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 4 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 December
Estimated hotel price
$98
1 night at 3-star hotel
Reading in December
Estimated hotel price
$98
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 20m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Reading to Brussels takes 2h 01m and costs around $46 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Paris, expect to pay about $55 for a 2h 18m trip. Located 0.7 km from the city center, Reading is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Mortimer, located 10 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 Sixt, among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including FlixBus, National Express and BlaBlaCar Bus. From Bournemouth, the bus ride to Reading takes 185 km and will cost you around $9. From Bristol, the ticket costs about $6 for a journey of 225 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 20m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Reading to Brussels takes 2h 01m and costs around $46 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Paris, expect to pay about $55 for a 2h 18m trip. Located 0.7 km from the city center, Reading is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Mortimer, located 10 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 Sixt, among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including FlixBus, National Express and BlaBlaCar Bus. From Bournemouth, the bus ride to Reading takes 185 km and will cost you around $9. From Bristol, the ticket costs about $6 for a journey of 225 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 (7,964 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,509 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,940 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,463 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,343 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,927 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,205 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,583 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (912 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,682 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,567 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,767 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,723 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,990 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,192 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,392 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (404 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,230 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,432 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,311 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 $116 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 $653 per night. Downtown is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Reading are about 79% 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
The Elvetham Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1774 reviews)
$118+
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The White Hart
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 195 reviews)
$104+
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Hilton Reading
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 2012 reviews)
$113+
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Hotel du Vin Henley
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1727 reviews)
$135+
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Tylney Hall Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1431 reviews)
$229+
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Holiday Inn Reading-South M4, Jct.11 By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 2409 reviews)
$67+
View

Renting a car in Reading

Renting a car in Reading costs $40 per day, on average, or $161 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

Expect to pay $8.06 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 $96.76 and $129.01. The most frequently booked car type in Reading is Compact (Class Compact Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Suzuki Swift or similar) are, on average, 55% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Reading costs $40 per day, on average, or $161 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

Expect to pay $8.06 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 $96.76 and $129.01. The most frequently booked car type in Reading is Compact (Class Compact Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Suzuki Swift or similar) are, on average, 55% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Find car rentals in Reading