Ever felt the earth rumble under your feet to the beat of your favorite song? That’s the power of the Reading Festival, one of the UK’s biggest and most iconic music events. But wait, did you know this massive musical pilgrimage is actually twinned with its northern sibling, Leeds Festival?
With over 100,000 music lovers descending on the Reading Festival site each year, how do you even begin to get there without getting lost in the crowd? Don’t even think about just showing up. The journey is a crucial part of the adventure, and without a solid plan, you’ll be missing the first acts while stuck in a traffic jam.
So, what’s your plan? Train? Bus? Or will you risk the notorious queues and road closures for a car? The festival grounds at Richfield Avenue are waiting, but the question remains: how will you get there?
To ensure a smooth start to your adventure, we’ll break down your travel options to the festival, including trains, buses, coaches, and cars. We’ll help you make the smart choice to get straight to the action.
Where is Reading Festival?
The Reading Festival is held at Richfield Avenue, Reading, with the official address and postcode being Richfield Avenue, Reading, RG1 8EQ.
However, for those traveling by car, it is extremely important not to rely on this postcode for GPS navigation. The roads around the festival site are subject to closures and specific traffic management plans during the event. Instead, you should follow the official AA road signs and directions provided by the festival to get to the correct car parks and drop-off points, as these will be located away from the immediate festival grounds to manage traffic flow.
The designated drop-off and pick-up point is typically at Hills Meadow Car Park, located at RG4 8DH. From there, you can walk to the festival or use the free shuttle boats provided.
How Do I Get to Reading Festival? (Travel Options)
Getting to the Reading Festival is a key part of your experience. Here’s a breakdown of the best travel options to ensure a smooth journey.
By Train
The easiest way to get there.
Traveling by train is one of the most common ways to get to the festival, as it’s a direct and convenient option for many.
- Journey to Reading Train Station: Catch a Great Western Railway (GWR) service to Reading Station. Many routes across the country, including from London Paddington, have direct services.
- From the Station: The festival site is a short 15–20 minute walk from Reading Train Station. Simply follow the crowds and the signs.
- Shuttle Bus: If you have heavy luggage or prefer not to walk, a dedicated shuttle bus service is available from the station’s North Interchange (Stop ND). This service, operated by Reading Buses, runs frequently throughout the day and into the night. A weekend bus ticket is available to cover all your journeys.
By Car
A more challenging journey, but doable with the right plan.
Driving to the festival can be a challenge due to heavy traffic and road closures, so planning your route is essential.
- Official Directions Only: Do not use the festival’s main postcode (RG1 8EQ) for your GPS. The roads around the site are closed or have special traffic management during the event. Instead, follow the official AA road signs from the motorways, which will guide you to the designated car parks.
- Drop-off and Pick-up Point: The official drop-off and pick-up point is at Hills Meadow Car Park (RG4 8DH). From here, you can walk to the festival or take a free shuttle boat to the site.
By Bus/Coach
The most hassle-free option.
This is often a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel, especially from further afield.
- Big Green Coach: The festival’s official travel partner, Big Green Coach, offers carbon-neutral services directly to the festival’s coach park from over 50 locations across the UK. This is a hassle-free option that drops you right at the festival gates.
- Local Buses: In addition to the official shuttle bus from the train station, local Reading Buses services also run near the festival site, connecting it to other parts of the town.
By Taxi & Rideshare
Best for a quick trip, but be prepared for queues.
Using taxis or rideshare services can be a quick option, but be aware of specific drop-off and pick-up locations.
- Designated Taxi Rank: Do not have your taxi drop you off on Richfield Avenue. The official taxi rank and rideshare pick-up/drop-off point is located on Tessa Road, near the festival’s Red Gate entrance.
- Cost and Convenience: Taxis can be a good option for small groups, but surge pricing and long queues for a ride home, especially on Sunday night and Monday morning, can make them less convenient than pre-booked coaches or trains. If you’re heading to an airport like Gatwick, booking a reading taxi to Gatwick in advance is highly recommended to ensure a timely departure.
