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Journey from Reading to London Waterloo on the fastest train in 1 hour 4 minutes, usually 1 hour 8 minutes. Every day, 130 trains leave from Reading, starting at 04:14 and ending at 23:52. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
12:11 Reading | 1 hour 5 minutes, Direct | 13:16 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
12:18 Reading | 1 hour 7 minutes, Direct | 13:25 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
12:23 Reading | 1 hour 10 minutes, Direct | 13:33 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
12:24 Reading | 1 hour 43 minutes, Direct | 14:07 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
12:46 Reading | 1 hour 4 minutes, Direct | 13:50 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
Head south of the river on a train from Reading to London Waterloo. South Western Railway operates two-hourly services. The journey is only 1 hour and 25 minutes on average, cruising through the beautiful Thames Valley and offering elevated views over the bustling capital as you approach the terminus.
Also known as SWR, South Western Railway provides commuter services to south-west London, as well as suburban and regional routes across Hampshire, Berkshire, Devon and other parts of the south. The company also operates the Island Line on the Isle of Wight. Destinations include Dorchester, Aldershot and Southampton.
Just a short stroll from the town centre, Reading station is the calling point for the Reading to London train. If you’re travelling with heavy luggage or from elsewhere in the town, you can take one of the many buses stopping on Station Road or directly in front of Reading station. Taxi drop-off points are by the northern entrance, station forecourt or on Station Hill.
Reading train station offers direct services to towns and cities such as Redhill, Exeter and Swansea. These trains are run by four operators: South Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway and Elizabeth line.
Stops on the journey from Reading to London Waterloo might include Wokingham, Ascot and Richmond. Calling points differ depending on the train-operating company, time and route.
Your Reading to London train arrives at London Waterloo. More than just a mere transport hub, the surrounding area is lined with attractions and hidden gems adored by locals and tourists alike. If you’re hungry, head to The Cut or Lower Marsh for incredible independent restaurants or grab a bite to go from the weekend Southbank Centre Food Market. Don’t miss Leake Street Arches, where a series of tunnels beneath the station act as a canvas for vibrant graffiti and street art.
Waterloo station is well served by local buses, the Tube (Bakerloo, Jubilee and Northern lines) and river boats from London Eye Pier and Festival Pier. It is also connected to Waterloo East railway station. South Western Railway operates all trains, serving South West England and the southern coast. Travel directly to places like Guildford, Salisbury and Poole.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Travelling by train from Reading to London Waterloo is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Reading, you can reach London Waterloo in just 1 hour 4 minutes, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

The fastest train journey time from Reading to London Waterloo is 1 hour 4 minutes . 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.
No, there are no direct trains from Reading to London Waterloo. 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

Reading to London Waterloo 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.
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.
Yes, most trains on the Reading to London Waterloo 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.
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.

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.
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Trainpal makes travel easy by helping with changes, refunds, and Delay Repay requests.


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