Forest Gate to Reading Trains

Journey Planner & Fare Finder

Forest Gate to Reading by Train

Traveling by train to Reading from Forest Gate is usually a pleasant, relaxing and scenic journey.

As with all rail travel in the United Kingdom unless you book your ticket far in advance the price of your train ticket to Reading from Forest Gate could be rather costly, especially if you book to travel during peak times.

However, by using this journey planner to check train times and compare Forest Gate to Reading train ticket prices, even just before you travel, you could still find availability of the cheapest advance fare train tickets, more so if you are able to change your departure time to be a few minutes earlier or later.

Forest Gate to Reading Train Timetables

Both personalised and comprehensive train timetables for trains operating between Forest Gate and Reading may be viewed and downloaded here.

Reading Train Stations

Reading Railway Station is a major transport hub in Berkshire, serving as a critical interchange between London, the South of England, the Midlands, and the West Country. It is one of the UK’s busiest stations outside London, with excellent rail and cross-country connections.

Reading Station Services & Operators

Reading is served by multiple operators, providing high-frequency services to key destinations:

Great Western Railway (GWR): Fast services to London Paddington (~25 mins via Elizabeth line or GWR express). Long-distance routes to Bristol, Cardiff, Swansea, and Penzance. Commuter services to Oxford, Newbury, and Didcot Parkway.
CrossCountry: Direct trains to Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, and Edinburgh.
South Western Railway (SWR): Services to Waterloo via Staines and Ascot.
Elizabeth line (TfL): Connects Reading to Central London (Bond Street, Liverpool Street) and Essex (Shenfield).

Reading Station Features

Opened in 1840 by the Great Western Railway (GWR) and rebuilt multiple times, with the current modern station dating from 2013–2015 as part of a GBP900m redevelopment featuring a striking glass-fronted concourse and improved passenger facilities.

Reading Station Facilities & Accessibility

Ticket offices & self-service machines
Step-free access (lifts & escalators to all platforms)
Shops, cafes, and lounges (including WHSmith, Costa, and a First Class lounge)
Bicycle storage & car park (over 1,000 spaces)
Taxi rank & bus interchange (local and National Express services)
Waiting areas & real-time departure boards

Reading Station is a vital transport hub, seamlessly connecting London, the Thames Valley, and long-distance UK destinations. Its modern facilities and strategic location make it essential for business, leisure, and commuter travel.

IMPORTANT: If you use this journey planner to book your Forest Gate to Reading train journey your ticket will include travel on any other trains, including the London Underground, that you may need take to reach your final destination. You will not need to purchase any additional tickets.