Getting Around in Reading

Buses are the main mode of public transportation in Reading and it's easy to catch one almost anywhere in the town. Trains are the best way to get out of Reading and rail commuters can get to London in less than an hour.

Public transport in Reading

Buses

The city’s efficient bus network is operated by Reading Buses. There are several buses each hour on weekdays on most routes, but services at evenings and on weekends are less frequent. The routes that extend further out of town have less frequent services, so it’s best for expats to consult a schedule when planning journeys. Single fares are fairly expensive, so it’s advisable to invest in a weekly, monthly or annual pass if one plans on using public transport regularly.

Train

Reading is a major junction point on the UK’s national rail system, with Reading Station linking to both Paddington and Waterloo stations in London. Non-stop trains to Paddington take only 30 minutes, which makes it very feasible for people to commute from Reading to London for work.  

Driving in Reading

Owning a car isn’t essential, but can be useful, especially for expats with children as well as those who want to explore the countryside during their free time. Traffic in Reading isn’t as bad as in London, but roads still get congested during peak hours. Finding parking in the centre of Reading can be a hassle, but most shopping centres and industrial parks have lots of spaces.