London to Reading train with Great Western Rail

Trains from London to Reading

If you are travelling from London to Reading, the train is a fast and affordable option. Trains from London to Reading run every day, as often as every few minutes. Trains depart from early morning until late at night, so you can be flexible to suit your travel plans. Three rail companies operate trains from London to Reading. Great Western Railway offer the most frequent and fastest routes from London to Reading, while TfL Rail and South Western Railway lines usually take longer but can be cheaper if you have more time. We recommend comparing tickets from London to Reading before your journey to make sure you find the best deal.

London to Reading Train Times: Daily Departures

You can find a highly frequent timetable of trains from London to Reading every day of the week. Trains travel directly from London Paddington or Waterloo Station to Reading Station. Trains depart around the clock, from as early as around 5:04 a.m. until as late as around 3:34 a.m. The earliest trains on Sunday depart at around 6:59 a.m. and run until around 11:54 p.m. The fastest trains from London to Reading take around 23min, while slower trains can take up to around 1h 25min.

How long is the journey by train from London to Reading?

There is a frequent schedule of high-speed direct trains from London Paddington to Reading every day. These trains are operated by Great Western Railway and have a journey time of around 23min. High-speed trains depart from Paddington around every 10min. Providers like South Western Railway and TfL Rail also offer daily train services from London to Reading, with a longer journey time of around 1h. Compare ticket prices before your journey to find out whether slower trains could offer you a much cheaper ticket.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from London to Reading?

Departure train station: London Paddington. Great Western Railway trains from London to Reading depart from Paddington Station in West London. Paddington is around 20min by public transport from the city centre. Aside from local and regional bus and train services, you can also take the underground train within the city. Paddington Underground Station connects to four lines and is right beside the main train station. The station itself is open 24/7 and has many amenities such as a ticket office and help desk, coffee shops and eateries, free of charge toilet and baby changing facilities, showers and seating areas.

Arrival train station: Reading Station. Located right in the centre of Reading, the train station is a short walk from sights like Reading Abbey Ruins, Reading Museum and Christchurch Meadows across the River Thames. You can find a taxi rank at the station entrance, and also take local bus and train services to get around the town and surrounding area. Passengers going to Heathrow Airport can travel from Reading Station directly to the airport with the RailAir coach service. The station is open 24h every day, and the ticket office is open from around 5:15 a.m. until 10:45 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 7:15 a.m. to 10:45 p.m on Sundays. You can find several facilities at the station such as an ATM, pay phone, toilets and baby changing facilities, 24h waiting rooms and shops and cafes.

Reading Thames Bridge. Source: Shutterstock

Which train companies travel from London to Reading?

The quickest lines from London to Reading are operated by Great Western Railway. Great Western Railway offer a schedule of daily services from London to Reading, departing around every 10min. You can also buy tickets from London to Reading with South Western Railway and TfL trains. Both providers also operate a regular daily schedule, though journey time may be considerably longer as these routes involve more stops along the way.

Great Western Railway trains from London to Reading

Great Western Railway operate a highly frequent timetable of trains from London to Reading every day. On weekdays, trains depart from as early as around 5:04 a.m. until as late as around 3:34 a.m. Sunday services run from around 8 a.m. until around 11:54 p.m. The fastest Great Western Railway services take around 23min, with slower night trains taking up to around 58min.

South Western Railway trains from London to Reading

South Western Railway services from London to Reading depart from London Waterloo Station. South Western Railway run a frequent schedule of trains every day, around every 30min. The average journey time of South Western Railway trains from London to Reading is around 1h 26min.

TfL Rail trains from London to Reading

TfL Rail usually run around one train per hour from London Paddington to Reading Station, every day of the week. TfL Rail trains travel directly from London to Reading with a journey time of around 1h. The earliest TfL trains from London to Reading depart at around 5:13 a.m. and the latest trains depart at around 10:43 p.m. On Sundays, the earliest departure is usually at around 6:59 a.m. and the latest service is at around 10:33 p.m.

Reading Thames Gate. Source: Shutterstock

Train from London to Reading: Services on Board

Great Western Railway, South Western Railway and TfL Rail all provide assistance for passengers with special mobility needs. If you need extra assistance during your journey, you can book mobility assistance before you travel. Both London Paddington Station and Reading Station have step-free access into and throughout the station, as well as low ticket counters and induction loops at booking desks.

Pets are not permitted onboard except assistance guide dogs. Great Western Railway passengers can take up to three items of baggage with them. Bikes can also be taken onboard if a space is booked in advance. Bikes are not permitted on South Western Railway services from London Waterloo departing between 7:15-10:00 a.m. and 4:45-7:00 p.m. TfL Rail similarly only permit bikes outwith peak travelling times, i.e. not between 7:30-9:30 a.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m. on weekdays.

How can I find cheap train tickets from London to Reading?

We recommend comparing ticket prices and departure times across different train providers in order to find cheap train tickets from London to Reading. Try to book your ticket as early as possible, and be flexible with your departure time to find the best deals for you. Tickets from London to Reading tend to be cheaper during off-peak hours to avoid the commuting rush.

Railcard holders can also take advantage of discounted tickets on all railway services. Railcards are available for young people up to the age of 30, senior citizens and disabled passengers, and can save you up to 1/3 off every ticket you purchase. For more travel advice, read our online magazine Window Seat.

Travelling to Reading by train— travel tips

Reading is known for its historic sites, quaint gardens and popular music festival. If you want to find out more about the town's history, visit the Museum of English Rural Life or the Reading Museum, where you can see a replica of the Bayeux tapestry. Explore ancient ruins like the Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre, Reading Abbey and the grand 18th century manor at Basildon Park. Relax and wander through one of the town's many parks and gardens such as Beale Park, Wellington Country Park, Christchurch Meadows and Caversham Court Gardens. Those visiting the town in summer can visit Reading Festival, which takes place over the last weekend in August and hosts internationally acclaimed pop and rock artists.

Taking the Train from London

Paddington station is in the central West of London with convenient, quick connections to the West End and City via the tube network. It is also served by 16 London bus routes which stop outside on Praed Street and a dedicated black cab rank. Those travelling from Waterloo will find it located to the south of the river Thames, which is convenient for people returning from the London Eye or the National Theatre.

Getting into Reading by Train

Reading is a modern town with all the amenities one would expect. It is very much considered part of the "commuter belt", so rush hour trains do get very, VERY busy. Leisure travellers should do their best to avoid these trains from London to Reading; not only are they horribly cramped, fares are also higher if not booked in advance. Reading station itself is located on the northern outskirts of town. The elderly, those with children or heavy luggage can take local bus services into the centre of town but it can be a pleasant walk through the park, just turn left out of the concourse and follow the signposts).