How long does the train from Reading to Paddington take?

The journey from Reading to Paddington can be as quick as 23-26 minutes on the fastest Great Western Railway trains.

What time is the first and last Heathrow Express from Paddington?

The first Heathrow Express train leaves Paddington at 04:34, and the last train leaves Paddington at 23:25. On Sundays, the first train leaves Paddington at 04:55 and the last at 23:26.

Can I use an Oyster card or contactless to travel on the Heathrow Express?

Yes, you can use an Oyster card or contactless payment to travel on the Heathrow Express. Simply tap in at the ticket barriers when you enter and leave the station, either at Heathrow or Paddington. Your fare will be charged automatically to your Oyster card or contactless device.

Reading to Heathrow

The Reading to Heathrow Route

Plan your fastest route from Reading to Heathrow, or Heathrow to Reading, via Paddington and the Heathrow Express.

The Reading to London Heathrow Airport route

Travelling from Reading to London Heathrow Airport is a straightforward journey with two legs. First, you’ll take the train or Elizabeth Line from Reading to London Paddington. Then you’ll simply stroll to the Heathrow Express train at Paddington station to jump on your direct service to Heathrow Airport.

We’ll run through each leg of the journey in detail below.

Reading to London: Getting into the capital

The first leg of your journey is the train from Reading to London Paddington. The quickest way into Paddington is by using the Great Western Railway.

Direct Great Western Railway trains take around 23 to 26 minutes and usually arrive into Paddington on platforms 1, 3 or 4.

Where is the Heathrow Express in Paddington

Once you arrive at Paddington, you’ll likely get off your Great Western Railway train at either platform 1, 3 or 4. You can then simply stroll to either platform six or seven to take the Heathrow Express to Heathrow Airport.

Always check the boards at the station to make sure you’re not running for a different platform on the day.

All aboard the Heathrow Express

The Heathrow Express is the fastest and most convenient way to get from London Paddington to Heathrow Airport. Our trains leave Paddington every 15 minutes, with four trains running every hour. Heathrow Express trains are direct into Heathrow Central, with no stops along the way – the journey takes just 15 minutes. If you’re flying from Terminal 5, it’s an extra six minutes on the train to Terminal 5 station.

You’ll find plenty of room on our Heathrow Express trains. There’s ample space to relax in your seat and more than enough storage space for your luggage. We have free Wi-Fi on all our trains, and our seats are super comfy. Customers travelling on Business First Class get their own table and plug sockets to catch up on any last-minute work before arriving at the airport. Kids aged 15 and under also travel for free.

10% off your first purchase

Download the Heathrow Express App

How long does it take to get from Reading to London Heathrow?

On average, journey times between Reading and London Heathrow take around one hour and 10 minutes. However, if you travel on the Heathrow Express, you can cut your journey to around 40 minutes.

Via the Heathrow Express

The fastest Great Western Railway trains from Reading to London Paddington take between 23 and 26 minutes

The Heathrow Express from Paddington to Heathrow takes 15 minutes

Via the Elizabeth Line

To travel on the Elizabeth Line from Reading to Heathrow, take an Eastbound train from Reading and change at Hayes & Harlington. This should take around 35 to 40 minutes. Change to a Westbound train to Heathrow. Your journey should take between 60 and 70 minutes in total.

Grab your tickets now

Purchase Your Heathrow Express Tickets Here

Arriving at Heathrow with the Heathrow Express

Once you get on the Heathrow Express at London Paddington, the journey to Heathrow Central takes just 15 minutes. The train then carries on an extra six minutes to Terminal 5 station.

Terminal 2 & 3

If you’re flying from Terminal 2 or Terminal 3, it’s just a short walk to either terminal from Heathrow Central. Use the inter-terminal walkway, and it should take around 10 minutes.

Terminal 4

For Terminal 4, take a free train transfer from Heathrow Central using the Elizabeth line or Piccadilly line. The journey takes between 10 and 15 minutes.

Terminal 5

Stay on the Heathrow Express to Terminal 5 station. The station is located on the ground floor and has direct access to the terminal.

Discover more about Heathrow’s terminals with our helpful terminal maps.

Our ticket types

Choose from a range of Heathrow Express ticket types to suit your journey and your budget. Book your train tickets to Heathrow Airport, or in the opposite direction, with Heathrow Express in minutes.

Single

Book a Single ticket in either Standard Class or PREMIER+. Pick any train on that day and travel one way either from London to Heathrow, or the opposite direction, whether you're flying for business or pleasure.

A group of people buying tickets at a ticket machine

Advanced Discounted Single

Make great savings by booking your single ticket on Standard Class 30+ days in advance. Get organised with your train travel and plan a single journey to or from Heathrow for just £10. Get your advanced discount ticket here.

Same Day Return

Book a Same Day ticket if you're flying out of and returning to Heathrow on the same day. Ideal for business travellers regularly flying out of Heathrow. Hop on a morning flight for a meeting in Edinburgh or Berlin and fly home that evening, using Heathrow Express both ways.

Return

With a Return ticket on Heathrow Express, you have ultimate flexibility for your travel to and from the airport.

Whether you're away for two weeks with the family or enjoying a city break, you can travel five days after you buy the ticket and return within one month.

Carnet tickets

Available as a Carnet x6 or Carnet x12 in both Standard Class and PREMIER+, you'll save money on your journeys by buying your tickets in bulk.

With a Carnet x6 you get 6 journeys for the price of 5, whilst a Carnet x12 will give you 12 journeys for the price of 9.

Family travel

Children aged 15 and under travel for free on Heathrow Express. If you're travelling as a family from Heathrow – whether to see friends or for the holiday of a lifetime – book tickets for the whole family, but only pay for the adults.