TrainlineTrainline is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*

  • Join millions of travelers who love Trainline: Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*

  • Easily compare prices and book your European train and bus travel

  • Book your tickets in US Dollars, and pay securely with Apple Pay, PayPal, and more

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 391 trains per day traveling from Reading to London and tickets for this journey start from $22.68 when you book in advance.

First train

02:54

Last train

01:24

Departure station

Reading

Arrival station

London

Journey time

From 23m

Distance

36 miles (59 km)

Frequency

391 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From $22.68

Train operators

Great Western Railway, South Western Railway

Taking the train from Reading to London in 23 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Reading to London? We've got you covered.

It usually takes around 1 hour 10 minutes to travel the 59 km from Reading to London by train, although you can get there in as little as 23 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 391 trains per day running on this route. You won't need to worry about making any changes along the way either as direct trains are available.

Train tickets from Reading to London start from $22.68 when you book in advance, which can be cheaper than buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.

Keen to book your train tickets to London? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train schedule below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.

FAQs for Reading to London

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 391 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 tickets from Reading to London can start from as little as $22.68 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.

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 391 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 01:24. 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 $22.68 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.

What are my ticket options for this journey?

If you're like us, you've probably seen the sheer number of ticket types available in the UK and wondered "Why are there so many?!" To help, we've put together a handy guide to the main UK ticket types, simply tap the one you’re interested in to find out more.

* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

Europe’s leading train and coach app

We help customers across Europe make more than 172,000 smarter journeys every day.