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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Reading
Reading
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Reading
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Reading
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Reading
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Reading?
Reading is a vibrant town with a blend of urban and rural attractions, located in the heart of Berkshire. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore the town and its scenic surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the Town Centre. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions like Windsor Castle, the Chiltern Hills, and the Thames Valley without relying on public transport schedules.
Convenience and Comfort. Whether you're travelling with family, colleagues, or have lots of luggage, a rental car offers a comfortable and hassle-free way to get around.
Flexibility to Plan Your Itinerary. A car allows you to visit attractions, dine at restaurants, and attend events on your schedule, without being constrained by fixed routes or timetables.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Reading
Before booking a rental car in Reading, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions. This includes minimum age requirements, licence stipulations, insurance, deposit policies, and mileage restrictions. Familiarise yourself with these conditions to ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
40.04 square miles (103.7 square kilometres)
Population
Approximately 164,352 residents
Time Zone
GMT (GMT+1 during summer)
Ideal for
Business and leisure trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic between 7 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver surcharges.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their domestic licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance. Additional coverage options such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are available. A security deposit is held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but returning the car with a full tank is common.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS navigation systems and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Reading – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the off-season months.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Reading?
To book a car in Reading, compare prices, select the right car, and carefully review the rental terms. Booking in advance is key to securing the best rates, especially during peak seasons. Remember to bring all necessary documentation when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best car rental deals in Reading.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your specific needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking your car rental early.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Reading
Reading offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Ideal for both business and leisure travellers, it is best explored with some local knowledge about traffic, parking, and fuel access. Renting a car is perfect for venturing beyond the town centre.
Reading is a large town situated in Berkshire, England. It sits at the junction of the River Thames and River Kennet, offering beautiful riverside views and vibrant urban scenes. As a key commercial centre, Reading boasts a mix of cultural attractions, shopping destinations, and business parks. While Reading has reliable public transport, a rental car can be beneficial if you plan to visit surrounding areas or have specific travel needs. However, be aware of local traffic regulations, parking limitations, and fuel availability for a stress-free experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Reading Abbey Ruins
Explore the historic ruins of Reading Abbey, founded in 1121 by Henry I.
The Museum of Reading
Discover Reading's history from the Roman era to the present day.
Forbury Gardens
Relax in the Victorian-era Forbury Gardens, a peaceful oasis in the town centre.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages like The Oracle or Broad Street Mall for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but they can be costly and have time limits.
Park & Ride
Utilise the Park & Ride services located on the outskirts of Reading for convenient access to the town centre.
Gas Stations in Reading
Convenient Locations
Find gas stations along major roads and highways around Reading.
Major Brands
Look for brands like BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps to locate nearby gas stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Reading
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for buses and parking with a contactless bank card or mobile payment app.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the town centre.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak rush hours to minimise traffic congestion.
Key Transportation Hubs in Reading
Major Bus Stations
Reading Bus Station
Located in the heart of the town centre, it serves as a hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Reading Railway Station
A major railway station providing services to London, Oxford, and other destinations.
Airports
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Located approximately 25 miles east of Reading, it is accessible via the M4 motorway.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Reading?
Renting a car in Reading is generally straightforward, but you'll need to meet a few requirements before you can drive off. Here’s what you typically need.
A valid UK driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their domestic licence.
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, but there may be extra charges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit. Credit cards are often preferred.
A passport or other form of photo identification may be required.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Reading as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, really
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 16.11.2024
Heard great things about Reading, and they were right! Exploring with my rental car was a breeze. Loved it.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 10.10.2024
Lovely relaxing getaway! Reading was a great base for exploring the coast; having a car was perfect.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 31.03.2025
Pleasant enough, really.
Oliver King
Reviewed: 29.03.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Noah Brown
Reviewed: 11.11.2024
Getting around was easy thanks to the rental. Reading itself was pleasant, though the town center felt a bit underwhelming.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 11.04.2025
First time in Reading, and I loved it! Having a car made exploring so convenient. The town was charming.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 25.08.2024
Reading was delightful! A perfect weekend escape; having a car made getting around so easy.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 07.07.2025
Great stop on our road trip! Easy to get around, and Reading itself was charming.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 28.09.2024
Reading was charming! Easy weekend trip, car rental was perfect for exploring.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 17.04.2025
Relaxed and pleasant.
Ethan Lee
Reviewed: 12.04.2025
Spontaneous weekend in Reading! Renting a car made exploring easy. The museum was interesting, though the cafe was a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 13.01.2025