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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car offers in Reading, Pennsylvania. Compare prices and make reservations in one place. Simple. Whether you're shopping the outlet centers, visiting Amish Country or in town for business, a rental car is the quickest way to cover Berks County. We pull live rates from downtown Reading, Wyomissing and nearby airports like Philadelphia International and Lehigh Valley so you can lock in the right car at a low price.
| Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Reading |
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| Wyomissing/Broadcasting Square |
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| Philadelphia International Airport |
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| Lehigh Valley Airport |
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On average, car rentals in Reading cost around $75 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $30 per day.
Shop different pick-up spots: Rates at downtown Reading or Wyomissing branches are often 10-15 % lower than Philadelphia Airport because there are no airport fees. A quick ride-share from PHL can still leave you ahead.
Mind the calendar: Summer and big outlet-sale weekends drive prices up. If you can, slide your rental to a shoulder week or mid-week start to dodge that surge.
Book 1-2 weeks out, then re-check: Lock in a cancellable reservation early and keep comparing—Reading agencies sometimes drop last-minute prices, and swapping is free.
Pick the smallest car that fits: Economy models in Reading run about $10-15 a day less than full-size. Unless you're hauling outlet hauls for the whole family, stick to compact.
Check weekly vs daily math: A 5-day trip can be cheaper on a 7-day "weekly" rate, often 15-20 % less overall.
Fill up off-site: Gas along Routes 222 or 422 is usually 20-30¢/gal cheaper than near the rental desk, saving you cash and the refuel fee.
| Parking Type | Availability | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Street Parking | Moderate | Metered Monday-Friday 8AM-6PM; many free after hours |
| Downtown Garages | Good | Several options including 4th & Cherry and Reed & Court |
| Shopping Centers | Abundant | Free at all major shopping centers and outlets |
| Suburban Areas | Plentiful | Free at most locations outside downtown |
| Reading Hospital Area | Limited | Pay careful attention to time restrictions and permit zones |
Local Driving Rules:
Get a rental car to get to:
Reading Outlet Centers – shopping
Lancaster Amish Country – Pennsylvania Dutch heritage
Blue Marsh Lake – trails, boating
Appalachian Trail trailheads – Hamburg, Port Clinton
Is it necessary to have a car in Reading?
Yes. The Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA) runs local buses, but they don't run very often outside of normal business hours on weekdays. Renting a car is the easiest way for you to explore Reading and the nearby countryside.
How far is Reading from major airports?
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is about 60 miles (97 km) southeast of Reading (a 75-minute drive), Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is about 45 miles (72 km) northeast (around 55 minutes) and Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is about 65 miles (105 km) west (about 75 minutes).
Are there toll roads around Reading?
Yes. The Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) is a toll road that runs south of Reading. Most rental companies can give you a toll transponder for an extra daily fee of about $3–$5, plus the cost of the tolls you pass through.
What's the best way to navigate downtown Reading?
Downtown Reading has many one-way streets. Penn Street runs east-west right through the middle of downtown. We recommend using GPS navigation if you are not familiar with the area.
When is the best time to visit outlet shopping near Reading?
The historic VF Outlet Center in Reading closed in 2020, but you can still find discount shopping at The Shoppes at Wyomissing and Philadelphia Premium Outlets (about 20 miles (32 km) southeast in Limerick). For the lightest crowds, visit on weekday mornings. Weekends get busy, especially during the holiday season from November to December. All of these centers offer free parking.
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