Car Rentals in Reading, GBR

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Top Rental Car Deals in Reading

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

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Lowest prices found within the past 5 hours. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

What you need to know for your Reading car rental

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Reading

Renting a car in Reading offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can comfortably manage your luggage while visiting local attractions like the Reading Museum and Town Hall, which provides a rich cultural experience, or the nearby Shinfield Studios, ideal for family outings. Additionally, Thames Valley Park is easily accessible, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors conveniently.

A hire car is especially beneficial for families, offering ample space for strollers and other essentials. If you're keen on exploring further afield, Henley-on-Thames is located just 10 km away, where you can visit notable sites such as Henley Bridge and Cliveden House. The Reading City Centre also boasts several attractions, including Reading Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens. For those interested in historical sites, Aldermaston, with Highclere Castle and Donnington Castle, is another great destination accessible by car. Overall, renting a car enhances your travel experience, making it easier to create flexible travel plans while enjoying the sights of Reading and beyond.

Most popular car hires in Reading

  • Economy: This car type is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families, comfortably accommodating up to 5 people and allowing for 2 medium suitcases. The Economy option is a practical choice for exploring Reading, offering both affordability and ease of manoeuvrability in urban settings.
  • Compact: The Compact car option also accommodates 5 travellers and provides space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for solo adventurers, couples, or families looking to navigate the city with convenience. Its size is ideal for parking in tighter spaces while ensuring a comfortable ride.
  • Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV can fit 5 passengers and has room for up to 3 large suitcases. This option is perfect for those who value space and comfort, making it a suitable choice for longer journeys around Reading while providing ample room for luggage and passengers alike.

Top rated car suppliers in Reading

  • Hertz: With a rental location in Reading, Hertz is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility. Known for its reliable service, Hertz primarily offers Compact and Midsize SUV vehicles, perfect for navigating both urban roads and the scenic countryside. Renting from Hertz allows you to explore Reading and its surrounding attractions at your own pace, ensuring a hassle-free experience with easy luggage management.
  • Enterprise: Enterprise stands out with three rental locations throughout the Reading area, making it incredibly convenient for car hire. This supplier is well-regarded for its friendly service and diverse vehicle options, with Compact and Midsize cars being the most booked. Whether you're heading to local attractions or embarking on a day trip, Enterprise provides the flexibility needed for an enjoyable journey in and around Reading.

Where to stay in and around Reading

  • Henley-on-Thames: Located 10 km from Reading, Henley-on-Thames offers a delightful outdoor experience with stunning scenery and adventure activities. This charming city features a range of attractions including the historic Henley Bridge, the beautiful Cliveden House, and opportunities for golf. Visitors can also enjoy local food and drink options, including wineries and distilleries, making it an ideal destination for a culturally enriching stay.
  • Reading City Centre: Situated around the area of Reading, Reading City Centre is perfect for family and business-themed experiences. It boasts a variety of activities and venues including a shopping centre, sports facilities, and educational institutions. Key points of interest such as the Reading Museum and Town Hall and the historic Reading Abbey Ruins can be explored, alongside numerous dining options in the vicinity, ensuring a vibrant and engaging stay.
  • Maidenhead: About 19 km from Reading, Maidenhead is renowned for its outdoor activities and rich cultural experiences. Visitors can explore attractions like the historic Cliveden House and the iconic Windsor Castle. With several golf courses and country clubs nearby, it is an excellent location for families and culture enthusiasts alike. The area also features a selection of restaurants and wineries for delightful dining experiences.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Reading

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise filters on Expedia to help you discover the perfect option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to benefit from lower rates and greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles generally come at a lower rental cost and are easier to park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the best option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards as a payment method.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It’s simple to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Reading

