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Low prices found by our customers
Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

Reading to London by train

It takes an average of 1h 10m to travel from Reading to London by train, over a distance of around 36 miles (59 km). There are normally 547 trains per day travelling from Reading to London and tickets for this journey start from £17.30 when you book in advance.

First train

02:54

Last train

02:24

Departure station

Reading

Arrival station

London

Journey time

From 23m

Distance

36 miles (59 km)

Frequency

547 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £17.30

Train operators

Great Western Railway, South Western Railway

Travelling from Reading to London by train

Do you want to find out more information about taking the train from Reading to London? Look no further. 

Usually, trains from Reading to London take around 1h 7m, but they can take just 23m on the fast services. Around 937 trains run on this popular route every day. As direct trains are available, you won’t need to worry about making any changes along the way.  

On this route, Great Western Railway is the main operator, however you could also hop on a less frequent South Western Railway or an Elizabeth Line (previously TfL Rail) service between Reading and London. Whichever train you travel on, you’ll enjoy free WiFi and comfortable seating as standard.   

To search for cheap tickets from Reading to London, use our Journey Planner at the top of the page. We’ll show you how much you can save on your train tickets if you travel at Off-Peak times or get a Railcard. 

Are you ready to book? Start your search for train tickets from Reading to London with us today. Continue reading for more information, such as our timetable where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap tickets from Reading to London. 

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Reading to London? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Reading to London take?

The average journey time by train between Reading and London is 1 hour and 10 minutes, with around 547 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Reading and London by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Reading to London is 23 minutes.

How much does the train from Reading to London cost?

Train ticket prices from Reading to London can start from as little as £17.30 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Reading to London?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Reading to London without having to change trains. There are 547 direct trains from Reading to London each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Reading to London leave?

The first train from Reading to London leaves at 02:54. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Reading to London leave?

The last train from Reading to London leaves at 02:24. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Reading and London by train?

Trains travelling from Reading to London cover a distance of around 36 miles (59 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from London to Reading.

Cheap train tickets from Reading to London

Train tickets from Reading to London start at £17.30 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Reading to London is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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