Reading Festival

By Train & Coach: The festival grounds are easily reached by public transport. Reading Station, a major rail hub on the national network, is only about a 20-minute walk from Richfield Avenue (postcode RG1 8EQ). Fast trains run regularly from London Paddington (via the Elizabeth Line) as well as from cities like Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, and beyond. If you prefer not to drive, the festival partners with coaches like Big Green Coach, which operate direct buses from cities across the UK (and even from Heathrow Airport) right to the event. Once in Reading, special shuttle buses run from the railway station and town center directly to the festival entrance – they are cheap and frequent, making the final leg of your journey easy.

By Car: Driving is possible, but requires planning. From the east or west, follow the M4 motorway to Junction 11 (signposted for Reading) or from the north take the A33/M4 links into town. Traffic can be very heavy during the festival, so allow extra travel time and car-share when you can. The organizers provide large official car parks (often at nearby fields such as Kings Meadow and Mapledurham) which should be booked in advance. From these parking areas, free festival shuttles (and even a scenic river taxi from Kings Meadow) carry you to the entrance. For example, parking at Kings Meadow often comes with a River Thames boat trip to the site. Note that local streets close off at night and parking is restricted, so it’s best to stick to the designated lots for safety and convenience.

By Air: The nearest major airport is London Heathrow (about 25–30 miles from Reading). From Heathrow you have several options: hop on a train from Heathrow’s station (via Paddington or the Elizabeth Line) to Reading, or take the RailAir coach that goes directly from the terminals to Reading Station. Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton airports are farther away but can still connect you via train (typically through London). If flying in, book your flights early and plan your transfer to Reading ahead of time – weekends can mean heavier loads on trains. There are often day-travel deals or passes that include airport connections to make this as smooth as possible.

Accommodation: Reading (Berkshire) offers a variety of places to stay within a few miles of the festival site. You’ll find hotels, inns, and guesthouses near Reading town center and station – from budget chains to boutique B&Bs – so consider booking well in advance. Local options also include rented apartments or university dorms (available in summer). For the full Festival experience, try on-site camping: the official campsites and parking fields open with the festival ticket, letting you pitch a tent or park your camper van right by the music. Camping or nearby hotels mean you can wake up refreshed and dive back into the festival each day. Whatever you choose, arranging your accommodation early will help ensure a smooth trip.