Reading to London train from £14

Wed, 19 Nov
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Great Western Rail
South Western Railway
Tfl Rail
Elizabeth Line
first_great_western
1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
South Western Railway
Tfl Rail
Elizabeth Line
first_great_western
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to London

Showing times and prices for 20 Nov

Cheapest price

£26

Average price

£37

Fastest journey

25 m

Average duration

34 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

59 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Reading to London will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £26.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Reading for London every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 59 km distance in an average of 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 25 m .

The slowest trains will take 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

South Western RailwayL48711
08:091h26
Reading station (RDG)
09:35London Waterloo (WAT)
£261One-way
0 changes
Great Western RailP08563
08:130h27
Reading station (RDG)
08:40London Paddington (PAD)
£391One-way
0 changes
Great Western RailP08564
08:180h26
Reading station (RDG)
08:44London Paddington (PAD)
£391One-way
0 changes
Great Western RailP08207
08:100h25
Reading station (RDG)
08:35London Paddington (PAD)
£391One-way
0 changes
Tfl RailP07352
08:130h55
Reading station (RDG)
09:08London Paddington (PAD)
£391One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Reading to London

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £14, and a coach costs an average of £28.

Distance: 59 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£24

Average Price

Cheapest

£37

Average Price

1h 26m

Average total duration

Fastest

56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 8m

Average total duration

1h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Reading to London train times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to London trains for today, Wednesday 19 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 05:19
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
south_west_trainsL48711
On time
08:09 Reading station (RDG)
1h26
09:35 London Waterloo (WAT)		0 changesdirect
great_westernP08207
On time
08:10 Reading station (RDG)
0h25
08:35 London Paddington (PAD)		0 changesdirect
great_westernP08563
On time
08:13 Reading station (RDG)
0h27
08:40 London Paddington (PAD)		0 changesdirect
tfl_railP07352
On time
08:13 Reading station (RDG)
0h55
09:08 London Paddington (PAD)		0 changesdirect
great_westernP08597
On time
08:17 Reading station (RDG)
0h36
08:53 London Paddington (PAD)		0 changesdirect
great_westernP08564
On time
08:18 Reading station (RDG)
0h26
08:44 London Paddington (PAD)		0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to London by train or coach

Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Thu
20 Nov
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21 Nov
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Reading to London?

The best time to book your train from Reading to London is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Reading to London route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Reading to London per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Reading to London.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Reading to London

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Reading to London run on average 9 times per day, taking around 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 59 km distance in 23m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
59 km
Average train duration
56m
Cheapest ticket price
£14
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
23m
First train
00:01
Last train
23:58
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Great Western Rail, South Western Railway, Tfl Rail, Elizabeth Line, first_great_western from Reading to London trainsGreat Western Rail, South Western Railway, Tfl Rail, Elizabeth Line, first_great_western trains will get you between Reading and London from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Rail

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Learn more about Great Western Rail
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
23m
Cheapest Price
£28
Great Western Rail frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Learn more about South Western Railway
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 22m
Cheapest Price
£14
South Western Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

Tfl Rail

About
Tfl Rail is a railway service operated by Transport for London in the United Kingdom. It operates on the Great Western Main Line and the Heathrow branch of the London Underground. The service runs from Paddington in London to Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, and Heathrow Airport. It also serves the towns of Taplow, Burnham, Twyford, and Hayes & Harlington. All trains are air-conditioned and feature onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets, and digital information screens. Tfl Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and Oyster cards. Oyster cards are the most popular ticket type, allowing passengers to pay for their journey with a single card. The most popular routes for Tfl Rail are Paddington to Reading, Paddington to Maidenhead, and Paddington to Heathrow Airport. These routes offer frequent services and provide passengers with a convenient way to travel between London and the surrounding areas.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
54m
Cheapest Price
£18
Tfl Rail frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available through TfL website or customer service
Refund
Full refund available for service cancellations
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
No dedicated dining car. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Step-free access at most stations, wheelchair spaces on trains, priority seating
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be leashed. Guide dogs welcome
Quiet zone

Elizabeth Line

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
49m
Cheapest Price
£23
Elizabeth Line frequency
9 a day

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
23m
Cheapest Price
£42
first_great_western frequency
41 a day

Quick Guide: Trains from Reading to London

Average Price: £16
Trains per day: ~ 300
Changes: Direct
Average Time: 0h32
Fastest Route: 0h32
Slowest Route: 1h00
 

Trains from Reading to London

There are over 300 daily trains from Reading to London Paddington. The service operates 24-hours a day and is provided by Great Western Railway. The direct journey takes approximately 40 minutes although this can be longer on overnight or Sunday services. Great Western Railway also operates a direct service from Reading to London Waterloo with two to three departures an hour from around 5:30 a.m. until just after midnight.

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

Departure Station:Reading station is one of the UK's busiest interchanges and is located within an easy walk of the town centre. It's served by local buses and has taxi ranks, car parking and bicycle storage facilities.

Arrival Station:Both London Paddington and London Waterloo Stations are well-connected to the city's transport systems by local buses and underground trains. Waterloo is served by the Jubilee, Bakerloo, Northern and Waterloo & City lines while Paddington is on the Circle, Bakerloo, District and Hammersmith & City lines. Both stations have taxi ranks, car parking and bicycle storage facilities.

FAQs: Reading to London train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to London by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
For a first-time visitor to London, 3 to 4 days is usually sufficient to explore major attractions such as the British Museum, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the West End.
In London, you can enjoy panoramic views from The London Eye, catch a theatrical production in the vibrant West End Theatre District, and explore the eclectic Camden Market. Take a leisurely walk through Hyde Park or visit the Tate Modern for contemporary art. Don't miss the British Museum's vast collection, the historic Tower of London, iconic Buckingham Palace, and the political landmarks of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. St. Paul's Cathedral offers architectural beauty and rich history.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to London can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £14, while the average price tends to be around £24.
Booking trains from Reading to London in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Reading to London covers a distance of 59 km and takes approximately 23m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train station in Reading that goes to London is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at London Paddington (PAD).
The first train from Reading to London leaves at 0:01.
Trains from Reading to London run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to London.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to London.
To get from Reading to London, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The cheapest way to get from Reading to London is by train, costing approximately £14.
The train distance from Reading to London is 59 km.
The last train from Reading to London departs at 23:58.
Yes, there is a direct train between Reading and London. The service operates 9 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, South Western Railway, Tfl Rail, Elizabeth Line, first_great_western.
There is no night train service from Reading to London.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Reading and London

Reading
London
The major train station for departures in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your trip from Reading to London.
ReadingShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
Amenities at train station
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
address
Address
Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free.
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
  • Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to.
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park.
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
Reading WestParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
address
Address
Reading West station, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PY
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station.
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading West
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Reading: Bus Stop on Oxford Road under Railway Bridge. Heading away from Reading Bus Stop on Oxford Road, outside McDonalds.
TilehurstWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
address
Address
Tilehurst station, Oxford Road, Tilehurst, Berkshire, RG31 6TH
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:25 - 12:55 Saturday 07:00 - 13:30 Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Step free Category C - This station does not have step free access to operational platforms
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please call our free help line for assistance.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible toilets: No
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Platforms 2/3
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Adjacent entrance to station
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Tilehurst
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses starting/terminate at Tilehurst: Station forecourt All other buses: A329 Oxford Road bus stops near the station
Reading Green ParkAccessibility
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
address
Address
Reading RG2 6AU, UK
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km

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