Reading to London train with Great Western Rail

Tue, Dec 02
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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 Dec 02

Cheapest price

$35

Average price

$50

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 traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Reading to London 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 Reading for London on Tue, Dec 02, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 02 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 25 m .

On Tue, Dec 02 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
08:09AM1h26
Reading station (RDG)
09:35AMLondon Waterloo (WAT)
$351One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP08563
08:13AM0h27
Reading station (RDG)
08:40AMLondon Paddington (PAD)
$531One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP08564
08:18AM0h26
Reading station (RDG)
08:44AMLondon Paddington (PAD)
$531One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP08207
08:10AM0h25
Reading station (RDG)
08:35AMLondon Paddington (PAD)
$531One-way
0 transfers
Tfl RailP07352
08:13AM0h55
Reading station (RDG)
09:08AMLondon Paddington (PAD)
$531One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus 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 €15. 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 €15, and a bus costs an average of €30.

Distance: 36 miles (59 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€26

Average price

Cheapest

€40

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, Monday, December 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 5:02 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
south_west_trains5:09 PM Reading
1h24
6:33 PM London0 transfersDirect
south_west_trains6:09 PM Reading
1h24
7:33 PM London0 transfersDirect
south_west_trains10:11 PM Reading
1h22
11:33 PM London0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, December 2
south_west_trainsL48711
On time
8:09 AM Reading station (RDG)
1h26
9:35 AM London Waterloo (WAT)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernP08207
On time
8:10 AM Reading station (RDG)
0h25
8:35 AM London Paddington (PAD)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernP08563
On time
8:13 AM Reading station (RDG)
0h27
8:40 AM London Paddington (PAD)		0 transfersDirect
tfl_railP07352
On time
8:13 AM Reading station (RDG)
0h55
9:08 AM London Paddington (PAD)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernP08597
On time
8:17 AM Reading station (RDG)
0h36
8:53 AM London Paddington (PAD)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernP08564
On time
8:18 AM Reading station (RDG)
0h26
8:44 AM London Paddington (PAD)		0 transfersDirect

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 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.

Tue
Dec 02
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Why should you book Reading to London trains with Omio?

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

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 South Western Railway, Tfl Rail and Elizabeth Line to find the best option for your trip from Reading to London.
  • 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 Reading to London.

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 South Western Railway, Tfl Rail and Elizabeth Line to help you choose the right option for your journey from Reading to London.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to London.

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 $18 (€15) 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 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
Distance
36 miles (59 km)
Average train duration
56m
Cheapest ticket price
$18 (€15)
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 $18 (€15). 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
$37 (€30)
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
Learn more about Great Western Rail

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 22m
Cheapest Price
$18 (€15)
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
Learn more about South Western Railway

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
$24 (€19)
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
9 a day

first_great_western

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

Traveling by train from Reading to London

The train connection between Reading and London is efficient and convenient, making it easy for travelers to explore the vibrant capital. The journey typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on your chosen service. Key train providers include Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, and Tfl Rail, each offering frequent departures throughout the day. Whether you're heading to London for business or leisure, these services ensure a smooth ride with comfortable amenities along the way.

Train Connection: Reading to London

The train connection from Reading to London takes approximately 23 minutes and offers a direct service with multiple connections available throughout the day. There are no transfers required, making it a convenient option for travelers. The departure stations include Tilehurst, Reading, and Reading West, while arrivals can be made at various stations in London such as Liverpool Street, Clapham Junction, Waterloo, Paddington, Ealing Broadway, Vauxhall, and Farringdon.

Reading to London Train Connection

The first daily train from Reading to London departs at 07:09, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the vibrant capital. The last journey of the day leaves at 23:41, allowing late-night arrivals into one of Europe's most bustling cities.

Train Tickets Price for Reading to London

The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Reading to London is €10, while the average ticket price typically hovers around €25.

Exploring London's Historic Landmarks

The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has stood for over 1,000 years as a royal palace, fortress, and prison. Its significance lies not only in its role as the home of the Crown Jewels but also in its rich tapestry of history that includes tales of intrigue and execution. Unique features such as the iconic White Tower and the Yeoman Warders—affectionately known as Beefeaters—offer visitors an immersive glimpse into England's storied past.

Buckingham Palace serves as both the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen and a symbol of British monarchy. This grand structure is significant for hosting state occasions and ceremonies while providing insight into royal life through guided tours during summer months. One unique feature to look out for is the Changing of the Guard ceremony—a colorful spectacle showcasing precision marching by soldiers dressed in traditional uniforms.

The British Museum houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections dedicated to human history, art, and culture spanning over two million years. Its significance stems from being an educational resource that invites millions annually to explore artifacts like the Rosetta Stone or Elgin Marbles without any admission fee. Among its unique features are interactive exhibits that engage visitors with ancient civilizations' stories through cutting-edge technology.

FAQs: Trains from Reading to London

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 comprehensive experience of London's top attractions, cultural sites, and local neighborhoods, it is recommended to spend around 3 to 5 days in the city. This allows time to explore major landmarks such as the British Museum, Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace, as well as enjoy local markets and parks.
Train ticket prices from Reading to London can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $18 (€15), while the average price is around $33 (€26).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to London is by train, with a cost of around $18 (€15).
In London, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from The London Eye, visit the vibrant West End Theatre District for high-quality shows, and explore Camden Market's eclectic mix of food, fashion, and crafts. A walk through Hyde Park offers beautiful landscapes and recreational activities, while art lovers can visit the Tate Modern. Don't miss The British Museum's vast collection of art and antiquities, the historic Tower of London with its Crown Jewels, and Buckingham Palace. Iconic landmarks like The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, along with St. Paul's Cathedral, offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and architecture.
The first train from Reading to London leaves at 12:01 AM.
Yes, a day trip from Reading to London is feasible, with a travel time of 23m and a distance of 36 miles (59 km). Trains run 9 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to London.
The journey from Reading to London by train is primarily urban and suburban, with some views of the Thames Valley countryside, but it is not typically considered scenic.
Yes, there is a direct train from Reading to London. This service operates 9 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, South Western Railway, Tfl Rail, Elizabeth Line, first_great_western.
The distance by train from Reading to London is 36 miles (59 km).
The train from Reading to London takes 23m and runs 9 per day.
The last train from Reading to London leaves at 11:58 PM.
The train station in Reading that goes to London is Reading station (RDG), which connects to London Paddington (PAD).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Reading to London.
There is no high speed train available from Reading to London.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Reading to 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 transit 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 transit 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 transit 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

More options for your journey from Reading to London

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