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 February
Estimated hotel price
$141
1 night at 3-star hotel
Reading in February
Estimated hotel price
$141
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 29h.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Reading to Bristol takes 1h 34m and costs around $58 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Southampton, expect to pay about $83 for a 1h 55m 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 Bournemouth, the bus ride to Reading takes 130 miles and will cost you around $13. From Bristol, the ticket costs about $18 for a journey of 135 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 29h.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Reading to Bristol takes 1h 34m and costs around $58 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Southampton, expect to pay about $83 for a 1h 55m 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 Bournemouth, the bus ride to Reading takes 130 miles and will cost you around $13. From Bristol, the ticket costs about $18 for a journey of 135 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 (1,449 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,762 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,716 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,152 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,210 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,864 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,104 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,241 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,730 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,532 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,505 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (896 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,677 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,694 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,179 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,383 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,357 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,159 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (384 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,840 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Reading

Average rates range from around $140 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $566 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 $968 per night. Downtown is the neighbourhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, holiday rentals in Reading are about 77% 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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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)
$106+
View
ibis Reading Centre
3 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
$105+
View
Sure Hotel by Best Western Reading
2 stars
Good (7.7, Good reviews)
$75+
View
Elmhurst Hotel
3 stars
Good (6, Good reviews)
$111+
View

Hiring a car in Reading

Expect to pay $3.04 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 $36.47 and $48.63. The most frequently booked car type in Reading is Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact car hire (Volkswagen Polo or similar) is, on average, 76% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Expect to pay $3.04 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 $36.47 and $48.63. The most frequently booked car type in Reading is Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact car hire (Volkswagen Polo or similar) is, on average, 76% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Find car hire in Reading