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, CAU Reading (The Oracle Shopping Centre) and Forbury's Restaurant (One Forbury Square) are great picks. For delicious green meals, London St Brasserie (Riverside Oracle 2-4 London Street) and The Pack Saddle at Mapledurham (Chazey Heath) are recommended spots to get vegetarian or vegan food in Reading.

When to visit Reading

Reading in November
Estimated hotel price
$73
1 night at 3-star hotel
Reading in November
Estimated hotel price
$73
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 New York and takes around 6h 55m.

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 $38 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Cardiff, expect to pay about $58 for a 1h 53m 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 SURPRICE CAR RENTAL and U-Save, among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including FlixBus, National Express and Megabus. From Southampton, the bus ride to Reading takes 153 km and will cost you around $9. From Bristol, the ticket costs about $7 for a journey of 217 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 New York and takes around 6h 55m.

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 $38 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Cardiff, expect to pay about $58 for a 1h 53m 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 SURPRICE CAR RENTAL and U-Save, among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including FlixBus, National Express and Megabus. From Southampton, the bus ride to Reading takes 153 km and will cost you around $9. From Bristol, the ticket costs about $7 for a journey of 217 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

Lufthansa
Good (7,044 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,334 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,837 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,588 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,934 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,790 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,698 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,446 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (780 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,696 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,215 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,563 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,244 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,349 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (346 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,069 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,275 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,968 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,851 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,203 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Reading

Where to stay in Reading

Average rates range from around $96 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $149 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 $45 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 18% 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

See all
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire
5 stars
Excellent (9, 447 reviews)
$751+
View
The Elvetham Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1422 reviews)
$102+
View
The White Hart
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 187 reviews)
$100+
View
Hotel du Vin Henley
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1442 reviews)
$180+
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pentahotel Reading
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 2755 reviews)
$95+
View
Hilton Reading
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1860 reviews)
$110+
View

Renting a car in Reading

Renting a car in Reading costs $58 per day, on average, or $174 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $6.59 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 $79.04 and $105.39. The most frequently booked car type in Reading is Premium (Mercedes-Benz V-Class or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini rental cars (Citroen C1 or similar) are, on average, 73% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Reading costs $58 per day, on average, or $174 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $6.59 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 $79.04 and $105.39. The most frequently booked car type in Reading is Premium (Mercedes-Benz V-Class or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini rental cars (Citroen C1 or similar) are, on average, 73% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Car rental agencies in Reading

Sixt

Sixt
Find car rentals in Reading

Reading Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Reading city guide for the best Reading travel tips. To help you organize your Reading trip ideas, this Reading visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.