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Reading to London Waterloo train ticket prices
£18.32
On Wed 22 Jul
Reading to London Waterloo train timetable
Journey from Reading to London Waterloo on the fastest train in 58m, usually 1h 3m. Every day, 189 trains leave from Reading, starting at 02:24 and ending at 23:19. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
06:09 Reading | 1h 29m, Direct | 07:38 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:19 Reading | 1h 10m, Direct | 07:29 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:34 Reading | 59m, Direct | 07:33 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:36 Reading | 1h 7m, Direct | 07:43 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:39 Reading | 1h 28m, Direct | 08:07 London Waterloo | South 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.
Reading to London Waterloo train travel guide
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 58m, 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 Waterloo?
The average fare from Reading to London Waterloo is approximately £18.32, 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.
How do I find the best train route from Reading to London Waterloo?
What is the fastest train from Reading to London Waterloo?
The quickest train journey from Reading to London Waterloo takes 58m . 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?
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
How do I find Reading to London Waterloo train timetables?
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.
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 Waterloo trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
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.
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?
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?
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.
Which train companies operate the Reading to London Waterloo route?
The Reading to London Waterloo route is operated by Elizabeth line. 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
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
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 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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