London to Reading train with Great Western Rail

Thu, Jan 08
+ Add return
Great Western Rail
Tfl Rail
South Western Railway
Elizabeth Line
first_great_western
1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
Tfl Rail
South Western Railway
Elizabeth Line
first_great_western
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London to Reading

Showing times and prices for Jan 09

Cheapest price

$35

Average price

$50

Fastest journey

23 m

Average duration

34 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

59 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from London to Reading will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave London for Reading on Fri, Jan 09, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Jan 09 the 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 23 m .

On Fri, Jan 09 the slowest trains will take 58 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 RailwayL74001
08:20AM1h23
London Waterloo (WAT)
09:43AMReading station (RDG)
$351One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP32917
08:07AM0h39
London Paddington (PAD)
08:46AMReading station (RDG)
$531One-way
0 transfers
Tfl RailG23731
08:13AM0h58
London Paddington (PAD)
09:11AMReading station (RDG)
$531One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP22619
08:18AM0h23
London Paddington (PAD)
08:41AMReading station (RDG)
$531One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP22661
08:03AM0h23
London Paddington (PAD)
08:26AMReading station (RDG)
$531One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for London to Reading

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Reading 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 54m. 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 bus costs an average of €10.

Distance: 36 miles (59 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€27

Average price

Cheapest

€40

Average price

1h 24m

Average total duration

Fastest

54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 10m

Average total duration

1h 40m

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

London to Reading train times

The table below shows live departures for London to Reading trains for today, Thursday, January 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 4:46 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
great_westernP22661
On time
8:03 AM London Paddington (PAD)
0h23
8:26 AM Reading station (RDG)
0 transfersDirect
great_westernP30239
On time
8:05 AM London Paddington (PAD)
0h27
8:32 AM Reading station (RDG)
0 transfersDirect
great_westernP32917
On time
8:07 AM London Paddington (PAD)
0h39
8:46 AM Reading station (RDG)
0 transfersDirect
tfl_railG23731
On time
8:13 AM London Paddington (PAD)
0h58
9:11 AM Reading station (RDG)
0 transfersDirect
great_westernP22619
On time
8:18 AM London Paddington (PAD)
0h23
8:41 AM Reading station (RDG)
0 transfersDirect
south_west_trainsL74001
On time
8:20 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
1h23
9:43 AM Reading station (RDG)
0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London to Reading by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

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Why should you book London to Reading trains with Omio?

Great Western Rail as well as Tfl Rail, South Western Railway and Elizabeth Line offer trains services from London to Reading. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Reading.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Rail?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Tfl Rail, South Western Railway and Elizabeth Line to find the best option for your trip from London to Reading.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London to Reading.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Multiple travel company options: While Great Western Rail tickets can be bought on Great Western Rail's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Tfl Rail, South Western Railway and Elizabeth Line to help you choose the right option for your journey from London to Reading.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London to Reading.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from London to Reading?

The best time to book your train from London to Reading is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the London to Reading route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from London to Reading 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 London to Reading.

Journey information

Overview: Train from London to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from London to Reading run on average 9 times per day, taking around 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $18 (€14) but you can travel from only $13 (€10) by bus.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 36 miles (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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $13 (€10)
Distance
36 miles (59 km)
Average train duration
54m
Cheapest ticket price
$18 (€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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $13 (€10)

Train companies: Great Western Rail, Tfl Rail, South Western Railway, Elizabeth Line, first_great_western from London to Reading trainsGreat Western Rail, Tfl Rail, South Western Railway, Elizabeth Line, first_great_western trains will get you between London and Reading from $13 (€10). 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.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
23m
Cheapest Price
$43 (€34)
Great Western Rail frequency
7 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.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 18m
Cheapest Price
$18 (€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
49m
Cheapest Price
$24 (€20)
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
$31 (€25)
Elizabeth Line frequency
8 a day

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
23m
Cheapest Price
$56 (€45)
first_great_western frequency
40 a day

Traveling by train from London to Reading

The train connection between London and Reading is well-served by several providers, including Great Western Railway, Tfl Rail, and South Western Railway. With frequent services throughout the day, travelers can enjoy a comfortable journey that typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, these trains offer convenient access to both cities' vibrant attractions and rich culture.

Train Connection: London to Reading

The train connection from London to Reading takes approximately 23 minutes and offers around 50 connections per day. This route is direct, with no transfers required. Passengers can board trains at various stations in London including Liverpool Street, Clapham Junction, Ealing Broadway, Custom House Station, Whitechapel, Vauxhall, Paddington, Waterloo, and Farringdon before arriving at their destination in Reading or Tilehurst.

London to Reading Train Connection

The first daily train journey from London to Reading departs at 06:38, providing an early start for travelers. The last train of the day leaves at 23:39, allowing late-night arrivals in Reading.

Train Ticket Prices from London to Reading

The cheapest ticket price for a train journey between London and Reading is €14. The average ticket price typically hovers around €25, making it an affordable option for travelers looking to explore these two cities in the UK.

Exploring the Rich Heritage of Reading

Welcome to Reading Abbey, a remarkable historical site founded in 1121 by Henry I. This once-thriving monastery played a crucial role in the religious and cultural life of medieval England, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in our rich heritage. As you explore its impressive ruins, take note of the stunning architecture that showcases the craftsmanship of its time.

Next on our journey is Forbury Gardens, which dates back to the Victorian era and was originally part of Reading's abbey grounds. These beautifully landscaped gardens are not only a serene escape from urban life but also hold significant historical importance as they commemorate key events such as Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Be sure to admire the iconic Maiwand Lion statue—a tribute to local soldiers who fought bravely during the Second Anglo-Afghan War.