The best time to rent a car in and around Reading is January and February, as prices are slightly low and demand remains average. October also offers good value, with slightly low prices and moderately low demand. In contrast, March tends to be the busiest month, with average prices but high demand. The summer months, particularly July, see prices rise to slightly high levels alongside average demand, making it one of the more expensive times to secure a rental vehicle.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
Car suppliers available:
Our best deal of the day:
£45
Our second best deal of the day:
£53
Our third best deal of the day:
£63
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Reading?
Affordable hired cars started at £45 a day in Reading, based on prices within the past seven days. With rates like this, we make it easy to pick up some keys and take off for less.
Can I hire a car from Heathrow Airport (LHR)?
You certainly can. Once you arrive at Heathrow Airport (LHR), you'll find the rental companies located in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. Book a ride with Budget, Avis or National. Hertz and Europcar are other suppliers worth checking out.
What happens if I need to cancel my Reading car reservation?
If you have to change your plans, the majority of prepaid reservations are eligible for a total refund. Just notify us at least six hours ahead of pick-up. Read through the rental agreement for any exceptions. Your booking details will have more details, or jump onto our Customer Service Portal for more information.
What types of cars can I rent in Reading?
Pretty much anything you like! From minis and compact cars to SUVs and premiums, we've got a great selection of hire cars to choose from. If you're looking for a trusty set of wheels to get you from A to B, check out our standard rentals. Offering excellent value for money with all the modern comforts, they're the most popular car category in Reading. Whether you're driving around the city or heading out of town, a standard car won't let you down.
Where can I go on a road trip from Reading?
There are so many things to do in Reading, but venture farther afield and you'll find even more magic. Grab a set of wheels and you can meander around the surrounding area at your own speed. Add these fantastic places to your list:

  • Head off to London for a fun-filled sightseeing experience. Roughly 35 miles from Reading, it has many great attractions like Buckingham Palace.
  • Why not enjoy all that's on offer in Birmingham too? Notable attractions in this happening city include Bullring Shopping Centre. Birmingham is around 80 miles from Reading.
  • Townclose Hills Local Nature Reserve is situated 160 miles from Reading and is one of the region's most breathtaking nature spots. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the fresh air here.

How do I find the best car hire deals in Reading with Expedia?
Expedia makes it a breeze to compare rates, offers and hire companies, and to check customer ratings. Combine your Reading car hire with flight or hotel bookings and you'll save even more.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Reading?
Drivers with a valid license aged 21 and over can rent a vehicle in Reading. While some suppliers may be willing to rent to drivers younger than 21, expect an extra fee. Find out what ages the young driver surcharge applies to, and what it costs, before locking in your ride. There are also restrictions on the types of cars young drivers can hire. Higher limits are in place for specialty and luxury vehicles.
What do you need to rent a car in Reading?
Generally, all you'll need is a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name when picking up the keys to your car. Proof of coverage may also be needed if you'd prefer to opt out of the company's insurance plan. Rules often differ between rental outlets, so it's wise to check the terms and conditions.
What is the cheapest car hire in Reading?
Based on prices within the past seven days, you could've hopped behind the wheel of a rental car for just £45 per day. The second lowest daily price in Reading was £53. These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in Reading?
Yes. We partner with trusted companies that offer long-term rentals for all categories of cars. Snap up one of our long-term car hire deals and discover every square inch of Reading — or beyond!
Where can I find a Reading hire car if I am younger than 25?
You'll need to look up the age policy of the Reading rental providers you're interested in. If you're under 25, be aware that some will charge additional fees. It's better to know about this before arriving at the desk so you can budget accordingly. Each car hire company has its own terms and conditions for younger drivers, so be sure to do your research.
Why should I rent a Reading car with Expedia?
From our exclusive offers to our member prices and rewards programme, you're sure to save when you book a car with Expedia. And with multiple suppliers in Reading to select from, you have plenty of choice when it comes to finding your perfect ride. But we don't just offer amazing rates on rental cars. Flights, hotels and tours can be added to your itinerary to create your dream Reading holiday package. The more you bundle, the bigger the savings! Plus, when you join our One Key™ loyalty programme, you can earn OneKeyCash™* and redeem it on eligible hotels, flights, activities and more. *OneKeyCash disclaimer - OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia.

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