How to travel from Reading to London, United Kingdom

The distance between Reading and London is around 57km (36 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train which takes around 23min.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Reading to London by train, taxi and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out LondonReading if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
💰 Cheapest
1
train
+

Train

Take the train to London Paddington.

  • Duration23min
  • Departsevery 10 mins
  • Typical cost
    £17($20)
Operated byGreat Western Railway+ 2 others
2
taxi
+

Taxi

Take a taxi to London Paddington.

  • Duration51min
  • Departson demand
  • Typical cost
    £120($140)
Operated by

Taxi in Reading

+ 3 others
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to London Paddington.

  • Duration51min
  • Distance65km (40 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Reading and London

There are several options for getting from Reading to London by train, taxi and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around £17 ($20) and will take around 23min.

The distance between Reading and London is around 57km (36 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 59km (36 miles)

It takes around 23min to get from Reading and London by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 51min to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Reading to London is to take the train which takes around 23min and will set you back approx £17 ($20).

The cheapest way to travel between Reading and London, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around £17 ($20) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Reading and London. It typically takes around 23min and departs every 10 mins.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Reading and London with no changeovers required. The train runs every 10 mins and takes 23min.

Great Western Railway and Elizabeth Line run train services between Reading and London. Trains depart every 10 mins and will take around 23min, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Reading and London. We recommend that you take the train to London Paddington. instead which will take 23min.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Reading to London. We recommend that you take the train to London Paddington. instead which will take 23min.

The closest major airport to London is London City Airport (LCY) (LCY) which is approximately 12km (8 miles) from London. Heathrow Airport (LHR) (LHR) and Gatwick Airport (LGW) (LGW) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Reading and London. The distance is around 65km (40 miles) by road and it will take around 51min in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Reading to London is to take the train which takes, on average, 23min and will usually cost around £17 ($20).

How do I get from Reading to London

Compare travel optionsbetween Reading and London

Transport options from Reading to London
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
23min
£17($20)
every 10 mins57km (36 miles)
Taxi
51min
£120($140)
on demand65km (40 miles)
Drive
51min
£8($9)
on demand65km (40 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Reading and London

Train operators

Airports near London

The following major airports near London offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.

LCY
London City Airport (LCY)
International Airport
Distance
12km (8 miles) from London
LHR
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
International Airport
Distance
23km (14 miles) from London
LGW
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
International Airport
Distance
40km (25 miles) from London