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 April
Estimated hotel price
$138
1 night at 3-star hotel
Reading in April
Estimated hotel price
$138
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 Christchurch and takes around 30h 05m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Reading to Lille takes 1h 22m and costs around $78 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Paris, expect to pay about $78 for a 2h 19m trip. Located 0.7 km from the city centre, Reading is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Mortimer, located 10 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 U-Save and Alamo, among others, in London.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Reading using FlixBus or National Express. From Bristol, the bus ride to Reading takes 209 km and will cost you around $10. From Nottingham, the ticket costs about $22 for a journey of 241 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 Christchurch and takes around 30h 05m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Reading to Lille takes 1h 22m and costs around $78 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Paris, expect to pay about $78 for a 2h 19m trip. Located 0.7 km from the city centre, Reading is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Mortimer, located 10 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 U-Save and Alamo, among others, in London.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Reading using FlixBus or National Express. From Bristol, the bus ride to Reading takes 209 km and will cost you around $10. From Nottingham, the ticket costs about $22 for a journey of 241 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 (1,502 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,930 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,891 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,423 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,306 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,922 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,182 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,572 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,603 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (902 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,751 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,561 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,730 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,935 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,188 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,389 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (403 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,209 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,431 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,276 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Reading

Average rates range from around $141 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $210 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 $1,305 per night. Downtown is the neighbourhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, holiday rentals in Reading are about 94% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Where to stay in popular areas of Reading

Most booked hotels in Reading

See all
Voco Reading By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
$149+
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Hilton Reading
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
$171+
View
Holiday Inn Reading-South M4, Jct.11 By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$110+
View
De Vere Wokefield Estate
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
$180+
View
ibis Reading Centre
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
$107+
View
Sure Hotel by Best Western Reading
2 stars
Good (7.8, Good reviews)
$75+
View

Hiring a car in Reading

Hiring a car in Reading costs $73 per day, on average.

Expect to pay $3.37 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 $40.33 and $53.77.

Hiring a car in Reading costs $73 per day, on average.

Expect to pay $3.37 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 $40.33 and $53.77.

Find car hire in Reading