Finally, we arrive at The Oracle Shopping Centre, an architectural marvel that blends modern design with vibrant retail experiences along the River Kennet. Opened in 2000, this shopping destination has transformed Reading into a bustling hub for fashion enthusiasts and food lovers alike while offering unique features like riverside dining options and scenic views. Don't miss out on exploring its diverse range of shops—there's something here for everyone!

FAQs: Trains from London to Reading

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Reading 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 Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Two to three days are typically sufficient to explore the main attractions and experience the cultural highlights of Reading.
Yes, a day trip from London to Reading is feasible. The journey takes 23m and covers 36 miles (59 km). Trains run 9 times per day.
The train journey from London to Reading is not typically considered scenic, as it primarily passes through urban and suburban areas with views of residential neighborhoods and commercial buildings rather than natural landscapes.
The distance by train from London to Reading is 36 miles (59 km).
The train from London to Reading takes 23m and runs 9 per day.
Train ticket prices from London to Reading can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $18 (€14), while the average price is around $34 (€27).
The cheapest way to get from London to Reading is by bus, with a cost of around $13 (€10).
The train station in London that goes to Reading is London Paddington (PAD), which connects to Reading station (RDG).
The last train from London to Reading leaves at 11:58 PM.
The first train from London to Reading leaves at 12:01 AM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from London to Reading.
There is no high speed train available from London to Reading.
Yes, you can take the train from London to Reading.
Yes, there is a direct train from London to Reading. This service operates 9 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, Tfl Rail, South Western Railway, Elizabeth Line, first_great_western.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from London to Reading

London
Reading
The major train station for departures in London is London Paddington. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at London Paddington for your trip from London to Reading.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 24/7
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent Flower stall Shoe repairer Wide range of shops Mini supermarket Pharmacy Convenience store High street shops Off Licence Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Dining
Dining
  • Wasabi
  • The Beer House
  • Barburrito
  • Upper Crust
  • The Mad Bishop & Bear (Fullers)
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Burger King
  • Pret a Manger
  • The Savanna
  • Soboro Bakery
  • & more
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: The taxi deck is situated above Platform 12 and is accessed via the concourse and platform 12, which has escalators and lifts to the upper level to the covered marshalled taxi rank. A queuing system is in operation. There is also a separate collection point for pre-booked taxis and a drop off point
  • Accessible taxis: All London Black Cabs can accommodate wheelchair passengers without wheelchair users having to leave their wheelchair. There is also a separate collection point for prebooked taxis also further away from the lifts.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Accessible toilets are located on Platforms' 1 and 12. A Changing Places facility is located on Platform 12. There are dedicated breastfeeding rooms / Parent & Baby rooms; within the Ladies toilets on Platform 1 within the public toilets on Platform 12.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: Accessible toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 12.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hilton London Paddington
  • Mercure London Paddington Hotel
  • The Pilgrm
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Platform 12
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • 24/7
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: On platform 8/9 and 10
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near Platform 1.
Public transit options for London Paddington
  • Underground lines: Bakerloo Line, Circle Line, District Line, Hammersmith Line
  • Bus lines: N7, 23, 27, N27, 36, 205, N205, 332, 7, 46, A1, 18, N18
  • Train lines: Great Western Main Line, Heathrow Express
  • Metro: Tube Lines.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 05:00 - 23:59
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
23 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Public transit options for Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3
  • Onward travel information: National Rail trains serving London Paddington National Express coaches to Victoria Coach Station and Gatwick Airport London Underground
  • Metro: Connection available with the London Underground (Piccadilly Line)
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day Tickets bought in advance online or from South Western Railway telesales can be collected at Ticket Office or at Self-Serve Ticket Machines.
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: A wide range of shops including convenience store, supermarket, pharmacy, newsagent, bookseller, clothing, gifts, travel accessories and passport photobooth.
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: There is step free access from the main concourse to all platforms, shops and facilities. Step free exits are exit 1 (Station approach), exit 2 (with a lift to Waterloo Road and lift access to the London Underground Jubilee line), and exit 3 for taxis and onward travel towards the South Bank.
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available from the taxi rank on Cab Road / Station Approach
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machines are located at various locations on the main concourse and are accessible to wheelchair users.
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The entrance to the public toilets is on the main concourse opposite platform 18, and these facilities have an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities. There is a another accessible toilet outside exit 3 operated by a RADAR key.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The entrance to the public toilets is on the main concourse opposite platform 18, and these facilities have an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities. There is a another accessible toilet outside exit 3 operated by a RADAR key.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Cycle storage is located outside exit 3 on Station Approach / Cab Road.
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for London Waterloo
  • Onward travel information: Waterloo is well connected to London's public transport network. Waterloo Underground station serves the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City Lines. Plan a journey - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk) Buses depart from several points around the station. All Transport for London Buses are accessible with step free access and have a dedicated mobility space. Buses from Waterloo (tfl.gov.uk) The station has a dedicated taxi rank for London Black Taxis on the roadway outside exit 3. Santander Hire Bicycles are available from the docking stations outside. Santander Cycles - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk) Waterloo is within easy walking distance of the South Bank and a number of visitor attractions. Walking - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk).
  • Metro: Waterloo Underground station is served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City Lines. Step free access is available to and from the Jubilee Line. For more information on London Transport accessibility: Plan an accessible journey - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk).

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