Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car

Reading travel guide

Reading Tourism | Reading Guide

You're Going to Love Reading

With a population of 244,070, Reading is a must-see destination in England, United Kingdom. Consider staying at least one whole day in Reading to see all of its attractions.

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Where to Eat in Reading

If you’re looking for affordable options, Buenasado Argentine Steakhouse - Reading (Unit 28 Lower Mall) and Butt Inn (Station Road) are great picks.

When to visit Reading

Reading in November
Estimated hotel price
$157
1 night at 3-star hotel
Reading in November
Estimated hotel price
$157
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Reading

Plane

Although Reading doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Oxford Kidlington (OXF), which is located 49 km from Reading. The shortest flight to Reading from New Zealand departs from Auckland and takes around 28h.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Reading to Birmingham takes 1h 28m and costs around $36 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Nottingham, expect to pay about $93 for a 1h 50m trip. Located 10 km from the city centre, Reading Mortimer is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Theale, located 7 km from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Reading is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 59 km from Reading. You’ll find branches of Hertz and GREEN MOTION , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including National Express, FlixBus and Oxford Bus Company. From Bristol, the bus ride to Reading takes 217 km and will cost you around $20. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about $12 for a journey of 225 km. The most popular bus station is Reading Queen's Rd, located 1.1 km from the city centre of Reading. Reading Calcott is also a commonly used station, and is 6 km from the city centre.

Plane

Although Reading doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Oxford Kidlington (OXF), which is located 49 km from Reading. The shortest flight to Reading from New Zealand departs from Auckland and takes around 28h.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Reading to Birmingham takes 1h 28m and costs around $36 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Nottingham, expect to pay about $93 for a 1h 50m trip. Located 10 km from the city centre, Reading Mortimer is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Theale, located 7 km from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Reading is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 59 km from Reading. You’ll find branches of Hertz and GREEN MOTION , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including National Express, FlixBus and Oxford Bus Company. From Bristol, the bus ride to Reading takes 217 km and will cost you around $20. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about $12 for a journey of 225 km. The most popular bus station is Reading Queen's Rd, located 1.1 km from the city centre of Reading. Reading Calcott is also a commonly used station, and is 6 km from the city centre.

Airports near Reading

BZZBrize Norton
OXFOxford Kidlington

Airlines serving Reading

KLM
Good (1,414 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,579 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,002 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,533 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,044 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,788 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,028 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,027 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,664 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,421 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,493 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,463 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (874 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,309 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,584 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,066 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,334 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,326 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,137 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,407 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Reading

Average rates range from around $150 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $606 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Sure Hotel by Best Western Reading and Crescent Hotel. There are also lots of holiday rental options in Reading, with prices from $34 to $1,040 per night. Downtown is the neighbourhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, holiday rentals in Reading are about 16% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Where to stay in popular areas of Reading

Most booked hotels in Reading

See all
pentahotel Reading
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$137+
View
Hilton Reading
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$196+
View
ibis Reading Centre
3 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
$87+
View
Sure Hotel by Best Western Reading
2 stars
Good (7.6, Good reviews)
$70+
View
Travelodge Reading Central
3 stars
Good (7.6, Good reviews)
$75+
View

Hiring a car in Reading

Expect to pay $3.16 per litre in Reading (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $37.89 and $50.51. Compact (Volkswagen Polo or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Reading, while also 73% cheaper than other types, on average.

Expect to pay $3.16 per litre in Reading (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $37.89 and $50.51. Compact (Volkswagen Polo or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Reading, while also 73% cheaper than other types, on average.

Find car hire in Reading