availability. Early reservations are advised.
  • Children: Book seats ahead of time. Children under 5 travel for free, while those aged 5-15 receive a 50% discount on most tickets.
  • Pets: Up to two pets for free. Pets can’t occupy seats. Pets must be in pet carriers, except leashed dogs.
  • Passenger Assist: Assist those in need with services like travel help, moving luggage, transfers, and support within the airport and nearby areas.

Elizabeth Line trains from Reading to London Paddington

It takes about a little over 50 minutes to travel from Reading to London Paddington. This route offers views of commercial buildings, expansive fields, and countryside scenery, with opportunities to appreciate rivers, trees, wetlands, and historic towns and villages.

Operating in London and its suburbs, the Elizabeth Line is a hybrid service combining high-frequency commuter rail and rapid transit. Its current operator is MTR Elizabeth Line Limited.

Furthermore, Elizabeth Line trains are fast and smart, with high capacity, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, information screens, special spaces, and three double doors per car for easy boarding.

Elizabeth Line Standard Class

Provide comfortable seating, free WiFi, real-time information displays, special space settings, energy-saving smart lighting, and temperature control.

Travel with Elizabeth Line

We offer information on luggage, bicycles, children, pets, and passenger assistance, for those travelling with Elizabeth Line.

  • Luggage: For easier access, customers with buggies, luggage, and cycles are advised to travel in the first four carriages due to shorter platforms at some stations.
  • Bicycles: Non-folded bikes allowed Off-Peak weekdays, anytime weekends/holidays, but not at Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street, Paddington, Liverpool Street, or Stratford.
  • Children: Children under eleven travel free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket or pay as you go (Group Day Travelcards excluded).
  • Pets: Assistance dogs and inoffensive animals are allowed on the Elizabeth Line if on a lead or in a container. No seats. Dangerous or uncontrolled animals may be refused.
  • Passenger Assist: All Elizabeth Line stations are staffed from first to last train. For step-free access, board carriage 5. Priority seats are in every carriage.

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

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 £21.10, 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?

Make full use of the TrainPal app or website. Our Train Journey Planner is an excellent online planning tool. Simply fill in the cities or stations you depart from and arrive at. Then check timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and see if there are food supplies or other amenities you need. You can get 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, 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

Check timetables and during the journey

How do I find Reading to London Paddington train timetables?

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?

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?

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

Other things you might be interested

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.

Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, the refund and exchange policies for train tickets vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. Advance Tickets are usually non-refundable but can sometimes be exchanged for a fee. Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets offer more generous refund and exchange options. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket or visit UK train ticket types for specific details.

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

  • Luggage

    Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Passenger assistance

    Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.

How to buy cheap Reading to London Paddington train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.
󰄶

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
󰄽

Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

For step-by-step guidance on amending your journey or applying for a refund, please access our dedicated ticket refunds and changes page.

Your train was disrupted?

For information on claiming Delay Repay compensation due to a delayed, cancelled, or strike-affected service, consult our delays and disruptions page or our UK rail strike page. These pages also provide live service updates.

* 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.