Compensation and refunds
Trainpal is here to assist with travel changes, ticket refunds, and Delay Repay requests.
Best Price Promise
If you find trains for a cheaper price elsewhere, let us know and we'll refund the difference*
Book Cheaper Tickets
Save more with a variety of promo codes. Book on the TrainPal app with no booking fees.
Efficient Customer Service
24/7 fast customer service with prompt responses to your queries
Fast Change and Refund
Seamless rail travel with easy changes and refunds for peace of mind.
Reading to London train ticket prices
For a train from Reading to London, Advance Tickets start at just £18.10*, with average fares around £27.77. Additionally, Off-Peak train tickets, Return train tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets are also great tips for saving money on train travel. Enjoy the cheapest and happiest journey with TrainPal. For more money-saving information, welcome to our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Reading to London train times
Journey from Reading to London on the fastest train in 23m, usually 26m. Every day, 254 trains leave from Reading, starting at 00:19 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.
Sat
16 Aug
Sun
17 Aug
Mon
18 Aug
Tue
19 Aug
Wed
20 Aug
Thu
21 Aug
Fri
22 Aug
| Departs | Arrives | Status | Duration | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
06:13 Reading | 06:50 London Paddington | On time | 37m | Great Western Railway | Find tickets | |
06:20 Reading | 06:44 London Paddington | On time | 24m | Great Western Railway | Find tickets | |
06:29 Reading | 07:24 London Paddington | On time | 55m | Elizabeth line | Find tickets | |
06:39 Reading | 08:03 London Waterloo | On time | 1h 24m | South Western Railway | Find tickets | |
06:42 Reading | 07:05 London Paddington | On time | 23m | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
View More Trains
Reading to London Train journey information
Plan your journey from Reading to London 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.
First train
00:19
Last train
23:52
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
37 miles (59 km)
Journey time
23m
Price
From £18.10
Train operators
Direct train route from Reading to London
The direct train from Reading to London Paddington takes around 23m and covers an average distance of 37 miles (59 km). From 00:19 to 23:52, there are 254 trains running every day.
Departing from Reading
The best train from Reading to London departs from Reading Station, located on the Northern edge of the town centre. You can easily reach this station by train, bus, or taxi.
Reading railway station is a major transport hub, providing services operated by CrossCountry, GWR, South Western Railway and Elizabeth Line, Reading Station offers connections to London Paddington, Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, and many other destinations across the UK. The station is also a key interchange for local and regional services.
Main stops
The fastest train offers a direct route with no stops, ensuring a quick and efficient journey. In contrast, the slower train makes several stops, which may vary due to different times, train operators, and routes, including:
- Twyford
- Slough
- Iver
- Ealing Broadway
Arriving at London Paddington
The best train from Reading to London goes to London Paddington, which is located in the Paddington area of central London and connects with London Underground. It is convenient for travel by train, bus, taxi, bike or Underground through London Paddington Station. You can visit Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.
London Paddington is one of the major rail terminals in London, offering services operated by Great Western Railway, Heathrow Express, and the Elizabeth Line. It provides connections to various destinations, including Reading, Oxford, Shenfield, Bristol, Cardiff, and Heathrow Airport. The station is also well-served by London Underground lines, including the Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City lines.
GWR trains from Reading to London
Travel from Reading to London Paddington with GWR in around 30 minutes. The entire journey has no stops, and you will enjoy seamless scenery, from the green fields of the English countryside to the tall buildings in the city centre.
GWR covers South West England and Wales, offering high-speed trains to London, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Oxford and other destinations in between. Enjoy a premium travel experience with first-class amenities, including high-speed WiFi, complimentary meals, and First Class lounges.
GWR Standard Class
Basic facilities still satisfy your needs. Onboard services include:
- Free WiFi
- Plug sockets
- Comfy seats
GWR First Class
High-quality first-class services on board. Onboard services include:
- Free WiFi
- Plug sockets
- Quieter carriages
- Free food and drink
- First Class lounges
Travel with GWR
Quickly learn about the services on GWR to enjoy a comfortable journey.
