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 January
Estimated hotel price
$140
1 night at 3-star hotel
Reading in January
Estimated hotel price
$140
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 32h.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Reading to Birmingham takes 1h 49m and costs around $40 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Cardiff, expect to pay about $97 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 GREEN MOTION and U-Save, 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 $14 for a journey of 145 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 32h.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Reading to Birmingham takes 1h 49m and costs around $40 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Cardiff, expect to pay about $97 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 GREEN MOTION and U-Save, 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 $14 for a journey of 145 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 (1,441 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,731 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,689 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,075 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,193 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,855 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,091 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,176 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,720 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,523 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,479 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (894 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,635 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,655 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,373 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,139 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,351 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,174 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,431 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (382 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Reading

Average rates range from around $143 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $599 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 $33 to $1,013 per night. Downtown is the neighbourhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, holiday rentals in Reading are about 28% 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)
$123+
View
ibis Reading Centre
3 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
$108+
View
Novotel Reading Centre
4 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
$141+
View
Sure Hotel by Best Western Reading
2 stars
Good (7.7, Good reviews)
$82+
View
Travelodge Reading Central
3 stars
Good (7.6, Good reviews)
$71+
View

Hiring a car in Reading

Expect to pay $3.17 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 $37.95 and $50.60. The most frequently booked car type in Reading is Intermediate (Peugeot 5008 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Class Economy Car or similar) is, on average, 85% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Expect to pay $3.17 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 $37.95 and $50.60. The most frequently booked car type in Reading is Intermediate (Peugeot 5008 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Class Economy Car or similar) is, on average, 85% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Find car hire in Reading