Travel to Reading

 

Arriving by Plane

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If you are travelling internationally or locally and require to use the plane, we recommend you land in London, preferably London Heathrow Airport (LHR) or Gatwick Airport which are the closest to Reading and have good access.

IMPORTANT: buying return tickets is cheaper than buying two one-way tickets

 

Gatwick Airport

There is a direct train that leave from the same Gatwick airport to Reading that takes around 1h 33m. Also trains with 1 change in 1h 44h to 1h 53h. Prices are around £40 (return). Please, check for trains if you are using them too early (trains do not run after certain hours at night, except to London). Also, keep in mind that buying a ticket in rush hour (early morning up to 9:00) is more expensive.  If you are staying in London, there are plenty of trains from Gatwick to London 24 hours a day.   

 

Find a route and buy a ticket

1. Website: You can always find the train schedule and purchase the Ticket online on the National Rail website: The official source for trains in Great Britain | National Rail  

2. You can also buy Tickets in person in the station.

3. You can also download a third-party app, check the train times, and purchase tickets online on the APP.

4. We would advise you to buy a return ticket instead of two one way tickets as it would be cheaper.

 

 

Recommended APP:

 

Trainline

You can easily check the trains and their corresponding platform on the train line. Additionally, you have the option to download digital tickets and swipe them at the train station on gate.

 

Heathrow Airport

• There are direct buses from Heathrow to Airport. Check Terminal Stops and timetabling here: Route & Timetables | RailAir

• Bus duration: 45 minutes 

• Approximately leaves every 30-40 minutes

• Price: return Ticket (90 Day Return is the best option if you are retuning through the same route): £36

 

Underground Elizabeth Line

Today there is connection from Heathrow to Reading by underground through the Elizabeth Line. This route is not necessarily shorter than the RailAir Route.

 

Other Airports

If you are traveling through Luton and Stansted Airports you will need to take a train to London, and then take a London to Reading train at Paddington Station (London-Reading is a good route, there could be trains even every 5 to 10 minutes).

 

Luton Airport to Reading (2-3 changes required)

• Train duration: 1 hour 45 minutes 

• Approximately leaves every 10-20 minutes

 

Stansted Airport to Reading (1-2 changes required)

• Train duration: 1 hour 45 minutes - 2 hours 20 minutes

• Approximately leaves every 15-30 minutes

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London Paddington station to Reading (direct rail)

·Train Duration: 25-30 minutes minimum 

·Approximately leaves every 10-20 minutes

·Price: return Ticket: around £29 (off pick)

 

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Taxi (Airports to Reading)

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Pre-booking a taxi to transport you from the airport to Reading can help save money on your transport costs. Take it from the airport directly, it is more expensive.  The followings are some 24/7 taxi companies.  

Heathrow to Reading by taxi: 35-40 minutes      Gatwick to Reading by taxi: 1 hour 30 minutes

Luton to Reading by taxi: 1 hour 30 minutes      Stansted to Reading by taxi: 1 hour 50 minutes

 

Yellow Cars 

A reputable local taxi company in Reading  

• Website: h2ps://yellcars.com/

• Number: 0118 9666 555

• Cost (normal 4-seats car)

• Check Prices: they will be over £70 for Heathrow. The other airports will be more expensive

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Green metro cars

• Website: h2ps://greenmetrocars.co.uk/

• Number: 01189 666 656

• Moreover: offer student discounts

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Airport Travels Reading

On the recommendation list of TripAdvisor 

• Website: h2ps://airpor2ravelsreading.com/

• Number: 0118 950 0042

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Reaching to University of Reading (Reading town centre to university)

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Once you arrived at the train station/bus station, you will find yourself in Reading town centre. Then you can take a bus/taxi/walk to your accommodation.

From Reading Town Centre to the University

 

Bus (Reading town centre to University)  

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Reading Bus provides bus links around Reading and across the Thames Valley. 

Find the station, price and buy a ticket

You can find the bus station you are going on google maps or on Reading buses APP.

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We recommend downloading the Reading buses APP so that you can check the bus schedule and buy Ticket online. Reading buses offer discounts for 18 and below h2ps://www.reading-buses.co.uk/

Price

Single Ticket: £2.60

Day Ticket: £4.50

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You can also purchase the Ticket directly from the bus driver when you board the bus. There's no need to inform the driver about your destination bus station; simply let them know which Ticket you would like to purchase. It's important to note that payment can only be made with a contactless bank card or exact change. 