Reading Festival Parking Guide
The festival offers two main public car parks, the White Car Park and the Green Car Park, each with its own specific purpose and access points.
1. White Car Park
- Location: This car park is situated on the north side of the River Thames.
- Access: It is the primary parking option for attendees who will be camping in the White Campsite. Access is typically via the A4155 (Caversham Road).
- Tips: This car park is ideal for those who want to be close to the White Campsite and its designated pedestrian entrance.
2. Green Car Park
- Location: This car park is located on the south side of the river.
- Access: It serves attendees entering the Green, Red, and other campsites. Access is usually from the A33.
- Tips: If you’re taking a Heathrow Airport to Reading taxi, it’s easier to get to the festival site from the Green Car Park. There’s often a free boat service to take you and your luggage straight there.
Tips for Booking and Arrival:
- Pre-Booking: Parking passes must be purchased in advance to guarantee a space. Check the official Reading Festival website and authorized ticket vendors for availability.
- Arrival: Follow the official AA road signs to your designated car park and do not rely on your satellite navigation system (GPS). Road closures and traffic management will be in place around the festival site, and the AA signs will guide you along the correct route.
- Cost: The cost of a weekend parking pass is separate from your festival ticket. Be sure to check the pricing when you book.
Official Drop-off and Pick-up Points
The official and designated drop-off and pick-up point for all private vehicles, including parents, friends, and rideshares, is Hills Meadow Car Park (RG4 8DH).
Safety and Traffic Management:
- To ensure smooth traffic flow and the safety of all attendees, the area immediately surrounding the festival site, particularly Richfield Avenue, will have road closures and parking restrictions in place.
- A temporary taxi rank is set up on Tessa Road, the designated pick-up and drop-off point for all licensed taxis, ideal if you’ve booked a Reading to Heathrow Airport taxi for your journey..
Evening and Post-Festival Arrangements:
- Be aware that queues for taxis and rideshares can be long, especially after the headliners finish each night and on Monday morning.
- If you are being picked up by a private vehicle, arrange for the driver to meet you at the official Hills Meadow Car Park drop-off point, and be prepared for potential delays.
Reading Festival Map & Site Layout
The Reading Festival site is a large, vibrant space with a distinct layout that includes a central Arena for music and a wide variety of campsites. Understanding this layout is essential for navigating the festival efficiently.
The Arena
This is the heart of the festival and where all the music takes place. It features multiple stages, including:
- Main Stage East and Main Stage West: These are the two primary stages that host the festival’s biggest headliners and most well-known acts.
- Festival Republic Stage and BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage: These stages showcase a diverse range of genres, from indie and rock to electronic music.
- Other Stages: Additional stages, like the BBC Music Introducing Stage, highlight up-and-coming talent.
The Arena is also where you’ll find the main hub of activity, including a wide array of food stalls, bars, a funfair, and other entertainment.
Campsites
The campsites are where weekend ticket holders set up their tents and form their festival communities. They are categorized by color to help with navigation and are spread out across the festival grounds. Each campsite has its own facilities, including toilets, showers, and food vendors. Some campsites have unique features:
- The Glitterball Grove: A new community camp focused on inclusivity.
- The Meadow: An eco-friendly campsite with a focus on sustainability.
- The Valley: A social space designed for solo campers to meet new people.
Navigating the Site
A detailed map of the entire festival site is crucial for orientation. The map, which is available on the official Reading Festival app, shows the location of all key facilities, including:
- Stages and performance areas
- Campsite entrances and exits
- Medical tents and welfare services
- Water points, toilets, and showers
- Food and drink vendors and ATMs
It’s highly recommended that you download the official map or have it saved on your phone before you arrive, as mobile signal can be inconsistent on the site.
Tickets and Prices
How much does a ticket for Reading Festival cost?
The cost of a Reading Festival ticket varies depending on the type and when you purchase it. There are several ticket options available to suit different needs.
- Weekend Pass: This is the most popular ticket, granting you access to the campsites and arena from Thursday until Monday. While prices change each year, a weekend pass for the 2026 festival is priced around £301.00 (this can vary based on fees and other charges).
