Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting 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. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Reading has to offer.

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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
$70
1 night at 3-star hotel
Reading in April
Estimated hotel price
$70
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 the United States departs from Orlando and takes around 8h 05m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by West Midlands Railway. The train journey from Reading to Birmingham takes 1h 33m and costs around $35 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Manchester, expect to pay about $47 for a 2h 23m trip. Located 10 km from the city center, Reading Mortimer is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Theale, located 7 km from the center.

Car

Another option to get to Reading is to pick up a car rental from London, which is about 59 km from Reading. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and ADDCAR RENTAL , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including National Express, FlixBus and Megabus. From Bristol, the bus ride to Reading takes 217 km and will cost you around $11. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about $7 for a journey of 306 km. The most popular bus station is Reading Queen's Rd, located 1.1 km from downtown Reading. Reading Calcott is also a commonly used station, and is 6 km from the city center.

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 the United States departs from Orlando and takes around 8h 05m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by West Midlands Railway. The train journey from Reading to Birmingham takes 1h 33m and costs around $35 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Manchester, expect to pay about $47 for a 2h 23m trip. Located 10 km from the city center, Reading Mortimer is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Theale, located 7 km from the center.

Car

Another option to get to Reading is to pick up a car rental from London, which is about 59 km from Reading. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and ADDCAR RENTAL , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including National Express, FlixBus and Megabus. From Bristol, the bus ride to Reading takes 217 km and will cost you around $11. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about $7 for a journey of 306 km. The most popular bus station is Reading Queen's Rd, located 1.1 km from downtown Reading. Reading Calcott is also a commonly used station, and is 6 km from the city center.

Airports near Reading

BZZBrize Norton
OXFOxford Kidlington

Airlines serving Reading

KLM
Good (1,430 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,628 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,008 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,575 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,097 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,812 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,092 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,681 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,051 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,442 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,506 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,525 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,332 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (879 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,095 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,606 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,336 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,413 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,452 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,147 reviews)
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Find flights to Reading

Where to stay in Reading

Average rates range from around $85 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $352 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 vacation rental options in Reading, with prices from $19 to $583 per night. Downtown is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Reading are about 22% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Most popular hotel in Reading by neighborhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Reading

Most booked hotels in Reading

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Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire
5 stars
Excellent (9.3, 465 reviews)
$651+
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The White Hart
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 190 reviews)
$98+
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The Elvetham
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1609 reviews)
$87+
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The Relais Henley
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1457 reviews)
$150+
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pentahotel Reading
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 2881 reviews)
$78+
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Hotel du Vin & Bistro Henley-on-Thames
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 1541 reviews)
$130+
View

Renting a car in Reading

Expect to pay $6.85 per gallon in Reading (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $82.22 and $109.63. Compact (Vauxhall Crossland or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Reading, while also 67% cheaper than other types, on average.

Expect to pay $6.85 per gallon in Reading (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $82.22 and $109.63. Compact (Vauxhall Crossland or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Reading, while also 67% cheaper than other types, on average.

Find car rentals in Reading