Please sign in to post.

London Paddington to/from Reading by train

Posted by (Central Coast CA, USA) on

In September (exact date TBD but probably a weekday) my husband and I are planning to make a day trip to Wallingford. Of the various public transportation options, we have decided to take the train to Reading and then the bus (X40) to Wallingford. This option seems to have the best price, a scenic ride, and also gives us a chance for a small walk around Reading and possibly see the Bayeux Tapestry copy at the Reading Museum.

(1) Should I buy train tickets (Paddington-Reading return) ahead of time? AI suggests that we can simply walk up and tap in and out at both Paddington and Reading for either GWR or the Elizabeth Line, and the price will be GBP14/each, oneway for offpeak hours. I would love this flexiblity and cheaper price!

(2) Off-peak hours at Paddington start after 9:30am on weekdays? Are there off-peak hours I need to be aware of on the return journey, from Reading to Paddington?

Thank you!!

Posted by
12151 posts

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.

Posted by
444 posts

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?

Posted by
12151 posts

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).

Posted by
444 posts

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

Add Reply

Please do not reply to violations of our Community Guidelines.