- Weekend + Early Entry Pass: For an additional cost, this pass allows you to enter the festival a day early on Wednesday, giving you more time to set up camp and secure a good spot before the main crowds arrive.
- Day Tickets: These are also available for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and grant you access to the arena for a single day. Prices for day tickets are typically announced closer to the event.
- Other Costs: Be prepared for additional costs, such as parking passes, campervan permits, or payment plan fees.
All tickets should be purchased from the official Reading Festival website or authorized vendors like Ticketmaster to ensure you are buying a legitimate ticket.
When Does Reading Festival Start?
Your festival dates.
The Reading Festival is an annual tradition held every year on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
- 2026 Dates: The main festival will take place from Thursday, August 27, to Sunday, August 30, 2026. For those with an Early Entry Pass, the gates open on Wednesday, August 26.
Reading vs. Leeds Festival
The twin festivals explained.
Reading and Leeds are often referred to as “twin festivals” because they run simultaneously and share a very similar lineup.
- Same Line-up, Different Days: The artists and headliners perform at both festivals, but on different days. For example, a band that plays Reading on Friday will perform at Leeds on Saturday.
- Atmosphere and Vibe: While the music is largely the same, the two festivals have distinct atmospheres. Reading’s location in a town center gives it a more urban feel and easy access to local amenities. Leeds, located in a rural park, has a more traditional, “middle of a field” festival vibe.
Insider Tips for a Smooth Arrival
Get the most out of your festival experience.
- Arrive Early: The best time to arrive is on Wednesday or early Thursday to avoid the longest queues and secure a good camping spot.
- Plan Your Travel: Don’t rely on getting a taxi from the train station—it’s a very short walk. If you’re driving, follow the official AA road signs and avoid using your GPS on the final approach.
- Accessibility: The festival provides dedicated facilities for those with disabilities, including accessible campsites, viewing platforms, and toilets. You must apply for these facilities in advance to get an access pass.
- First-Timers: The most important thing is to be prepared for all weather, as the British summer is unpredictable. Pack comfortable shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a portable phone charger.
Final Checklist Before You Go
Confirm everything for a stress-free trip.
- Tickets and IDs: Make sure you have your tickets (either printed or on your phone) and a valid form of ID.
- Travel Arrangements: Reconfirm your bus, train, or parking pass. If you’re driving, know the correct postcode for your designated car park, not the main festival address.
- Maps: Download the official Reading Festival map to your phone or print a copy so you can navigate the site easily, even without a signal.
Conclusion
Get ready for the adventure!
Getting to the Reading Festival is a straightforward process if you plan ahead. From booking your tickets and a parking spot early to knowing the best route and what to pack, a little preparation goes a long way. For a completely stress-free experience, consider using a private service like My London Transfer to handle your journey. Use this guide to make sure your trip is as smooth as possible, so you can focus on the music and enjoy the ultimate festival experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Reading Festival and how do I get there?
The reading festival location is at Richfield Avenue, Reading. The easiest way to get there is by train, with a short walk or shuttle bus from Reading train station to Reading Festival. If you’re driving, be sure to follow the official reading festival directions for your designated parking area.
2. How much do tickets for Reading Festival cost?
The reading festival ticket cost varies, but a weekend pass is the most common option. Prices are typically announced closer to the event, but you can find all ticket types, including day tickets and early entry passes, on the official festival website.
3. What is the difference between the car parks?
The two main public parking areas are the reading festival white car park and the Reading Festival Green Car Park. The White Car Park is on the north side of the river and is best for those camping in the White Campsite, while the Green Car Park is on the south side and serves the Green and other campsites.
4. When does the Reading Festival start?
The festival always takes place on the August Bank Holiday weekend. The main music starts on Friday, but weekend ticket holders can enter the campsite from Thursday.
5. What is the official drop-off point for the festival?
The official drop-off point for Reading Festival is at Hills Meadow Car Park. All taxis, rideshares, and private vehicles must use this location to avoid traffic and road closures directly at the festival site.
