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 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 Boston and takes around 6h 46m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. 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 ADDCAR RENTAL and GREEN MOTION , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including National Express, FlixBus and Bus. From Southampton, the bus ride to Reading takes 193 km and will cost you around $8. From Bristol, the ticket costs about $19 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 Boston and takes around 6h 46m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. 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 ADDCAR RENTAL and GREEN MOTION , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including National Express, FlixBus and Bus. From Southampton, the bus ride to Reading takes 193 km and will cost you around $8. From Bristol, the ticket costs about $19 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

KLM
Good (1,473 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,858 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,804 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,303 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,259 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,901 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,145 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,547 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,453 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,544 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,736 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (900 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,720 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,818 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,184 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,374 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,427 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (391 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,171 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,217 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Reading

Where to stay in Reading

Average rates range from around $82 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $110 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 94% 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
Stag and Huntsman
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 1859 reviews)
$127+
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The White Hart
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 194 reviews)
$94+
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pentahotel Reading
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 2918 reviews)
$81+
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Hotel du Vin Henley
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1574 reviews)
$127+
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ibis Reading Centre
3 stars
Excellent (8, 3096 reviews)
$63+
View
Novotel Reading Centre
4 stars
Good (7.9, 2783 reviews)
$81+
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. 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, 61% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

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. 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, 61% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Find car rentals in Reading