Trains from Reading to London Paddington from £21.10

The click of the train on the tracks from Reading to London Paddington marks a swift crossing from the heart of historic Berkshire into the relentless energy of the capital. Reading, a town shaped by centuries of history and now a hub for innovation and education, contrasts sharply with Paddington, one of London's grandest and busiest stations, designed by the legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. 

The route is short, but its story runs deep, from Victorian rail ambition to 21st-century convenience. This guide will take you through everything you need to know, from station details to onboard experience, key attractions near Paddington, and how to get around once you arrive.

Transport links to Reading Station

Reading railway station is one of the busiest in the United Kingdom and ranks busiest in Berkshire. It is located on the northern edge of Reading town centre and offers immediate access to retail and commercial quarters and the River Thames.

Its transport links are comprehensive. Taxis wait at station entrances, and accessible taxis can be arranged, offering a convenient option for those requiring assistance. Buses run from nearby streets and link to much of Reading and the adjacent areas. 

For airport connections, RailAir coaches serve Heathrow Airport every 20 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends. Regular direct train services to Gatwick Airport also operate from Reading.

Cyclists benefit from 344 sheltered bicycle stand spaces at the station front, the nearby short‑stay underground car park, and the long‑stay car park. While no cycle hire is available, secure storage is ample.

Motorists have access to two large car parks: Reading Car Park 1 and Reading Car Park 2, which offer 14 accessible spaces. In total, there are 1,387 car‑parking spaces. While charges apply and there is no CCTV coverage, accessible car‑park equipment and drop‑off and pick‑up points are in place.

Facilities at Reading Station

Reading station is managed by Network Rail and is served by Great Western Railway (GWR), CrossCountry, South Western Railway, and the Elizabeth line. The station provides an impressive array of physical and customer‑service facilities. Tickets may be purchased or collected at the main ticket office in the Brunel Arcade, which is open from 05:15 to 22:45 Monday through Friday, 05:30 to 22:45 on Saturday, and 07:15 to 22:45 on Sunday.

Reserved tickets or those requiring reservations are sold only from 08:00 to 20:00 Monday through Saturday and from 09:00 to 20:00 Sunday. Ticket machines are also available throughout the station, and they allow the collection of pre‑purchased tickets, including those booked via Trip.com. 

There are accessible ticket machines, and smartcard validators are in place. Smartcards can be loaded at machines. A height‑adjusted ticket‑office counter, induction loop, and smartcard issuance services further assure inclusivity.

Information and help services are robust. Live service information is shown on arrival and departure screens. Help is available via the ticket office, the information point, and the help point, with staff present daily. Public‑address announcements are made audibly and visually. Customer services can also be contacted by phone from 07:00 to 22:00 daily.

Accessibility is comprehensive, with step‑free access leading to all platforms, ticket barriers and gates are present, ramps help with train access, accessible toilets and waiting rooms operate throughout station opening hours, and tactile paving denotes platform edges.

Seating and sheltered waiting areas are provided, along with wheelchairs, trolleys, and induction loop‑equipped telephones. Though left luggage and lost property services are unavailable, amenities such as baby‑changing facilities, ATMs, refreshment outlets, shops, public Wi‑Fi, and post boxes support passenger needs.

Journey details to London Paddington

The rail link between Reading and London Paddington extends 35 miles. The journey lasts 23 minutes but may vary slightly depending on the specific service or stopping pattern. Great Western Railway, known for its regional and long‑distance services, conducts major operations on this route, with contributions from the Elizabeth line and South Western Railway.

There are 364 trains a day on this route, embodying remarkable frequency. The first train departs at 00:19, while the last departs at 23:55, thus serving early‑morning and late‑night travellers alike. Trains are largely direct and stop at key stations such as Twyford, Maidenhead, Slough, and Iver, among others, but depending on the operator and timetable, variations may occur.

Prices vary, and fares start from approximately £21.10 though more competitively priced advance tickets are often available. Reserving your train tickets from Reading to London Paddington with Trip.com is a hassle-free experience designed for modern travellers. Visit our Journey Planner or open the app, where you start by entering your journey details: Reading as your starting point, London Paddington as your destination, and your preferred travel date. The platform quickly displays a range of available trains, showing times, prices, and options like First Class upgrades.

