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Reading to London Waterloo train ticket prices
€22.78
On Wed 14
Reading to London Waterloo train timetable
Travelling from Reading to London Waterloo, the fastest train takes 59m with an average travel time of 1h 3m. With 49 daily trains, the first departs at 02:24 and the last at 17:12. Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 on weekdays, and all-day Off-Peak on weekends and bank holidays. Keep informed of live train status, times, delays, and cancellations with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
14:19 Reading | 1h 3m, 1 change | 15:22 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
14:23 Reading | 1h 3m, 1 change | 15:26 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
14:29 Reading | 1h 2m, 1 change | 15:31 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
14:36 Reading | 59m, 1 change | 15:35 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:19 Reading | 59m, 1 change | 17:18 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
Reading to London Waterloo train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Reading to London Waterloo 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.
South Western Railway: Reading to London Waterloo trains
Departing from Reading
Main stops
Arriving at London Waterloo
South Western Railway train classes
- Standard Class: Free Wi-Fi is offered on almost half of South Western Railway’s trains. In Standard Class, you’ll find comfortable seats, luggage storage racks and plug sockets under table seats. Book your trip in advance to buy cheap train tickets.
- First Class: Reading to London First Class accommodation isn’t currently offered on South Western Railway services. On other routes, the operator provides larger, more luxurious seating with bigger tables that can charge your devices without cables. All you need to do is put your device onto the charging pad.
South Western Railway train travel advice
- Luggage: Although specific luggage limits haven’t been specified by South Western Railway, your bags must stay out of doorways, aisles or wheelchair areas.
- Bicycles: Certain trains don’t offer dedicated storage areas for bikes, and the ones that do have limited spaces. You don’t need to book in advance. E-bikes are permitted, but e-scooters are not allowed on board.
- Children: Under-5s enjoy free travel. 50% discounts are offered to all 5–15-year-olds and for most tickets purchased with a 16–17 Saver Railcard. Children can also use their Zip Oyster photocards to travel within the London fare zones.
- Pets: You’re allowed to travel with up to two pets. Keep them on a lead or in a secure carrier.
- Passenger Assist: You can ask for help for your journey, such as moving around stations, but booking with at least two hours’ notice is advised.
Why book Reading to London Waterloo 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 Waterloo start from just €22.78 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., South Western Railway on the Reading to London Waterloo route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Reading to London Waterloo train travel guide
Taking the train from Reading to London Waterloo is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Reading, you can arrive at London Waterloo in just 59m, 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 Waterloo?
The average fare from Reading to London Waterloo is approximately €22.78, 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 Waterloo by train?
What is the fastest train from Reading to London Waterloo?
The quickest train journey from Reading to London Waterloo takes 59m . 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 Waterloo?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Reading to London Waterloo. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Reading to London Waterloo?
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?
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 Waterloo trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While Reading to London Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Reading to London Waterloo trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Reading to London Waterloo 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?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
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?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the Reading to London Waterloo route?
The Reading to London Waterloo route is operated by South 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
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
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
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
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 Waterloo train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
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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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