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There's no direct train between Heathrow and Reading, but the RailAir coach runs direct between Reading station and Heathrow's terminals. You can also take the train with one change, or a taxi door to door. This guide compares each option in both directions, Heathrow to Reading and Reading to Heathrow.
Heathrow to Reading: the quick answer
- Direct coach: RailAir RA1 between Reading station and Heathrow Terminals 2, 3 and 5, about 40 minutes, up to every 20 minutes.
- Train: no direct service. The Elizabeth line with a change at Hayes & Harlington takes about an hour.
- Terminal 4: the coach doesn't serve it; take the free train from Terminals 2 & 3.
- Easiest with luggage: a pre-booked taxi from your terminal to your Reading address.
Heathrow to Reading: All Options Compared
| Option | Changes | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| RailAir RA1 coach | None | About 40 min, depending on traffic |
| Elizabeth line via Hayes & Harlington | One | About 1 hour |
| Heathrow Express and GWR via Paddington | One | About 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Pre-booked taxi | None | Depends on traffic |
Typical times published by Heathrow and RailAir, not guarantees. They vary with traffic and service changes.
RailAir Coach Between Heathrow and Reading
The RailAir RA1 coach is the only direct public transport between Reading and Heathrow.
- Journey time: about 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Frequency: up to every 20 minutes, seven days a week.
- At Heathrow: the coach calls at Terminal 5, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
- At Reading: the coach leaves from right outside the main concourse at Reading station; follow the RailAir signs.
- Tickets: book online with RailAir. Children under 16 travel free, and the third and fourth adults in a group travel free.
- Terminal 4: not served by the coach. Take the free train from Terminals 2 & 3; see our Heathrow terminal transfers guide.
Heathrow to Reading by Train
There's no direct rail link between Heathrow and Reading, but you can make the journey with one change:
- Elizabeth line: take an Elizabeth line train from Heathrow to Hayes & Harlington, then change for a westbound train to Reading. About an hour in total.
- Heathrow Express and GWR: take the Heathrow Express to Paddington, then a GWR train to Reading. About 1 hour 5 minutes, but you travel into London and back out.
Read more about the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line in our Paddington to Heathrow guide.
Taxi from Heathrow to Reading
The coach takes you to Reading station, and the train means a change with your luggage. A pre-booked taxi goes straight from your terminal to your address. It's usually the easier choice when:
- you have heavy luggage, a pushchair or sports equipment;
- you're travelling as a family or group;
- you land late at night or fly out very early;
- your address isn't close to Reading station, or you're flying from Terminal 4.
Book a Heathrow to Reading transfer
- Door to door: Heathrow airport transfers to Reading and other destinations beyond London, 24/7, with TfL-licensed drivers.
- Arriving at Heathrow: your exact meeting point is in your booking instructions; with Meet & Greet, your driver meets you in the arrivals area.
- Flight monitoring: we offer flight monitoring for pre-booked airport pickups. Add your flight number when booking, and flight monitoring helps us coordinate your pickup around updated arrival information.
- Fixed fares: fixed fares for pre-booked airport transfers. Know your fare before confirming your booking, with no meter-based fare surprises.
- Vehicles: saloons to 16-seat minibuses in our fleet. Get an instant fare quote.
Reading to Heathrow
The same options work in reverse. From Reading station, follow the RailAir signs to the RA1 coach outside the main concourse. By train, take the Elizabeth line east to Hayes & Harlington and change for Heathrow, or a GWR train to Paddington for the Heathrow Express.
If you're dropped off by car or taxi, Heathrow charges £7 for every vehicle entering a terminal drop-off area, including taxis. Travelling with Banana Cars? Check your quote and booking details for how this airport charge applies to your journey. See our Terminal 5 drop-off guide.
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Travelling light from Terminals 2, 3 or 5: the RailAir RA1 coach, with no changes.
- Flying from Terminal 4: the Elizabeth line, or a taxi.
- Lots of luggage, a family or a group: one vehicle, door to door; see group transfers.
Heading to another town near Heathrow? Read our Heathrow to Windsor and Heathrow to Oxford guides.
Heathrow to Reading FAQs
No. The quickest train route is the Elizabeth line with a change at Hayes & Harlington, about an hour in total. The RailAir RA1 coach runs direct.
About 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Coaches run up to every 20 minutes, seven days a week.
Terminals 2, 3 and 5. For Terminal 4, take the free train from Terminals 2 & 3.
From right outside the main concourse at Reading station. Follow the RailAir signs when you leave the train.
Yes. RailAir says children under 16 travel free on the RA1, and the third and fourth adults in a group also travel free.
It depends on traffic, the time of day and your exact address. Fixed fares for pre-booked airport transfers. Know your fare before confirming your booking, with no meter-based fare surprises.
We offer flight monitoring for pre-booked airport pickups. Add your flight number when booking, and flight monitoring helps us coordinate your pickup around updated arrival information. Airport waiting allowances vary between 45 and 60 minutes depending on your flight category, under the terms of your booking. Any additional waiting charges are also subject to your booking terms.
Yes. MPVs, the Executive MPV-7 and 16-seaters suit families and groups. Child seats are free on advance request: Group 0/0+ (infant), Group 1 (toddler) and Group 2/3 (booster). Tell us each child's age and how many seats you need when you book.
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