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Which bus takes you to the University of Reading?

1. Line 21 and 21a

The 21 and 21a buses are claret buses that operate between Reading train station in the town centre and our Whiteknights campus at regular 20 minutes intervals, 24 hours a day. The bus stops are conveniently located just outside the station.

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You can check the bus times from the Reading Buses APP or at the bus station, there will be an electronic board indicating the waiting times.

You need to get off at the UOR Whiteknights House bus stop which is only a 5 minutes’ walk to the venue.

The duration of the bus journey is approximately 20 minutes.

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2. Line WhiteKnight 20

The 20 bus is a faster and easier version of the 21 and 21a buses. It runs up to every 15 minutes during the day during term time, white knight 20 stops at Reading Station and Market Place before running non-stop to the University campus. Journey time from the station to campus is around 10 minutes.

 

We highly recommend taking either 21 and 21a buses or White knight 20 bus to the university as they are the only lines that will drop you off directly inside the university premises, requiring only a short walk to the conference room.

 

Keep in mind that the bus will get INTO the University Campus

In the map below you can see in a red cross X the typical centre bus stops for 21 and 20 (in front of Train St Station and Market Place

 

If you want to know further information about travelling to the University by bus from the surrounding area or traveling to Reading by bus, you can find more information at:  2ps://www.readingbuses.co.uk/

 

Taxi (Reading town centre to University)

In Reading, it is advisable to book a taxi in advance, particularly at busy times in the afternoon and mornings

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1. Taxi stand outside the train station 

There is a taxi stand located right outside the train station, so there is no need to book in advance. You can simply hop into a taxi and inform the driver of your destination. The journey typically takes around 7-12 minutes, and the price usually amounts to approximately £8-£12.

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2. Book the taxi in advance

You also have the option to pre-book a taxi, ensuring that they pick you up directly from the station. By doing so, you'll have more choices in terms of car types and potentially receive a higher quality of service.

Yellow Cars 

A reputable local taxi company in Reading  

• Website: h2ps://yellcars.com/

• Number: 0118 9666 555

• Cost (normal 4-seats car): £10+

• Moreover: offer disability services

 

3. Book the taxi using the APPS

In Reading, available apps are UBER. Usually, it takes about 2-10 minutes to wait for a driver to accept your order except in pick hours. Price: £10+

Walk (Reading town centre to university)  

 

If you don't have much luggage to carry, walking can be a healthy and environmentally friendly option to consider. The distance from the train station to the University centre is approximately 4.5 km, which takes around 40 minutes on foot. By choosing to walk, you can enjoy the scenic views of Reading and immerse yourself in exploring the town. We recommend using Google Maps or other navigation apps to guide you along the way. 
 

 

Accommodation and Restaurants

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There is a wide variety of Accommodation around Reading, suiting all budgets and Facilities needed. You can also find Accommodation on Booking, Airbnb, Expedia and etc. And here are some popular hotels, B&Bs and service apartments. All pictures are from their official websites.

 

Hotels

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The Roseate Reading   

This luxury and historical hotel is located within the Beautiful Forbury Gardens and offers a fine dining restaurant and bar. It is located 5 minutes away from Reading Rail Station and a 12-minute drive to the university.

• Rating: google map 4.4 out of 5; trip advisor 4.5 out of 5, Booking 8.5 out of 10

• Website: The Roseate Reading Website

• Location: 26 The Forbury, Reading RG1 3EJ

• Contact number: 0118 952 7770

• Price: £131-164 per night

• Facilities: babysitting, taxi service, bathrobes, iron, ensures, minibar, refrigerator, radio, TV, massages, 24-hour check-in and etc

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Novotel reading Centre

Novotel has an excellent central location and is convenient for rail stations and buses and offers a warm pool and steam. The hotel is an 11-minute drive or 40-minute walk from the university.  

• Rating: google map 4.1 out of 5; trip advisor 4.0 out of 5, Booking 7.7 out of 10

• Website: Novotel Reading Centre

• Location: 25b Friar St, Reading RG1 1DP

• Contact number: 0118 952 2600

• Price: £97-116 per night

• Facilities: Free WIFI, fitness centre with gym, spa, sauna, indoor heated pool, restaurant, breakfast buffet, breakfast in the room, kids stay free, non-smoking rooms, air conditioning, coffee/tea maker, iron etc. 

