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Reading to London train

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Reading - London Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 9 daily train trips available from Reading to London. Traveling by train from Reading to London usually takes 42 minutes, but the fastest Great Western Railway train can make the trip in 23 minutes.

Distance37 mi (59 km)
Fastest train0h 23m
Lowest price$27.94
Trains per day9
Most frequent serviceGreat Western Railway
Train lines2

Price trends for trains from Reading to London

Monthly avg. prices

$50$40$30$20$10AMJJASONDJFM

Which train should you take from Reading to London?

2 train services operate from Reading to London. Great Western Railway usually has more trains scheduled, with 7 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Great Western Railway70h 30m$35.66
South Western Railway21h 28m$27.94
  • Great Western Railway is a train company in the United Kingdom responsible for rail services in the west of England and south Wales, including many intercity services to and from London. Whether you book a seat on a standard or first-class carriage, you can expect plenty of legroom, complimentary WiFi, power outlets/USB charging points, and onboard restrooms. There are also café cars or snacks trolleys onboard.

  • UK's South Western Railway operates passenger rail services in London, Windsor, Reading, and Southampton. Both standard class and first-class seating are available, with the first-class section clearly marked and physically separated from the rest of the train by internal doorways. These cars offer more space and quiet away from the more crowded areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Reading and London is approximately 37 miles, or 59 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 23 minutes. It's a short and pleasant ride; the train is a perfect way to get to London.

Trains departing from Reading to London tend to have the most passengers on Wednesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Wednesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Reading at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 9 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Reading to London.

You can also take a train for your return trip from London to Reading.

City Information

Reading

Reading - GBREA-0

Image credit: Reading Tom

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Reading - GBREA-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Reading - GBREA-2

Image credit: Reading Tom

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Located only 20 minutes west of London, Reading is a large university and market town in the English county of Berkshire. Reading has an intriguing mix of the past and the present, with a vibrant student scene thriving among the city's medieval and Victorian architecture.

Reading sits on the River Thames, at the end-point of the Kennet and Avon Canal, so there are a number of pretty riverside walks to take in the scenery. Explore the gardens and meet the animals at Beadle Wildlife Park, a vast park crisscrossed with nature trails.

To discover the town's past, visit the Reading Museum, where you can take a trip through time from early Saxon settlements to the Industrial Revolution through 21st-century life.

Since Reading is home to a large university, you are always guaranteed exciting nightlife. Filled with many restaurants, pubs, bars, and clubs, Reading is the perfect place for a night on the town. Try The Nag's Head, The Lyndhurst, or The Purple Turtle to start your night right.

Because Reading is only a short way from London, getting to Reading is simple. Fly to one of London's large international airports for access from around the world. Reading Train Station is also one of Britain's main railway interchanges, making it easy to reach from all over the country by train. National Express buses also operate through the city from many destinations around the United Kingdom.

London

One of the most important cities in the world, London is where the traditional blends seamlessly with the modern. As a vibrant modern city, London has something for everyone. For visitors interested in the Royal Family as well as their history, check out Buckingham Palace. The palace is open all days in summer, but only on selected days in winter. The Tower of London, where the crown jewels are put on exhibition, is also a great spot to check out. For fans of history, you might not want to miss out on the famous British Museum, considered by many to be the best museum in all of London. The museum currently carries an impressive collection of 8 million historic objects from all around the world, making it an eye-opening destination for many.

London’s food scene reflects its multiculturalism. Here you can find restaurants serving cuisines from various countries around the world, from India to Malaysia. If you opt for a lavish dining experience, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, run by the famous chef himself, will be a great choice. Also don’t forget to stop by at a local pub and enjoy the beer like a true Londoner.

The city’s centers of intercity rail services are King’s Cross Station and Euston Station, from which you can take a train to other places in the UK or hop on the Eurostar train to Paris and beyond. The largest coach station in the city is Victoria Coach Station, serving big local carriers like National Express. The city’s air services are fulfilled by eight airports, of which London Heathrow Airport, located west of the city, is the busiest one.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Reading?

Main departure station: Reading Station

There is one train station in Reading.

All train stations in Reading:

  • Reading Station

Where is the train station in London?

Main arrival station: Paddington Station

London receives travelers from Reading at its two active train stations.

All train stations in London:

  • Paddington Station

  • Waterloo Station

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