Reading to London train with Great Western Rail

Tue, Nov 25
+ Add return
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
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to London

Showing times and prices for Nov 26

Cheapest price

€30

Average price

€43

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 €43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €30.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Reading for London on Wed, Nov 26, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Nov 26 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 Wed, Nov 26 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)
301One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP08563
08:13AM0h27
Reading station (RDG)
08:40AMLondon Paddington (PAD)
451One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP08564
08:18AM0h26
Reading station (RDG)
08:44AMLondon Paddington (PAD)
451One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP08207
08:10AM0h25
Reading station (RDG)
08:35AMLondon Paddington (PAD)
451One-way
0 transfers
Tfl RailP07352
08:13AM0h55
Reading station (RDG)
09:08AMLondon Paddington (PAD)
451One-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: 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, Tuesday, November 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:59 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
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.

Wed
Nov 26
Thu
Nov 27
Fri
Nov 28
Sat
Nov 29
Sun
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04
Fri
Dec 05
Sat
Dec 06
Sun
Dec 07
Mon
Dec 08
Tue
Dec 09
Wed
Dec 10
Thu
Dec 11
Fri
Dec 12
Sat
Dec 13
Sun
Dec 14
Mon
Dec 15
Tue
Dec 16

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 €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 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
€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 €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
€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

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
€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

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
€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
€25
Elizabeth Line frequency
9 a day

first_great_western

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

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
Cheap train tickets from Reading to London can start from as little as €11 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Reading to London is €23; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Reading to London train travel time is 23 min   for the 58 km long trip, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Reading to London leaves at 00: 01. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Reading to London leaves at 23: 58.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Reading to London without having to change trains with Great Western Rail, Tfl Rail or first_great_western. There are 8 direct trains from Reading to London each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the trip from Reading to London you can take a train with Great Western Rail, South Western Railway, Tfl Rail or first_great_western. Be sure to check out all possible train companies that offer services from Reading to London on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 58.

When departing from Reading, you have various train station options to start your journey from including Reading and Reading West. When arriving in London, you can end your route in train stations like London Waterloo, London Paddington and London Liverpool Street.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Reading, which is located around 0.2 miles (415 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at London Waterloo, located 1.2 miles (2 km) away from the city centre.

A day trip to London from Reading is worth doing with a journey time of 23 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Reading to London by train is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and London including taking a train or coach.

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
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
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
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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km

Most popular train connections from Reading

HomeTrainsTrain Times to LondonReading to London train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone