London Paddington to/from Reading by train

Yes, off peak starts at 0930, and yes directionally no afternoon peak back from Reading. Yes £14 each way on contactless.

But contactless is never cheapest off peak, for a return journey on that route.

Instead, at Paddington, buy a Thames Branches Day Ranger Ticket for £27.50 each- https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/tickets-railcards-and-offers/ticket-types/promotions/thames-branches-day-ranger/

If you have an existing Two Together Railcard, or the date for this day out falls within a year of the entirety of the 2027 trip ( making it worthwhile getting the 2T now, rather than next year) the day Ranger ticket becomes £18.30 each.

Unlimited travel for the day after 0930 from Paddington to just past Reading, Windsor, Henley and Marlow.

Stuart, thank you so much! I had no idea about the option of the Thames branches day ranger, so I will definitely look into it, especially if we can make the 2T option work (good suggestion to think about our 2027 travel dates). Is this ticket available at the ticket vending machines, or do we need to go see an agent?

If the 2T option does not work, then might as well tap in and out?

You need to see an agent.

The only machines known for certain to issue the Ranger are on Northern Rail, so I can buy it on a machine at my local unstaffed station in the Lake District, which is kind of crazy.

There is a small chance that the Avanti machines at Euston may issue it (but wouldn't hold my breath) and allegedly LNER machines at Edinburgh, Newcastle, York and Kings Cross (again I have my doubts).

I think we will just go see an agent instead of trying to hunt down a machine then!

Just to add, and it does sound as if you’ll be going on GWR - don’t take the Elizabeth Line to Reading, it takes forever as it stops at so many stations on the way.

Amanda - yes, I am aware, but thank you for reiterating! I am a big fan of the Elizabeth Line, but for this journey, GWR is definitely the way to go!

Regarding a Two Together railcard. They are a good way of saving money, 33% off rail tickets, but cost £35. So if that is the only trip you will be making, the saving will not make up the initial cost. I believe the break even price is £105.

So if that is the only trip you will be making, the saving will not make up the initial cost

Hence my very careful wording above in linking it into the September 2027 trip which is quite extensive across the UK, where a Two Together will certainly make sense.

Briwire - I looked into the 2T card and it doesn't make sense for this year's train trips. However, we are coming to the UK again next year for our 25th anniversary trip. Stuart suggested I try to see if I can get all the travel dates lined up within a one-year window, then I could get the 2T card once and use it for both trips - that would be worth it. However, unfortunately I don't think we can - so I think the current thinking is that we don't get 2T for this year, but get it for next year when we are doing some longer trips (Ironbridge, Lake district).