Park & Ride train station from East of London to Reading
From the London/Essex border, where is the nearest free or inexpensive Park & Ride station with a regular direct connection to Reading?
I imagine that it would be on the far side of the Dartford Crossing, but which? This is a one off, but might become a regular commute, so, depending on the train fair, it might even be better to go nearer to Reading that London? It's a time/cost trade-off, but I don't have any data on which to base the decision.
Best Answer
I don't think there is anywhere with direct trains from Essex/East London to Reading? At least not until Crossrail starts.
The closest direct train you will get is from Waterloo.
See https://traintimes.org.uk/london%20waterloo/reading?changes=0
Your best option might be Egham, just off the M25 with parking at £7.50 per day. Though at that point you are well over halfway to Reading.
Once crossrail does open then you have a lot more options from as far East as Shenfield (1hr 42). https://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/maps/route-map
As @Muzer points out, there are fast non-stop trains from Paddington to Reading. While driving to and parking at Paddington is probably a non-starter, you could take the Hammersmith & City Line from Barking to Paddington and change trains once.
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What train line is reading on?
Trains to Reading station Reading train station is mainly served by GWR and South Western Railway trains.Where to drop off at Reading station?
Accessible pick-up and drop-off points at Reading Station include Ground Floor of the multi-story car park, access on Vastern Road (Caversham Side), which is free for 20 minutes. The Underground short-stay car park; access on Forbury Road is also free for 20 minutes.Where do you park to go to London by train?
If you need to travel into central London, you can park and use the tube for the the last few miles to avoid charges....Congestion Zone- Park Lane.
- Marble Arch.
- Queensway.
- Knightsbridge.
- Pimlico.
- St. John's Wood.
- Tower Bridge.
- Church Street.
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