Trains from Reading to London from £18.10

Reading Station is located on the northern side of central Reading and provides around 363 regular train services per day to London Paddington station from Platforms 10-15. Reading station is served by CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway and Elizabeth Line.

On Great Western Railway trains, the duration can be as short as 23 minutes. Alternatively the Elizabeth Line usually takes around 55 minutes as it makes dozens of stops along the way, whereas the Great Western Railway makes just one or two stops.

You'll be arriving at London Paddington, a London railway station located on Praed Street in the Paddington area, served by Great Western Railway, Elizabeth Line, and Heathrow Express. It is well-connected to various destinations including Heathrow Airport, Cardiff, Shenfield, Oxford and Birmingham. It also serves the London Underground system, specifically the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines.

First-class tickets

You can travel from Reading to London in even greater comfort with First Class Tickets.

As this route is covered by multiple providers, it's best to check whether this is applicable for your specific journey when booking and what is included with the ticket. Depending on provider, this ticket may include:

• Access to the London Paddington First Class lounge
• Wider seats with extra legroom for greater comfort onboard
• Tables with plug and USB sockets – perfect for those using laptops
• Enhanced Wi-Fi onboard for those working, streaming or browsing
• A range of drinks and snacks, including teas, coffees, juices, sodas, biscuits, cakes and crisps

For more details about First Class Tickets, please check our Change, Refund, and Delay Repay Policy.

How much is the train to London from Reading?

The average price of a train ticket from Reading to London is around £27.90 for a single journey, but can be as low as £18.10 when booked in advance. Prices often vary depending on the time of travel and how far in advance you book, so it's a good idea to book early to get the best deal.

Can you get a Tube from London to Reading?

No, you cannot take the Tube (London Underground) directly from London to Reading. The Tube network does not extend to Reading. However, you can take a train from London to Reading using services such as the Great Western Railway (GWR) or the Elizabeth Line.

How far is Reading from London by train?

Reading is approximately 36 miles (58 kilometres) west of Central London. By train, this distance can be covered in about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the service you choose.

How long does the Elizabeth Line take London to Reading?

The Elizabeth Line takes approximately 50 to 60 minutes to travel from Central London (Paddington Station) to Reading.

Can I tap from Reading to London?

Yes, you can use contactless payment methods, such as an Oyster card or a contactless debit/credit card, to travel on the Elizabeth Line from Reading to London.