Planning your journey

Planning your Journey

Whether you are a Reading local or travelling here from the other side of the world below you have come to the right place for everything you need to plan a smooth arrival.

How are you going to get here?

Read information on travelling to the University of Reading.

IMPORTANT: Please follow all UK government advice about travelling safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a university we are striving to reduce our impact on the environment, and sustainable travel options for staff and students are a key part of this endeavour. Our campuses in the Reading area are within easy walking and cycling distance from local train stations, and are easily accessible by public transport. Getting here.

Can't wait? Get a 360 degree view of the campus before you arrive. Take a virtual tour.

Read our advice on packing and what to bring.

Information for International students

Specific information if you are travelling to Reading from Heathrow and other local airports. This information is constantly changing, and we will update this page as we receive updated guidance. You are currently recommended you wear a mask at all times on public transport. See the UK Governments website for the latest guidance..

Heathrow airport arrivals

For more information of what is happening at Heathrow airport in response to coronavirus please see their website.

You do not need to go to central London.

RailAir coach

The best way to reach Reading is using the RailAir coach. This will bring you directly to Reading (Railway station in Central Reading).

RailAir coaches are currently running hourly. Information on RailAir and their timetables.

We recommend you purchase your ticket online ahead of arriving in the UK. The cost of an online ticket is £20 (August 2020). You can purchase your ticket at on the First Group, Rail Air website.
Tickets can also be purchased from the driver on boarding the coach using contactless payment or using the First Bus app. There are also ticket machines at the Central Bus Station.

Directions

All flights at Heathrow are currently operating from Terminals 2, 3 and 5. Terminal 4 will continue to be used as a red list arrivals facility.

RailAir, customers travelling from Heathrow can board at Stand 9 in Terminal 5, or at Heathrow Central Bus Station (CBS) from stands 6-15a.

Terminal 2

RailAir coaches depart from the Heathrow Central Bus Station.

From Arrivals follow the signs for bus and coach, this takes you underground, then follow the signs for the Heathrow Central Bus Station, this is around a 4-7-minute walk.

Once there, if you do not have a ticket you can purchase one from the driver or via the First Bus app.

Look for the departure boards in the station where you will see the stand number for the next coach to Reading. If you need any help locating the coach, please ask one of the airport staff members in the coach station who are very helpful.

Make sure you take the RailAir coach and NOT the National Express coach which does not come to central Reading.
Terminal 5

Follow signs for Local Buses upon exiting arrivals. The RailAir coach departs from Stand 9 and you can get a ticket either from our driver or in advance online.

Taxi hire
If you would like to take a taxi from Heathrow to Reading, then it is recommended that you pre-book this in advance. We have suggested two companies below:

Loddon Cars Taxis
+44 (0)1189 321 321
bookings@loddoncars.com

Yellow Cars
+44 (0)118 9666 555

The estimated cost of a pre-booked taxi is about £40.
You can pay for the taxi by card or cash.
Taxis will meet you directly at the terminal you are arriving at.

Gatwick airport arrivals

All flights are currently operating to and from our North Terminal only. Please wear a face covering at the airport.

More information on what is happening at Gatwick airport in response to coronavirus.

Gatwick train express

For more information on times of trains from Gatwick to Reading please see the journey planner.
Taxi hire:

Taxi hire
If you would like to take a taxi from Gatwick to Reading, then it is recommended that you pre-book this in advance. We have suggested two companies below:

Loddon Cars Taxis
+44 (0)1189 321 321
bookings@loddoncars.com

Yellow Cars
+44 (0)118 9666 555

The estimated cost of a pre-booked taxi is around £80.
You can pay for the taxi by card or cash.

Download the UoR Student app for navigation to and around campus