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 5 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
AED 275
1 night at 3-star hotel
Reading in March
Estimated hotel price
AED 275
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 the United Arab Emirates departs from Abu Dhabi and takes around 11h 15m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Reading to Coventry takes 1h 34m and costs around AED 73 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bristol, expect to pay about AED 114 for a 1h 34m 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 hire from London, which is about 37 miles from Reading. You’ll find branches of DRIVALIA and GREEN MOTION , 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 AED 15. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about AED 26 for a journey of 135 miles. The most popular bus station is Reading Queen's Rd, located 0.7 miles from the city centre of 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 the United Arab Emirates departs from Abu Dhabi and takes around 11h 15m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Reading, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Reading to Coventry takes 1h 34m and costs around AED 73 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bristol, expect to pay about AED 114 for a 1h 34m 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 hire from London, which is about 37 miles from Reading. You’ll find branches of DRIVALIA and GREEN MOTION , 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 AED 15. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about AED 26 for a journey of 135 miles. The most popular bus station is Reading Queen's Rd, located 0.7 miles from the city centre of 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 (4,607 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
SWISS
Good (929 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,446 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,595 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,280 reviews)
Air France
Good (974 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,546 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,928 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,124 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,480 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,718 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (226 reviews)
Finnair
Good (879 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (833 reviews)
TAP Portugal
Good (1,160 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (911 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (835 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Reading

Average rates range from around AED 325 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to AED 470 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

Hilton Reading
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
AED 403+
pentahotel Reading
4 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
AED 328+
ibis Reading Centre
3 stars
Good (7.8, Good reviews)
AED 230+
Novotel Reading Centre
4 stars
Good (7.7, Good reviews)
AED 376+
Travelodge Reading Central
3 stars
Good (7.8, Good reviews)
AED 173+

Hiring a car in Reading

Expect to pay AED 6.80 per litre in Reading (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between AED 81.53 and AED 108.71. The most frequently booked car type in Reading is Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Fiat 500 or similar) is, on average, 67% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Expect to pay AED 6.80 per litre in Reading (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between AED 81.53 and AED 108.71. The most frequently booked car type in Reading is Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Fiat 500 or similar) is, on average, 67% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Car hire agencies in Reading

Sixt

Sixt
Find car hire in Reading