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Hire a car in Reading with Hertz
Reading has regularly featured in lists of the best places to live and work in the UK, and while the town’s proximity to London has made it a popular business and leisure hub, it also offers a blissful countryside escape too.
Find music, shopping and places to eat close by, before driving out into the wider landscape to discover other exciting destinations, iconic attractions, and even the capital itself if you wish.
We have various convenient pick-up locations in and around the town, including at the main Railway Station, so however you arrive you’ll be able to easily collect your hire car in Reading, and get out onto the road.
Take a look at our extensive vehicle selection online, choose the right car for you, and book direct with us in advance.
Pickup locations in Reading
- Reading COSTCO
- Reading - 131 Wokingham Road
- Reading B&Q
- Reading Lok'nStore
- Reading IKEA
- Reading Magenta Self Storage
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Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Make travel feel golden with Hertz Gold+
Ready to get more from every drive? Hertz Gold+ is our free loyalty program that turns everyday car rental into rewards. Get instant perks and seamless pickups.
- Skip the line, choose your ride, and go
Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
- Earn points to redeem for free rental days
Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
- Share the drive for free
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
Reading car rental driving guide
Driving in and around Reading
With a hire car from Reading you can take in all that the vibrant town has to offer, and then journey to a patchwork style backdrop of lush green fields and slow, flowing rivers – enabling you to discover the finest sights in the south, from the capital city to the coastline.
The A33 cuts straight through the centre of Reading. Turn off at the A329 and you’ll find The Oracle car park that takes you straight out onto the riverside. If you head south out of the town on the A33, it’s only around 10 minutes to the Madejski Stadium – home of Reading Football Club.
If you’re here in August for the world-famous Reading Festival, take the A329 from the centre and it’s just a 5-minute drive to Richfield Avenue, home of the renowned rock music event.
There are a number of council and private car parks in the heart of Reading, as well as three park-and-ride sites on the outskirts. You can find more information on the council website.
For day trips, the quaint town of Henley-on-Thames is around 25 minutes by car via the A4155, while the M4 runs around the outskirts of Reading and will lead you towards Bristol and Bath in the west and London when you head east.
Alternatively, head south on the M3 and it is just over an hour to Southampton. Continue past this port city and roll down the windows as you drive into the New Forest, known for its native ponies and the perfect place to park up the car and stretch your legs.
If the sun is shining and you would like to feel the sand between your toes, head down the M3 for an hour and a half to Bournemouth. Here you’ll find seven miles of sandy Blue Flag beaches.
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A quick guide to Reading
Malmaison Reading
18-20 Station Rd, Reading RG1 1JX
Situated adjacent to Reading Station and within Forbury Gardens, this boutique hotel is housed in a former Great Western Hotel built in 1844. You’ll enjoy stylish rooms, an on-site brasserie, and a beautifully restored Victorian facade.
The Roseate Reading
Station Hill, Reading RG1 1EZ
Nestled beside Forbury Gardens and a five-minute walk from the station, this Grade II listed luxury hotel offers elegant rooms, a spa, gym, a private cinema, and fine-dining at The Reading Room.
Novotel Reading Centre
Friar Street, Reading RG1 1DB
Just a short stroll from the Oracle shopping centre and the riverfront, this modern hotel features well‑appointed rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness centre - ideal if you want central convenience.
Sweeney & Todd Restaurant and Shop
10 Castle St, Reading RG1 7RD
Famous for its award-winning pies, this longstanding eatery serves hearty British fare in a warm, classic décor. It’s a must for you if you love comforting, home-style cooking. You can choose from over 20 types of handmade pies, and there's also a deli counter if you'd like to take something home.
Good Old Days Hong Kong Ltd
66 George St, Caversham, Reading RG4 8DH
Run by a former Four Seasons chef, this cosy café-style restaurant offers authentic Cantonese dishes—like ho fun noodles and prawn sweet‑and‑sour—at excellent prices. The portions are generous, and the menu blends traditional recipes with seasonal chef specials for a fresh experience every visit.
Osaka Reading
Unit R16, Riverside Mall Level, Reading RG1 2AG
Located within the riverside shopping centre, Osaka offers a stylish, minimalist setting for sushi, ramen, and tempura. You’ll appreciate its contemporary ambiance and quality Japanese cuisine.
Reading Abbey Ruins
Abbot's Walk, Reading RG1 3HW
Once one of Europe’s grandest medieval abbeys, these remains now sit amid the Victorian Forbury Gardens. You can wander the evocative ruins and enjoy regular heritage displays.
Thames Lido
Napier Rd, Reading RG1 8FR
Housed in a restored 1902 Edwardian pool, Thames Lido features a heated outdoor swimming pool, spa treatments, and a Mediterranean-style restaurant.
Reading Museum
Blagrave Street, Reading RG1 1QH
Set in the historic Town Hall, this family-friendly museum features exhibitions on local history, archaeology, and a full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry—a highlight for any visit.
FAQs about car hire
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