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. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. 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 March
Estimated hotel price
$148
1 night at 3-star hotel
Reading in March
Estimated hotel price
$148
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 30 miles from Reading. The shortest flight to Reading from New Zealand departs from Auckland and takes around 27h 25m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by West Midlands Railway. The train journey from Reading to Birmingham takes 1h 49m and costs around $48 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Southampton, expect to pay about $83 for a 1h 50m trip. Located 6 miles from the city centre, Reading Mortimer is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Theale, located 4 miles from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Reading is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 37 miles from Reading. You’ll find branches of Hertz and DRIVALIA , among others, in London.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Reading using National Express or FlixBus. From Bristol, the bus ride to Reading takes 130 miles and will cost you around $12. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about $28 for a journey of 140 miles. The most popular bus station is Reading Queen's Rd, located 0.7 miles from the city centre of Reading. Reading Calcott is also a commonly used station, and is 4 miles from the city centre.

Plane

Although Reading doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Oxford Kidlington (OXF), which is located 30 miles from Reading. The shortest flight to Reading from New Zealand departs from Auckland and takes around 27h 25m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by West Midlands Railway. The train journey from Reading to Birmingham takes 1h 49m and costs around $48 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Southampton, expect to pay about $83 for a 1h 50m trip. Located 6 miles from the city centre, Reading Mortimer is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Theale, located 4 miles from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Reading is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 37 miles from Reading. You’ll find branches of Hertz and DRIVALIA , among others, in London.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Reading using National Express or FlixBus. From Bristol, the bus ride to Reading takes 130 miles and will cost you around $12. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about $28 for a journey of 140 miles. The most popular bus station is Reading Queen's Rd, located 0.7 miles from the city centre of Reading. Reading Calcott is also a commonly used station, and is 4 miles from the city centre.

Airports near Reading

BZZBrize Norton
OXFOxford Kidlington

Airlines serving Reading

KLM
Good (1,459 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,790 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,752 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,212 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,222 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,878 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,117 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,321 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,533 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,739 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,522 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (898 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,691 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,733 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,181 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,403 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,362 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,170 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (387 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,904 reviews)
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Where to stay in Reading

Average rates range from around $144 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $568 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 $32 to $973 per night. Downtown is the neighbourhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, holiday rentals in Reading are about 68% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Where to stay in popular areas of Reading

Most booked hotels in Reading

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Voco Reading By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
$152+
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pentahotel Reading
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$128+
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Holiday Inn Reading-South M4, Jct.11 By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$107+
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ibis Reading Centre
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
$107+
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Elmhurst Hotel
3 stars
Okay (5.9, Okay reviews)
$113+
View

Hiring a car in Reading

Expect to pay $2.99 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 $35.84 and $47.78. Economy (Class Economy Car or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Reading, while also 76% cheaper than other types, on average.

Expect to pay $2.99 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 $35.84 and $47.78. Economy (Class Economy Car or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Reading, while also 76% cheaper than other types, on average.

Find car hire in Reading