- Luggage: Up to three items: two large and one small. Large items maximum 25x40x70 cm. Additional luggage may incur charges.
- Bicycles: Best to book ahead. Folding bikes anytime; full-size bikes are not allowed before 10:00 or 16:00-19:00 on weekdays.
- Children: Bring folding strollers; baby-changing facilities on all trains; priority boarding at London Paddington, 9am-5pm weekdays.
- Pets: Up to two dogs, cats, or other small domestic animals, for free. Dangerous or uncontrolled animals may be refused.
- Passenger Assist: Accessible toilets, ramps, wheelchair spaces, and priority seat cards are available on all trains.
Elizabeth Line trains from Reading to London
Travel from Reading to London Paddington with the Elizabeth Line in around an hour. The scenery along this route from Reading to London offers a mix of urban and suburban landscapes. You can see charming towns as well as bustling cityscapes.
Travel seamlessly through the heart of London on the Elizabeth Line, with rapid services from Reading and Heathrow Airport in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. Enjoy free WiFi, ample air conditioning, and energy-efficient lighting on every journey.
Elizabeth Line Standard Class
Basic facilities still satisfy your needs. Onboard services include:
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Energy-efficient lighting
Travel with Elizabeth Line
Quickly learn about Elizabeth Line services for a comfortable journey. Note: there are no toilets on the trains.
- Luggage: Up to three pieces of luggage, with dedicated spaces for them.
- Bicycles: Folding bikes anytime; full-size bikes before 07:30, after 09:30, weekends, and bank holidays.
- Children: Children under 11 travel for free, and you can take buggies on board.
- Pets: Up to 2 small pets with leads or pet carriers. Dangerous or uncontrolled animals may be refused.
- Passenger Assist: Wheelchair spaces in the fifth carriage; priority seats in every carriage.
Reading to London train travel guide
Travelling by train from Reading to London is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Reading, you can reach London in just 23m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
1. How can I save money on Reading to London train tickets?
Want to spend less on the journey from Reading to London? TrainPal can help: choose a Railcard, Season Tickets, or split tickets. Book in advance, travel off-peak, and use discount codes for extra savings. Explore more options for cheap train tickets in the UK.
2. What is the best way to travel from Reading to London by train?
Use TrainPal Train Journey Planner to enter your departure and destination points for routes, schedules, and prices. Compare Reading to London train prices for the best deals and book in advance for discounts. The TrainPal app offers real-time updates and ticket booking options. Explore the TrainPal app and start planning your journey!
3. What is the best way to travel from Reading to London by train?
The quickest train journey from Reading to London 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.
4. Are there direct trains from Reading to London?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Reading to London. 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.
Check timetables and during the journey
1. How do I find Reading to London train timetables?
Reading to London 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.
2. 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.
3. Do Reading to London trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
k.train.uk.a2b.check.desc6
4. 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.
Other things you might be interested
1. Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Yes. Our Railcards offer discounts on UK train tickets. Students can use the 16-17 Saver or 16-25 Railcard for up to 1/3 off most fares. Seniors aged 60 and over can use the Senior Railcard for 1/3 off. Railcards can be purchased online with a choice of one-year or three-year validity. The more you travel, the more you save.
2. Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
3. 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.
Save 1/3 with Railcards† from Reading to London
Family & Friends Railcard
£18.51
With Family & Friends Railcard
£27.77
Without
How to buy cheap Reading to London train tickets
Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
* 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.
* Save an average of 73% by combining Advance Ticket savings of 73% with an additional 30% through split tickets. These savings apply to Advance fares booked at least one week before travel, excluding Anytime fares purchased on the day of travel. Availability may vary by route and may not be combined with other offers.
New user welcome pack