How to find a cheap car hire deal in Reading
Grab a cheap rental car in Reading and hit the road for around $201 a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.
Daily rental prices in Reading start from just $124.
Taking a longer break? Pick up a weekly rental from $200 and take the time to discover more.
To land the best price on a Reading car hire, it's a good idea to book in advance. Rates generally rise as your travel dates approach, and you might be left with fewer choices.
Enterprise, Keddy By Europcar and Europcar are among the top-rated providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Reading car hire policy, whether you book with Enterprise or any other supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at $253 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $375, this provider is next in line.
The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly $750 a day for one of their rentals.
Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Economy rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers visiting Reading.
Compare car hire types in Reading
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Reading makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These nimble, fuel-efficient rides are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for small families and couples.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Reading car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel ticket to adventure. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and scenic routes alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Reading that can handle a small crowd (and their luggage), a van has space to spare. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group excursions, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Reading car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Reading by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United Kingdom, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may rent vehicles to younger drivers for a higher fee, so always check the policies before securing your wheels.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat regulations vary from one place to another, and the best setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Be sure to add the right one to your Reading car hire reservation.
You'll be asked to provide some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
Driving in the United Kingdom can take some adjustment if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the left side of the road.
Local speed limits are usually about 40kph through urban areas and around 100kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United Kingdom. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.
You'll be using the British pound (GBP) here. As well as your debit and credit cards, consider having some cash handy for smaller purchases.
English is the language most commonly spoken throughout this country.
Best hotels in Reading for drivers
Offering accessible parking, De Vere Wokefield Estate takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is about 8 kilometres from central Reading and also comes with a sauna and room service.
Premier Inn Reading South (Grazeley Green) Hotel makes life simpler with parking and features like room service and Wi-Fi. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more ideas before you book? Browse the selection of hotels in Reading. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If you're driving electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car hire deal in Reading and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Reading Abbey Ruins, Reading river cruise Thames and Coley Park give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Reading
Around 56 kilometres east of central Reading, London easily earns a place on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like The British Museum and Westminster Abbey.
The Colonnade Hotel and Britannia International Hotel Canary Wharf are recommended accommodation options with parking in London.
Add Luton to your travels too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Reading and drive roughly 64 kilometres northeast to explore top spots such as Cowslip Meadow Nature Reserve and Someries Castle.
Thistle Express London Luton and Holiday Inn Express London - Luton Airport are comfortable places to stay in Luton if you're hanging out for a while. Go for one of these and skip the stress of finding somewhere to leave your ride.
Why slow down now? Cruise on over to Cardiff, about 153 kilometres west of Reading. From Cardiff Castle to St Fagans National History Museum, your journey will end on a high note.
Hit the hay in Cardiff at either Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre or Holland House Hotel & SPA Leisure Club By Sunday Cardiff. They have a room waiting for you and a place for your wheels too.
