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
$151
1 night at 3-star hotel
Reading in March
Estimated hotel price
$151
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 Christchurch and takes around 30h 50m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Great Northern. 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 U-Save and Sixt, among others, in London.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Reading using FlixBus or National Express. From Birmingham, the bus ride to Reading takes 145 miles and will cost you around $31. From Bristol, the ticket costs about $19 for a journey of 150 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 Christchurch and takes around 30h 50m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Great Northern. 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 U-Save and Sixt, among others, in London.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Reading using FlixBus or National Express. From Birmingham, the bus ride to Reading takes 145 miles and will cost you around $31. From Bristol, the ticket costs about $19 for a journey of 150 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

Airlines serving Reading

KLM
Good (1,493 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,909 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,871 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,306 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,405 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,916 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,178 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,564 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (904 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,569 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,748 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,554 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,727 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,915 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,188 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,383 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (400 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,198 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,429 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,268 reviews)
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Where to stay in Reading

Average rates range from around $140 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $193 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 $1,304 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

Voco Reading By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
$149+
Holiday Inn Reading-South M4, Jct.11 By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$106+
ibis Reading Centre
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
$106+
Sure Hotel by Best Western Reading
2 stars
Good (7.8, Good reviews)
$67+
Hotel 1843 Reading
3 stars
Good (7, Good reviews)
$65+

Hiring a car in Reading

Hiring a car in Reading costs $49 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 $40.44 and $53.92.

Hiring a car in Reading costs $49 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 $40.44 and $53.92.