Car Rentals in Reading, GBR

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. This is particularly beneficial for families, allowing ample space for luggage and equipment while keeping everyone together. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Shinfield Studios, ideal for family experiences, and the Reading Museum and Town Hall, perfect for culture enthusiasts. Additionally, Thames Valley Park provides a pleasant outdoor space to unwind.

Having your own vehicle also makes it convenient to explore popular destinations just a short drive away. Henley-on-Thames, located 10 km from Reading, boasts attractions like Henley Bridge and LEGOLAND® Windsor. The Reading City Centre is within reach, featuring highlights like the Reading Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens. Furthermore, Aldermaston offers opportunities to visit historic sites such as Highclere Castle and Donnington Castle. Overall, renting a car in and around Reading enhances your travel experience by allowing for flexible travel plans and easy access to a variety of attractions suited to different interests.

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 conveniently situated in Reading, Hertz is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility and convenience. Known for its reliable service, Hertz offers a selection of vehicles to suit various needs. The most booked options include Compact and Midsize SUVs, which are perfect for navigating both city streets and the surrounding countryside. Renting from Hertz allows you to explore attractions at your own pace while managing your luggage with ease.
• Enterprise: Enterprise stands out with three rental locations in Reading, providing excellent accessibility for your car hire needs. This supplier is particularly favoured for its commitment to customer service and a diverse fleet. Most travellers opt for Compact and Midsize cars, which offer a balance of comfort and efficiency. With Enterprise, you can enjoy the convenience of multiple pick-up points while having the freedom to tailor your itinerary as you explore the area.

Where to stay in and around Reading

• Henley-on-Thames: Located 10 km away from Reading, Henley-on-Thames offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities and scenic beauty. This charming city is ideal for those seeking adventure, with a recreational area, golf courses, and picturesque views of the nearby national park and hills. Key attractions include the historic Henley Bridge and Cliveden House, both suitable for culture enthusiasts. For food lovers, local wineries and distilleries provide excellent dining options, making it a wonderful place to stay for a relaxed getaway.
• Reading City Centre: Situated in the heart of Reading, the City Centre is perfect for families and business travellers alike. It features a vibrant shopping mall and numerous educational facilities. The area is home to notable landmarks such as the Reading Museum and Town Hall and the historical Reading Abbey Ruins, which are ideal for culture-oriented visitors. Urban parks like Forbury Gardens offer a lovely setting for leisure and relaxation, complemented by a variety of restaurants and wineries for dining in the evening.
• Maidenhead: About 19 km from Reading, Maidenhead is an excellent destination for families and culture enthusiasts. The city boasts access to golf courses and private country clubs while offering significant historical sites such as Cliveden House and Windsor Castle. For a fun-filled family outing, LEGOLAND® Windsor is nearby, providing entertainment for all ages. The local dining scene features a range of restaurants and wineries, ensuring a delightful culinary experience during your stay.

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 specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary significantly based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this could be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and offers peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to hire 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, when prices are slightly low and demand remains average. This period offers good value for those looking to save. March sees a rise in demand and prices, making it the busiest month. Following that, April and July typically show slightly high prices, with July being the most expensive month for rentals. August also sees average prices but with moderately high demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	39.7°F (4.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	40.8°F (4.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	43.9°F (6.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
April	48.0°F (8.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
May	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
June	59.5°F (15.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
August	62.4°F (16.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
September	58.6°F (14.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly High
October	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
November	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	42.1°F (5.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average