Getting there by Air

Heathrow Airport (LHR)

The nearest airport is London's Heathrow Airport. There are direct flights into Heathrow from most countries in the world - in fact Heathrow is the world's busiest International Airport (more international flights than any other airport).

The easiest way to get from Heathrow into Reading is via a special Rail-Air bus link that runs from Heathrow directly into the centre of Reading (Reading Station) every 30 minutes. The bus takes around 45 minutes (or more in rush hour).

Terminal 1	From International arrivals follow the sign for Underground and Central Bus Station. From UK and Ireland follow signs for Underground and Terminals 2 and 3, which direct you towards the lifts (then follow signs for Underground and Central Bus Station.) Use the lifts to reach the basement level.
Terminal 2	Leave the building through the doorway immediately in front of the exit from customs and follow signs for Underground and buses, which direct you towards the below-surface travelator. Alternatively, you may prefer to use the street-level access by exiting the terminal building through the revolving doors on the ground floor.
Terminal 3	Follow signs for Underground and Central Bus Station, taking the ramp or stairs to access the below-surface subway link.
Terminal 4	Use the FREE Heathrow Express shuttle service. Travel in the carriages at the rear of the train and alight at Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Follow signs for Terminals 2 and 3 but as soon as you see signs for buses and underground follow these instead.

 Links

• RailAir bus from Heathrow to Reading: www.railair.com
• Heathrow Airport: http://www.heathrowairport.com/

Gatwick Airport (LGW)

London's Gatwick Airport is about 55 miles south east of Reading. However there is a direct rail service from Gatwick Airport.

The rail station is directly linked to Gatwick's South Terminal and is just a few minutes from North Terminal via a free transit train link. Rail information and ticket desks are located in the rail station and within the arrival areas of both terminals.

Approximate Journey time to Reading is about 1 hour 40 minutes

Links

• Gatwick Airport: www.gatwickairport.com
• National Rail Enquiries: www.nationalrail.co.uk

Stansted Airport (STN)

Stansted Airport is about 85 miles north east of Reading.

To get from Stansted Airport, you can get a train to London (takes about 45 minutes, direct). That'll take you into Liverpool Street Station. Then take the underground (Circle line, west via Kings Cross) to Paddington Station (allow 1 hour including finding your way around Liverpool Street and Paddington). Then take a train out of Paddington directly to Reading (25 minutes, non-stop). Total journey time about 2 hours 10 minutes.

It sounds complex, but it's not as bad as it seems. You can do it all on one ticket, and there are lots of staff around who can help you. However I wouldn't want to do it with luggage that isn't either a back pack or has wheels. [Note, you will need to drag your luggage over staircases, eg at Liverpool Street]

Links

• Stansted Airport: www.stanstedairport.com
• National Rail Enquiries: www.nationalrail.co.uk

London City Airport (LCY)

London City Airport is about 50 miles east of Reading. Not that many flights fly in and out of City Airport (partly due to a short runway).

Despite the fact that it's nearer than some other airports, getting to Reading from there is not easy. The best way is to take the Docklands Light Railway [Driverless trains, nice views of London] to Bank Underground Station. Follow the signs for the Circle line (which is at Monument Station, but the two are attached). Then take the circle line west (via Victoria) until you arrive at Paddington. Then take a train out of Paddington directly to Reading (25 minutes, non-stop). Total journey time about 2 hours 30 minutes.

I'm not sure if you can do it all on one ticket. There are staircases. In fact the best advice I can give is to suggest you fly to another airport, ideally Heathrow.

Links

• London City Airport: www.londoncityairport.com
• National Rail Enquiries: www.nationalrail.co.uk

Luton Airport (LTN)

Luton Airport is about 55 miles North East of Reading.

To get from Stansted Airport, you can get a train to London (takes about 40 minutes, direct). That'll take you into Farringdon Station. Then take the underground (Circle line, west via Kings Cross) to Paddington Station (allow 45 minutes including finding your way around Farringdon and Paddington). Then take a train out of Paddington directly to Reading (25 minutes, non-stop). Total journey time about 1 hour 45 minutes.

It sounds complex, but it's not as bad as it seems. You can do it all on one ticket, and there are lots of staff around who can help you. However I wouldn't want to do it with luggage that isn't either a back pack or has wheels.

Links

• Luton Airport: www.london-luton.co.uk
• National Rail Enquiries: www.nationalrail.co.uk

Birmingham International Airport (BHX)

Birmingham International is about 92 miles north west of Reading.

There is a direct rail service from Birmingham International Airport's railway station to Reading, run by Virgin Trains (which means things like there will probably be a buffet on board, and power for you to recharge your laptops or phones [UK power sockets, obviously]). The airport rail station “Birmingham International” is linked to the Passenger Terminals by the free, frequent Air-Rail Link (and by frequent, I mean it runs about every 2 minutes!)

Trains take about 1 hour 25 minutes and go to Reading's central Railway station

Links

• Birmingham International Airport: www.bhx.co.uk
• National Rail Enquiries: www.nationalrail.co.uk

Southampton Airport (SOU)

Not that many flights fly into Southampton, but if you do get one, there is a direct rail service straight into Reading Station.

The journey takes 45 minutes (or up to 1 hour 10 minutes if you have to change). If you want to avoid changing, just wait for the next direct rail service.

Links

• Southampton Airport: www.southamptonairport.com
• National Rail Enquiries: www.nationalrail.co.uk

From Reading Railway Station to the University

You can either take a bus (the bus stops are just outside the station). The cost is (as of January 2007) £1.50. You pay when you get on the bus, but the bus drivers require exact money only (no change given). There's about a 200m walk into the university from the bus stop.

Or you can take a Taxi. There are two taxi ranks just outside the railway station, and there are almost always taxis queueing up there. Cost about £6, but they take you all the way, and they do have change. (Note: In the UK, taxi drivers appreciate a tip, say £1, but there is no requirement to tip).

Links

• Reading Bus Timetables: www.reading-buses.co.uk/rdg.htm