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
$136
1 night at 3-star hotel
Reading in February
Estimated hotel price
$136
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 Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Reading to Birmingham takes 1h 28m and costs around $34 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Southampton, expect to pay about $55 for a 1h 42m 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 Alamo, 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 135 miles and will cost you around $25. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about $15 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 Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Reading to Birmingham takes 1h 28m and costs around $34 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Southampton, expect to pay about $55 for a 1h 42m 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 Alamo, 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 135 miles and will cost you around $25. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about $15 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 (1,442 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,747 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,700 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,111 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,208 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,861 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,098 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,199 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,733 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,525 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,487 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (894 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,656 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,667 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,376 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,176 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,356 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,144 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,437 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (382 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 $580 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 $979 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)
$119+
View
ibis Reading Centre
3 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
$104+
View
Novotel Reading Centre
4 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
$138+
View
Sure Hotel by Best Western Reading
2 stars
Good (7.7, Good reviews)
$76+
View
Elmhurst Hotel
3 stars
Okay (5.9, Okay reviews)
$87+
View

Hiring a car in Reading

Expect to pay $3.00 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 $35.89 and $47.85. Economy (Class Economy Car or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Reading, while also 80% cheaper than other types, on average.

Expect to pay $3.00 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 $35.89 and $47.85. Economy (Class Economy Car or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Reading, while also 80% cheaper than other types, on average.

Find car hire in Reading