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
$156
1 night at 3-star hotel
Reading in February
Estimated hotel price
$156
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 Auckland and takes around 25h 50m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Reading to Southampton takes 1h 50m and costs around $82 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bournemouth, expect to pay about $92 for a 2h 00m trip. Located 10 km from the city centre, Reading Mortimer is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Theale, located 7 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 DRIVALIA and Hertz, 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 217 km and will cost you around $20. From Southampton, the ticket costs about $17 for a journey of 217 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 Auckland and takes around 25h 50m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Reading to Southampton takes 1h 50m and costs around $82 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bournemouth, expect to pay about $92 for a 2h 00m trip. Located 10 km from the city centre, Reading Mortimer is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Theale, located 7 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 DRIVALIA and Hertz, 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 217 km and will cost you around $20. From Southampton, the ticket costs about $17 for a journey of 217 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 (1,460 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,810 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,768 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,237 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,237 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,881 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,127 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,348 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,538 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,746 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,534 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (900 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,699 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,747 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,181 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,418 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,369 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,179 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (387 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,959 reviews)
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Where to stay in Reading

Average rates range from around $142 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $567 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 $974 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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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)
$129+
View
Holiday Inn Reading-South M4, Jct.11 By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$105+
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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)
$87+
View

Hiring a car in Reading

Expect to pay $2.98 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 $35.70 and $47.60. 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 Compact car hire (Volkswagen Polo or similar) is, on average, 73% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Expect to pay $2.98 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 $35.70 and $47.60. 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 Compact car hire (Volkswagen Polo or similar) is, on average, 73% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Find car hire in Reading