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The Premier Inn (Reading Central Hotel)

It is located in the heart of the town centre, with close proximity to the university. The hotel to the university is an 8-minute drive or 34-minute walk.   

• Rating: google map 4.0 out of 5

• Website: Premier Inn Reading Central Hotel

• Location: Letcombe St, Reading RG1 2HN

• Contact number: 0333 321 8345

• Price: £49-110 per night

• Facilities: Free WIFI, air Conditioning, family rooms, chargeable offsite parking  ​  

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Ibi Reading Centre

It is a modern and vibrant designed hotel with a perfect location and is an excellent choice for both business and leisure guests. The hotel is a 16-minute drive or 45-minute walk from the university.

• Rating: google map 4.1 out of 5

• Website: Ibis Reading Centre Hotel

• Location: 25A Friar St, Reading RG1 1DP

• Contact number: 01189533500

• Price: £48-90 per night

• Facilities: Free WIFI, paid breakfast, paid parking, air Conditioning, pet friendly etc.

Malmaison  Hotel Reading  

It is a modern reworking of the Great Western Hotel, which was built in 1844 and is reputed to be the oldest surviving railway hotel in the world. The hotel’s central location makes it very easy to travel to the university with a 16-minute drive or 45-minute walk.   

• Rating: google map 4.2 out of 5, bookings 8.2 out of 10

• Website: Malmaison Reading  

• Location: 18-20 Station Rd, Reading RG1 1JX

• Contact number:  01183341331

• Price: £89-119

• Facilities: Free WIFI, paid breakfast, child friendly, paid parking, air Conditioning, pet friendly and etc.

 

Market House

Market House offers comfortable lodgings that are less than a 5-minute walk from the Reading Train Station and 12-minute drive or 30-minute walk to the university.

• Rating: google map 4.5 out of 5

• Website: Market House

• Location: 1-2 Market Place, Reading RG1 2EQ

• Contact number: 01182161750

• Price: £95- 170

• Facilities: air conditioning, iron and board, Bramley toiletries, flatscreen TV, work desk/dresser, hair dryer, WIFI, Nespresso coffee machine 

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Hotel 1843 Reading

Hotel 1843 is a historic luxurious Hotel in reading with a modern twist. Nestled in the Reading town centre, right across from The Oracle Shopping Centre and just a 10-minute walk from Reading train station and 9-minute drive or 25-minute walk to the university.

• Rating: google map 3 out of 5

• Website: Hotel 1843 Reading

• Location: 33 London St, Reading, RG1 4PS

• Contact number: 01189503925

• Price: £100- 170

• Facilities: Ceiling Fans, heating, hairdryer, bathroom amenities, iron, smart TV, WIFI, Nespresso coffee machine 

 

Easy Hotel

Easy Hotel is a budget-friendly accommodation that is centrally located and offers comfortable rooms. It is 10-minute walk from Reading train station and 13-minute drive or 43-minute walk to the university.

• Rating: google map 3.6 out of 5

• Website: easyHotel Reading

• Location: 132-138 Caversham Rd, Reading RG1 8AY

• Contact number: 01183043400

• Price: £85-90

• Facilities: air conditioning, bathroom amenities, TV, WIFI, tea and coffee vending machine, water fountain

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Hilton Reading

The Hilton Reading offers modern rooms that suit all needs. There is a health club which has a gym, pool, and sauna/ steam rooms. The hotel is a 10-minute drive or 35-minute walk to the university.  

• Rating: google map 4.4 out of 5; trip advisor 4.5 out of 5, Booking 8.2 out of 10

• Website: Hilton Reading

• Location: Drake Way, Reading RG2 9GQ

• Contact number: 0118 916 900

• Price: £120-144 per night Facilities: Free WIFI, fitness centre with gym, spa, sauna, indoor heated pool, restaurant, breakfast buffet, non-smoking rooms, air Conditioning, iron and etc.

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  B&Bs

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Lovely Home   

The Accommodation offers an en-suite double bedroom with a garden, shared lounge and shared kitchen. The Accommodation is an 8-minute drive or a 20-minute walk to the university.  ​​​​

Rating: Booking 8.8 out of 10

Website: Lovely Home

Location: 41 Brighton Road, Reading RG6 1PS

Price: £71-74 per night Facilities: Free WIFI, air Conditioning, family rooms, parking, amazing breakfast, full ensuite

 

Crown Lodge Guest House  

Crown Lodge Guest House is a Beautiful 1860s house that is a seven-minute walk from the town centre. The Accommodation is a 13-minute drive or a 48-minute walk to the university.  

