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Find competitive car rental prices in Reading with Road Genius. Check rates of SUVs, compact cars, people movers and reserve with no booking fees. Compare car hire from local and national brands near Reading Station and across the business parks, with M4 access for trips to Oxford, Windsor and Heathrow. Many branches offer after-hours returns with key drop, so pick-up and drop-off can fit your schedule.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Town Centre | • No airport surcharges • Walking distance from rail station • Multiple rental companies to compare |
• Town traffic when exiting • Parking charges while picking up • Limited premium vehicle selection |
| Reading Business Parks | • Easier access to M4 • Free parking for collection • Often newer fleet vehicles |
• Requires taxi/bus if arriving by train • Fewer walk-in options • May have more limited hours |
| Heathrow Airport | • Largest selection of vehicles • 24/7 availability • All major rental companies |
• 25 miles from Reading • Airport surcharges (15-20%) • Potentially long queues at counters |
Reading town centre rental offices are within walking distance of Reading Station. For business park locations, local buses (routes 26, 27, 29) serve most areas, or taxis are readily available. Some companies offer pickup service from the station or your accommodation by prior arrangement.
On average, car rentals in Reading cost around £46 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from £19 per day.
Compare pickup locations. Reading town centre is walkable from the station and avoids Heathrow’s 15-20% airport surcharge. Business park branches can be cheaper, but factor in the taxi/bus to get there.
Play with dates and times. In Reading, weekends can price higher. Test weekday pickup/return and tweak times to fit 24-hour billing. Check if a 7-day “weekly” rate beats 5-6 days.
Book early for peak only. Lock something in early for summer and Reading Festival. Off-peak, keep comparing and rebook if prices drop.
Pick a smaller car. Economy cars are usually the best value in Reading and easier to park. Only size up if you truly need the space.
Skip paid extras. Limit additional drivers, bring your own child seat, and use your phone for navigation instead of renting a GPS.
Save on fuel and parking. Refuel at Reading’s supermarket stations, not M4 services. Use Park & Ride at Mereoak or Winnersh to cut town-centre parking costs.
Parking in Reading:
Local Driving Rules:
Get a car to easily:
Oxford - A4074 Thames Valley route or A34
Windsor - M4, A332 or A308
Henley-on-Thames - A4155
Chiltern Hills AONB - B481
Basildon Park - National Trust
Beale Park - Thames riverside
Should I drive into London from Reading or take the train? We usually recommend the train for trips to London. You can get a fast and frequent service from Reading to London Paddington, which takes 25-40 minutes. If you drive, you'll need to deal with London traffic and pay the Congestion Charge in the central zones.
Are there any driving restrictions during Reading Festival? Yes, the council closes some roads and changes traffic flow around the festival site (Richfield Avenue area) during the August Bank Holiday weekend. If you're renting at this time, you should ask your rental company for the latest updates.
What's the best route to Heathrow Airport from Reading? You should take the M4 eastbound to Junction 4 and then follow the signs for Heathrow. You'll need to allow at least 45 minutes for the trip when traffic is normal and up to 75 minutes during busy travel times.
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