Travelling to the University

You do not need to go through central London. You can travel directly from Heathrow airport to Reading.

RailAir coach
The best way to reach Reading is using the RailAir coach. This will bring you directly to the central railway station in Reading.  RailAir coaches run frequently throughout the day. For more information  and timetables, please visit the RailAir website.

We recommend you purchase your ticket online ahead of arriving in the UK. The cost of an online ticket is £24 (July 2025).  Tickets can also be purchased from the driver on boarding the coach using contactless payment or using the First Bus app. 

Student Ambassadors will be waiting for you at Reading Train Station as you arrive to help guide you to your accommodation. Look out for our ambassadors with their Reading signs and red t-shirts! They can show you where to hail a taxi or which bus to board from the train station. Please also remember to keep your accommodation details on hand when you arrive.

Directions from the terminals to the RailAir bus stands

RailAir coaches depart just outside Terminal 2, 3 and 5 Arrivals. The coach number is RA1 Heathrow to Reading Station, and will be signposted.

From Arrivals:
-  Follow the signs for buses and coaches
-  If you need any help locating the coach, please ask one of the airport staff members who are very helpful.

Terminal 2:
-  Outside arrivals at bus stand 11 and 12

Terminal 3:
-  Outside arrivals at bus stand 7 and 8

Terminal 4:
-  If you are arriving at Terminal 4, you can use the free trains, Underground and H30 bus to reach Terminals 2, 3 or 5

Terminal 5:
-  Follow signs for 'Local Buses' upon exiting arrivals. The RailAir coaches stop at Stand 9 and you can get a ticket either from our driver or in advance online.

Map of Heathrow

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 suggest the following:

Loddon Cars Taxis
• Book a taxi: loddoncars.com/book-a-taxi/ 
• Phone: +44 (0)1189 321 321
• Email: bookings@loddoncars.com

Yellow Cars
• Book a taxi : yellcars.com/book-taxi/
• Phone: +44 (0)118 9666 555
The estimated cost of a pre-booked taxi is about £60 - 70.
You can pay for the taxi by card or cash.

Taxis will meet you directly at the terminal you are arriving at.
Access an interactive map of Heathrow airport.

Train Service

There is a direct train from Gatwick airport to Reading. It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. More information including train times can be found on the Gatwick airport website. If you are travelling by train you can plan your journey and buy tickets in advance via the National Rail website or you can buy your ticket at the Gatwick train station when you get there.

Taxi hire

If you would like to take a taxi from Gatwick to Reading, then it is recommended that you book this in advance using the following details:

Loddon Cars Taxis

• Online booking form
• Phone: +44 (0)1189 321 321
• Email: bookings@loddoncars.com

Yellow Cars

• Online booking form
• Phone: +44 (0)118 9666 555

The estimated cost of a pre-booked taxi is about £100.

You can pay for the taxi by card or cash.

View a map of Gatwick Airport.

London Stansted Airport

To get to Reading from Stansted Airport by train, you will need to travel via London. Find out more on the Stansted Airport website.

London Luton Airport

To get to Reading from Luton Airport by tain, you will need to travel via London. Find out more on the Luton Airport website.

Birmingham International Airport

Regular trains run from Birmingham International Airport to Reading and take about 1 hour and 40 minutes. For more information, visit the Birmingham Airport website. 

How to get to Reading from central London

There is a direct train from  Paddington station which will take about 30 minutes.This service runs frequently. For train times, please visit the National Rail website.