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.

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 March
Estimated hotel price
C$ 103
1 night at 3-star hotel
Reading in March
Estimated hotel price
C$ 103
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 Canada departs from Toronto and takes around 7h 05m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Train. The train journey from Reading to Oxford takes 1h 08m and costs around C$ 49 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Birmingham, expect to pay about C$ 57 for a 1h 33m trip. Located 6 miles from the city centre, Reading Mortimer is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Theale, located 4 miles from the centre.

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 GREEN MOTION and DRIVALIA , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including National Express, Megabus and FlixBus. From Bristol, the bus ride to Reading takes 135 miles and will cost you around C$ 12. From Nottingham, the ticket costs about C$ 7 for a journey of 140 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 centre.

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 Canada departs from Toronto and takes around 7h 05m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Train. The train journey from Reading to Oxford takes 1h 08m and costs around C$ 49 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Birmingham, expect to pay about C$ 57 for a 1h 33m trip. Located 6 miles from the city centre, Reading Mortimer is the busiest station in Reading. Another popular train station is Reading Theale, located 4 miles from the centre.

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 GREEN MOTION and DRIVALIA , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Reading, including National Express, Megabus and FlixBus. From Bristol, the bus ride to Reading takes 135 miles and will cost you around C$ 12. From Nottingham, the ticket costs about C$ 7 for a journey of 140 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 centre.

Airports near Reading

Airlines serving Reading

Lufthansa
Good (4,656 reviews)
KLM
Good (854 reviews)
SWISS
Good (924 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,481 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,597 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,300 reviews)
Air France
Good (979 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,556 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (475 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,937 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,126 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,479 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,777 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (229 reviews)
Finnair
Good (879 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,165 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (915 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
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Where to stay in Reading

Average rates range from around C$ 123 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to C$ 176 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Crescent Hotel and Sure Hotel by Best Western Reading.

Where to stay in popular areas of Reading

Most booked hotels in Reading

Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire
5 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
C$ 919+
Hilton Reading
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
C$ 153+
The Elvetham Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
C$ 131+
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Henley-on-Thames
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
C$ 209+
pentahotel Reading
4 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
C$ 123+
ibis Reading Centre
3 stars
Good (7.8, Good reviews)
C$ 90+

Renting a car in Reading

Expect to pay C$ 2.55 per litre in Reading (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between C$ 30.55 and C$ 40.73. Compact (Volkswagen Golf SportWagen or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Reading, while also 30% cheaper than other types, on average.

Expect to pay C$ 2.55 per litre in Reading (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between C$ 30.55 and C$ 40.73. Compact (Volkswagen Golf SportWagen or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Reading, while also 30% cheaper than other types, on average.

Car rental agencies in Reading

Sixt

Sixt
Find car rentals in Reading