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 Boston and takes around 9h 20m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Reading to Southampton takes 1h 40m and costs around $48 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Birmingham, expect to pay about $24 for a 1h 49m 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 Global Rent A Car and ADDCAR RENTAL , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including National Express, FlixBus and Megabus. From Cambridge, the bus ride to Reading takes 121 km and will cost you around $10. From Southampton, the ticket costs about $9 for a journey of 185 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 Boston and takes around 9h 20m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Reading to Southampton takes 1h 40m and costs around $48 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Birmingham, expect to pay about $24 for a 1h 49m 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 Global Rent A Car and ADDCAR RENTAL , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including National Express, FlixBus and Megabus. From Cambridge, the bus ride to Reading takes 121 km and will cost you around $10. From Southampton, the ticket costs about $9 for a journey of 185 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 (1,424 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,600 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,548 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,011 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,069 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,798 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,036 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,675 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,429 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,056 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,500 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,490 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (875 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,318 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,590 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,080 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,334 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,140 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,411 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,381 reviews)
Show more
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 $336 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 16% 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, 463 reviews)
$743+
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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, 1597 reviews)
$82+
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The Relais Henley
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1449 reviews)
$149+
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Hilton Reading
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1949 reviews)
$106+
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pentahotel Reading
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 2873 reviews)
$82+
View

Renting a car in Reading

Renting a car in Reading costs $36 per day, on average, or $107 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $6.78 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 $81.31 and $108.41. Compact (Vauxhall Crossland or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Reading, while also 67% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Reading costs $36 per day, on average, or $107 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $6.78 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 $81.31 and $108.41. 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