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Outbound fromLondon to Reading by train
It takes an average of 1h 1m to travel from London to Reading by train, over a distance of around 36 miles (59 km). There are normally 440 trains per day travelling from London to Reading and tickets for this journey start from £16.80 when you book in advance.
Travelling from London to Reading by train in less than half an hour
Considering a trip to Berkshire and need more information on the journey by train to Reading from London? Look no further!
Generally, the train from London to Reading takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes but can take just 23 minutes on the quickest services. With around 319 direct trains running on this popular route each day, you can make yourself comfortable as you don’t need to worry about making any changes.
On this route, you can travel with either Great Western Railway (GWR), South Western Railway (SWR) or the Elizabeth Line (previously TfL Rail). With GWR and the Elizabeth Line, you’ll depart from London Paddington station, whereas with SWR, your journey will start at London Waterloo station. No matter who you decide to travel with, your train will arrive at Reading station.
From the station, you’re a short walk from the town centre and some of the local landmarks, including Reading Museum and Reading Abbey Ruins. In August, the town is also home to one of the UK’s biggest music events – Reading Festival.
If you’d like to book cheap train tickets, travel at Off-Peak times, as tickets are usually cheaper during quieter travel times on weekdays and weekends. If you travel by train fairly frequently, why not get a Railcard? You’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from London to Reading in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. For more information, scroll down for train timetables, FAQs and tips on finding cheap train fares.
FAQs about the train journey from London to Reading
Want to know more about your journey from London to Reading? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from London to Reading?
How close is London to Reading by train?
Is it possible to get from London to Reading without flying?
What is the best way to travel from London to Reading?
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Cheap train tickets from London to Reading
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 London to Reading 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.