Reading Train Station
Reading Station originally opened in 1840 as a stop on the London to Bristol service. It has seen many expansions over the years, the latest one in 2015, and is now the 2nd largest interchange outside of London. Around 20 million passengers use Reading station every year, and there are around 140 trains to Reading from London Paddington a day.
Each August Bank Holiday, Reading is host to the exciting 3-day Reading festival, which attracts up to 90,000 people. The station is used by festival-goers who take the train to Reading and then walk the short distance to the event. Trains to Reading station are provided by both Great Western Railway and South Western Railway.
Station details & facilities
Ticket office
Luggage
Facilities
Toilets
WiFi
Staffing and customer service
Parking
Bicycle Facilities
Accessibility
First Class Lounge
Trains to Reading station
Reading train station is mainly served by GWR and South Western Railway trains.
GWR services connect London Paddington to Reading in 43m, Newbury to Reading in 23m and Cheltenham to Reading in 1h 34m, while South Western Railway run from London Waterloo to Reading in 1h 28m. Both operators cover the route from Bristol Temple Meads to Reading (1h 14m).
Need more information on how to get to Reading by train? Check out our dedicated page to trains to Reading.
Reading train station departures and arrivals
Want to know when your next train from/to Reading station departs? Scroll down this page and click on the ‘Departures’ tab if you want to check all trains departing from Reading railway station or click on the ‘Arrivals’ tab for more information about all services arriving into Reading.
Reading Station has a total of 15 platforms. Platforms 8 to 15 are reached via the footbridge over the tracks. There are display boards to help with train times at Reading Station and an information desk near the station newsagent to help with the Reading train timetables.
Reading train station parking
Reading train station has one multi-storey car park, which is accessed from a central position beside the Marks and Spencer food store. For wheelchair access, a ramp is located at the Forbury Road entrance.
Hotels near Reading train station
Looking for a hotel near Reading railway station? There’s a wide range of hotels you can choose from. Simply click on the button below and book now your accommodation in Reading.
Frequently asked questions
Is Reading station open?
Reading station is open every day that services are running to and from the station. The station usually opens just before the first train of the day leaves and then closes after the last train departs. Ticket office opening hours may vary.
Are trains running today from Reading station?
Trains arrive into and depart from Reading station almost every day, although there may be fewer services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains running to and from Reading.
Are there toilets at Reading station?
Yes, there are toilets available to use at Reading station.
Are dogs allowed at Reading station?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Reading station, but they should be kept on a lead or in a pet carrier at all times.
Departures and arrivals from Reading
Departures
Arrivals
| Departing to | Train | Time | Platform | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| to London Paddington | Great Western Railway | 12:09 | 11 | Late |
| to Basingstoke | Great Western Railway | 12:09 | 2 | On time |
| to London Waterloo | South Western Railway | 12:09 | 6 | On time |
| to London Paddington | Great Western Railway | 12:11 | 10 | Late |
| to London Paddington | Great Western Railway | 12:17 | 11 | Late |
| Arriving from | Train | Time | Platform | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| from Bournemouth | CrossCountry | 12:09 | 3 | Late |
| from Bristol Temple Meads | Great Western Railway | 12:10 | 10 | Late |
| from Abbey Wood | Elizabeth line | 12:10 | 14 | On time |
| from London Paddington | Great Western Railway | 12:12 | 9 | Late |
| from Penzance | Great Western Railway | 12:16 | 11 | Late |