• Rating: Google Map 4.2 out of 5

• Website: Crown Lodge Guest House

• Location: 27 Russell St, Reading RG1 7XD

• Price: £69-115 per night

• Facilities: Free WIFI, air Conditioning, family rooms, parking, single ensuite and etc

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Spacious double in hospital/uni area with parking

Lovely top floor (two flights of stairs) with a double room with an adjacent sole-use bathroom. The Accommodation is a 10-minute walk from university. 

• Rating: Airbnb 5 out of 5

• Website: Spacious double room

• Price: £50 

• Location: Redlands Road, Reading

• Facilities: room in a home, Free WIFI, air Conditioning, free parking, ensuite, garden and etc

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​Room in a bungalow hosted by Toni

Comfortable room with double bed and ensuite Facilities with shower. The Accommodation is a 10minute walk from university. 

• Rating: Airbnb 4.8 out of 5

• Website: Room in a Bungalow

• Price: £38 per night

• Location: Hartsbourne Road, Reading

• Facilities: room in a home, Free Wi-FI, free parking, ensuite, no lock on the door and etc

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Airbnb Options

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Cozy Central One Bedroom Flat

Enjoy a stylish experience at this centrally located place. This place is completely private, and guests can check in easily to use a key box. 6-minute drive or 25-minute walking distance from the Reading Train station and 11-minute drive or 36-minute walking distance to the university

• Rating: Airbnb 4.7 out of 5

• Website: Cozy central one bedroom flat

• Price: £71 per night

• Location: Coley Ave, Reading

• Facilities: WIFI, sitting room, fully equipped kitchen, TV, washing machine, free parking on premises

 

Clean friendly one bedroom with ensuite

“Clean and friendly home close to University, Hospital and Reading town center. Off road parking, ensuite shower room. Pool available (hot weather only) Please let us know if you would like a continental breakfast. Please email if you are interested. x4 cats, 1 son and a husband. Monday to Thursday nights only.” 8-minute drive or 25-minute walking distance from the train station and 8-minute drive or 22-minute walking distance to university.

• Rating: Airbnb 4.97 out of 5

• Website: clean friendly one bedroom with ensuite

• Price: £47 per night

• Location: Morgan Road, RG1

• Facilities: WIFI, lock on bedroom door, ensuite, kitchen access, dedicated workspace, free parking on premises, equipped bathroom, air conditioning, heating,

 

For more available homes in Reading visit

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/s/Reading/homes?refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&date_picker_type=calendar&place_id=ChIJAWJESQqbdkgR8J7toi2uDgM&acp_id=c5566ddd-bbd3-4694-855b-809ca0b219f8&checkin=2025-10-30&checkout=2025-10-31&source=structured_search_input_header&search_type=unknown&query=Reading&flexible_trip_lengths%5B%5D=one_week&monthly_start_date=2025-11-01&monthly_length=3&monthly_end_date=2026-02-01&search_mode=regular_search&price_filter_input_type=2&channel=EXPLORE

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Food and Restaurants

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Reading is home to a variety of different delicious cuisines from across the globe. A lovely mix of well-known chains and independent local businesses offers everything from quick fast food to luxury fine dining.  

Top restaurants in Reading according to TripAdvisor

1.Buenasado Argentine Steakhouse- Reading  

• Argentinian, Grill, steakhouse

• Price: £35-40h

• Location: The Oracle, Lower 28, Bridge St, Reading RG1 2AQ

• Number: 01189589550

2.Coconut Bar & Kitchen  

• Asian, bar

• Price: £20-25 per person

• Location: 62 St Mary's Butts, Reading RG1 2LG

• Number: 01189598877

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3.Osaka  

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• Japanese, Sushi

• Price: £30 aprox 

• Location: Unit R16, Riverside Mall Level, Reading RG1 2AG

• Number: 01189573200

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4.Flavour of Mauritius

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• Chinese, Indian

• Price: £20-30 

• Location: 143-145 Caversham Rd, Reading RG1 8AU

• Number: 0118 437 5694

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5. ​London Street Brasserie

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• French cuisine

• Price: £50-60

• Location: 2-4 London St, Reading RG1 4PN

• Number: 0118 950 5036

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