Once you select your preferred service, you'll be prompted to fill in passenger information before payment. Trip.com accepts multiple secure payment methods, ensuring smooth and safe transactions.

After booking, your electronic ticket is instantly accessible via the app or email. Trip.com's customer support team is readily available to guide you if you have any questions during the process.

Onboard amenities on the journey

Great Western Railway services between Reading and Paddington offer passengers a modern, well‑equipped onboard environment. Free Wi‑Fi is available on most trains, and many seats provide power sockets for mobile working or device charging while travelling.

Real‑time journey updates keep travellers informed during the ride. Seating tends to be spacious and comfortable, with overhead racks and dedicated luggage storage areas, supplemented by clean toilets.

In First Class carriages, seating is even more generous, legroom improves significantly, noise levels drop, and complimentary refreshments such as drinks or snacks are served according to travel time. For many, this extra comfort and convenience make the premium ticket worthwhile. At London Paddington, First Class travellers often gain access to a dedicated lounge, offering further comfort before arrival or departure. Discover more about GWR First Class.

Great Western Railway focuses on customer satisfaction, punctuality, and comfort. In addition to high-speed services between Reading and London, they operate regional and long-distance routes to the South West and Wales, offering a broad range of travel options under one trusted brand.

Facilities at London Paddington Station

London Paddington station, like Reading, is managed by Network Rail and blends historic elegance with modern-day functionality. The ticket office is set to open from Monday to Sunday for 24 hours. Advance‑purchase tickets may only be bought between 07:00 and 21:00 each day.

Self‑service ticket machines are available for purchase and collection. While Oyster smartcard facilities for purchase or top‑up are unavailable in person, contactless bank cards, credit cards, and mobile devices can be used for pay‑as‑you‑go travel across London. Smartcard issuance and validation services are not offered here.

Accessibility provisions mirror those at Reading, with step‑free access to all platforms, accessible ticket machines, toilets, and ramps for train boarding. Induction loops are installed at designated listening areas.

Waiting rooms operate daily from 07:00 to 22:00, while seating, trolleys, and tactile paving are all provided. The First Class Lounge at Paddington opens from 05:00 to 23:30 Monday to Friday, from 05:00 to 21:00 on Saturdays, and from 10:00 to 23:30 on Sundays and public holidays.

Additional conveniences include secure left luggage facilities, a lost property office open from 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday, ATMs, refreshment kiosks, shops, and public Wi‑Fi. Public telephones are not available, and no bicycle storage or hire facilities exist. CCTV monitors the station, help points are placed in limited locations, and customer service staff are available daily. The station also offers clear announcements and visual information screens.

Attractions near London Paddington Station

Paddington is an ideal launchpad for exploring some of London's best-known green spaces and cultural landmarks. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens offer tranquillity and beauty amid the city's bustle. Visitors can stroll around the Serpentine lake, relax at the Diana Memorial Fountain, or enjoy boating or open‑air recreation. Kensington Gardens further presents manicured grounds, the Italian Gardens, and historic Kensington Palace.

History and science enthusiasts may appreciate the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum at nearby St Mary's Hospital, the preserved laboratory where penicillin was discovered. This modest yet significant museum draws curious minds to the site of a scientific breakthrough.

Nearby modern attractions include Paddington Basin, a sleek waterfront neighbourhood featuring cafes, shops, and public art perfect for a relaxed stopover or light exploration.

Getting around after arrival

Once in London Paddington, getting around the capital and beyond is remarkably straightforward. The station is in Zone 1 of London's transport network and is served by several Underground lines, including the Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City lines. These provide direct access to popular destinations such as Oxford Circus, King's Cross St Pancras, and Liverpool Street.

Paddington is also a major hub for buses and taxis. Black cabs are available at designated ranks, and ride-hailing services operate efficiently in this area. The Heathrow Express offers air travellers a non-stop service to Heathrow Airport in 15 minutes, departing from dedicated platforms within Paddington Station.

Paddington fully supports both systems for those using contactless payment or Oyster cards. Simply tap in and out using your card or mobile device to travel across London's transport network. Clear signs and staff are available to assist with directions and travel queries, making navigation easy even for first-time visitors.