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 30 miles from Reading. The shortest flight to Reading from the United States departs from Boston and takes around 10h 25m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by West Midlands Railway. The train journey from Reading to Oxford takes 0h 56m and costs around $42 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bristol, expect to pay about $36 for a 1h 34m trip. Located 6 miles from the city center, Reading Mortimer is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Theale, located 4 miles from the center.

Car

Another option to get to Reading is to pick up a car rental from London, which is about 37 miles from Reading. You’ll find branches of ADDCAR RENTAL and U-Save, among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including FlixBus, National Express and Megabus. From Birmingham, the bus ride to Reading takes 120 miles and will cost you around $8. From Bristol, the ticket costs about $12 for a journey of 145 miles. The most popular bus station is Reading Queen's Rd, located 0.7 miles from downtown Reading. Reading Calcott is also a commonly used station, and is 4 miles from the city center.

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 the United States departs from Boston and takes around 10h 25m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by West Midlands Railway. The train journey from Reading to Oxford takes 0h 56m and costs around $42 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bristol, expect to pay about $36 for a 1h 34m trip. Located 6 miles from the city center, Reading Mortimer is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Theale, located 4 miles from the center.

Car

Another option to get to Reading is to pick up a car rental from London, which is about 37 miles from Reading. You’ll find branches of ADDCAR RENTAL and U-Save, among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including FlixBus, National Express and Megabus. From Birmingham, the bus ride to Reading takes 120 miles and will cost you around $8. From Bristol, the ticket costs about $12 for a journey of 145 miles. The most popular bus station is Reading Queen's Rd, located 0.7 miles from downtown Reading. Reading Calcott is also a commonly used station, and is 4 miles from the city center.

Airports near Reading

BZZBrize Norton
OXFOxford Kidlington

Airlines serving Reading

KLM
Good (1,428 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,639 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,019 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,595 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,106 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,817 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,096 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,685 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,055 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,440 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,509 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,547 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,335 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (880 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,099 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,618 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,339 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,414 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,485 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,150 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Reading

Where to stay in Reading

Average rates range from around $84 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $350 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 23% 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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The White Hart
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 191 reviews)
$98+
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The Elvetham
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1609 reviews)
$90+
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pentahotel Reading
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 2886 reviews)
$76+
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Holiday Inn Reading-South M4, Jct.11 By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1917 reviews)
$63+
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ibis Reading Centre
3 stars
Good (7.9, 3060 reviews)
$62+
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Sure Hotel by Best Western Reading
2 stars
Good (7.6, 2861 reviews)
$40+
View

Renting a car in Reading

Expect to pay $6.89 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 $82.67 and $110.23. 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 $6.89 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 $82.67 and $110.23. 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