- Must visit
The British Museum
World-famous museum with major collections spanning ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Asia. A top choice for first-time visitors.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading Festival to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $27.
Distance: 37 miles (60 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$32 Average price | $13 Average price Cheapest | $60 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 0m Average total duration Fastest 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 15m Average total duration 1h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Reading Festival to London:
A bus is $20 (€16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading Festival to London costing on average $32 (€27).
Other travel options to London take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 45m.
The journey is about 56m faster (30m by train vs 1h 26m by car) and roughly $27 (€22) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($32 (€27) vs $60 (€49)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Great Western Railway.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Compare bus and train 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.
Trains from Reading Festival to London run on average 28 times per day, taking around 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
There are 16 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 37 miles (60 km) distance in 1h 40m.
Distance 37 miles (60 km) |
Average train duration 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Trains per day 28 |
Direct trains 16 |
Fastest train 1h 40m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
World-famous museum with major collections spanning ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Asia. A top choice for first-time visitors.
Major art museum on Trafalgar Square with masterpieces by Van Gogh, Turner, Monet, and da Vinci. Essential for European painting.
Leading modern and contemporary art gallery in a former power station on the Thames. Popular for its collection and river views.
Lively district known for historic piazza spaces, street performers, boutique shopping, and easy access to theatres and museums.
Riverside walking area with major views of the Thames, bridges, landmarks, and a busy cultural atmosphere.
One of London's great royal parks, ideal for walking, boating, open green space, and access to Kensington Gardens.
Battered white fish with thick-cut chips, traditionally served with mushy peas and tartar sauce. It is one of London’s most iconic comfort foods.
A classic East London dish of meat pie with mashed potatoes and parsley liquor. It is a long-standing working-class staple tied closely to the city’s food history.
Roast meat served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, gravy, and often Yorkshire pudding. A traditional pub and family meal strongly associated with London weekends.
A renowned fine dining restaurant in Notting Hill known for refined modern European cooking and polished service.
A very popular all-day restaurant inspired by old Bombay cafes, loved for breakfast, curries, and lively atmosphere.
London’s oldest restaurant, famous for classic British dishes, game, pies, and traditional dining rooms with historic atmosphere.
London is expensive by UK standards. Hotels, transport, and dining add up quickly, though budget eats and free museums help control costs.
Service is often included in restaurants as a 12.5% charge. If not, tip 10-12%. No tip needed in pubs for drinks. Round up taxi fares or add about 10%.
Official public transport app
London Waterloo -> Charing Cross, London
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading Festival 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.

Most Reading Festival to London trains use the Tilehurst to London Paddington station pair, with some services arriving at London Waterloo. Use this guide to compare Reading Festival and London train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
London Paddington has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: 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
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located next to the ticket office.
The ticket office is open 24/7. Information desks are located near Platform 1.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Paddington: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London Paddington: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Paddington: Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
Nearby hotels include Hilton London Paddington, Mercure London Paddington Hotel, The Pilgrm.
London Waterloo is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Waterloo has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Waterloo.
Wi-Fi is available at London Waterloo. ATMs are available at London Waterloo.
Ticket office support is available at London Waterloo. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Waterloo: Parking, WC.
Available at London Waterloo: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Waterloo: 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.
London Victoria is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Victoria has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Victoria.
Wi-Fi is available at London Victoria. ATMs are available at London Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at London Victoria. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at London Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access at London Victoria Rail Station to the Victoria Line on the Underground. This can be accessed via the Cardinal Place entrance to the underground, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Main concourse, Accessible taxis: Available on request Taxi rank outside main station entrance, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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