Title: Late Night London to Reading Trains
Just moved to the area and recently went out for drinks in central London. I assumed trains ran regularly, but tonight was an exception.
Long story short, I ended up taking the central line to Ealing Broadway, then from Ealing Broadway to Reading – a trip of about 2 hours from central London.
Is this the typical route or did I miss a more efficient option? I left around 12:45 AM and arrived home at 2:45 AM. Can someone provide insight on late-night transportation options for those spending time in London past 1, 2, or even 3 in the morning?
Thanks
Unfortunately, there are limited late-night train options for those traveling from London to Reading. The last direct train from London Paddington to Reading typically departs around midnight, so if you find yourself out in central London past this time, you may need to consider alternative routes.
One option is to take the Night Tube or Night Bus services to Ealing Broadway or another station that offers connections to Reading. As you mentioned, you can take the Central Line to Ealing Broadway and then transfer to a train bound for Reading. However, this route is not the quickest or most direct, as it adds considerable travel time to your journey.
If you know in advance that you will be out late in central London, it may be worth considering taking a taxi or a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft back to Reading. While this option can be more expensive than public transportation, it allows you to travel directly and more efficiently, especially late at night when train services may be limited.
Alternatively, you could also consider staying out later in London until the early morning hours, when train services resume. This way, you can avoid the late-night transportation hassle altogether and catch an early train back to Reading.
Ultimately, the key is to plan your late-night travels in advance and be aware of the limited transportation options available. By considering all available options, you can ensure a safe and efficient journey back home from central London.