I would expect it to be both quicker and cheaper. Look at the map.

previously on other threads the Reading Coach Rail Link was said not to be quicker, I think but not sure.

Flanner?

So, I actually checked, since I might want to use the rail link at some point. Worst case assumes you arrive at the boarding point just in time to see the bus/train leave, best case you arrive just in time to board.

Express to Paddington, worst case 30 minutes, best case 15 minutes, 22-25 GBP

Connect to Paddington, worst case 79 minutes, best case 31 minutes, 10.20 GBP

Bus to Reading worst case 65 minutes, best case 45 minutes, 16 GBP

Paddington to Reading, 24 minutes, delta cost maybe 9.00 GBP but variable.

Personally, I'd rather deal with Reading station than Paddington, and might add some extra time to the Paddington routings to allow for a larger and busier station.

Personally, I'd rather deal with Reading station than Paddington, and might add some extra time to the Paddington routings to allow for a larger and busier station.>

But the train to The West originates in Paddington -plenty of time to leisurely board and if sans seat reservations lots of chances to find or more chances of finding un-reserved seats than during a few-minute stop in Reading - more rushed and have to navigate an already potentially fairly full train to get to your seat.

I'd take the more relaxed boading in Paddington -if boarding in Reading have seat reservations in hand.

but thursdayds point about allowing more than a few minutes at Paddington makes sense - for a large busy station-if in a time bind ask the condcutor on HEX which platform your train will leave from.

I was having the same thoughts as Pal favoring Paddington. I think I just might bump the trip an extra hour and make arrangements with my B&B in Penzance for a later arrival. I see that there are still some places in Penzance that will have late hours for dinner.

Does anyone know if trains from Paddington to Penzance have any on board food availability?

Go to nationalrail.co.uk and put in Paddington and Penzance and your date. Then click on "details" for the trains that interest you. On the next screen click on the cutlery and glass icon. Looks like some trains have a restaurant car and the rest a "buffet" whatever that means. You should be able to buy food at Paddington.

Thank you thursdaysd - will do.

AND, thanks to all for your input. It is very much appreciated.

"buffet" whatever that means>

Buffet is a snack bar - you go to and get snacks but not meals (and as always the train's conductor will ask 'please bring small change with you' - most trains IME only have a snack bar. Paddington does indeed have many quick take out food places and small food stores)-snack bar fare on trains is limited of course, mainly to junk foods.

I recommend the Pasty Shop inside Paddington Station, "near track 12", to the right with your back to the main Praed St. entrance: https://dumplinghunter.wordpress.com...ondon-england/

I would be tempted to nip up the street to Pret a Manger for a crayfish and rocket (arugula) sandwich, but you are spoiled for choice:

https://www.allinlondon.co.uk/direct...e-193-1103.php

And the lunchtime train had a restaurant car. I think Mark Smith at seat61 spoke well of restaurant cars in the UK, but you might want to check.