Top 10 Parking in Reading
Updated: May 19, 2025
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Searching easy convenient and affordable parking in Reading can be a a little whether you are commuting shopping or visiting for an event. With rising demand and strict parking restrictions knowing where to park and how to avoid fines is essential.
In this guide we will cover:
- Best car parks in Reading (including Reading Station parking The Oracle and Broad Street Mall)
- Cheap and free Parking in Reading points (including Sundays & evenings)
- Reading residents parking permission and how to apply
- Online parking with RingGo and other payment methods
- Reading FC match day parking and Reading Festival parking tips
- Electric vehicle (EV) charging spots around the city
Main Car Parking in Reading (2025 Prices)
Searching easy convenient and affordable parking in Reading is easier when you know the best points. The Reading Station little stay car park remains the most central but prices up to £26 for whole day parking. For cheaper alternatives try The Oracle Shopping Center (£13 whole day) or Broad Street Mall (£11 whole day) both within walking distance of the town center.
Evening parking (after 6 PM) is more cheap and affordable with most car parks charging £3 to £6. Queens Road Car Park provides good costs around the university (£15 whole day). For budget conscious drivers Park & Ride services at Mereoak and Thames Valley Park price just £2.50 per day with frequent buses to the center.
Ride Options Parking in Reading
Save time and money with Reading’s efficient Park & Ride services. Two main points serve commuters: Mereoak Park & Ride (M4 J11) and Thames Valley Park & Ride (A329). Both charge just £2.50 per day in 2025 with buses running every 10 to 15 minutes to the town center. Mereoak provides EV charging points making it ideal for electric vehicle owners. Thames Valley offers ample places for early birds. These services help you avoid Reading’s parking restrictions and high town center fees.
| Park & Ride | Location | Price (per day) | Bus Frequency | EV Charging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mereoak Park & Ride | South Reading (M4 J11) | £2.00 | Every 10-15 mins | Yes |
| Thames Valley Park & Ride | East Reading (A329) | £2.00 | Every 15 mins | No |
On-Street Parking in Reading & Prices
Searching on street parking in Reading requires understanding the different parking places and their pricing. The Central area (around Reading Station and The Oracle) remains the most expensive at £4.80/hour weekdays with a 2 hour maximum stay. Residential place provide better costs with Zone 1 (East Reading) at £1.30/hour and Zone 2 (West Reading) at £1.10/hour both allowing 4 hour stays. Good news for weekend visitors Saturday costs are slightly reduced and Sunday parking is free around all zones. Watch for Parking in Reading restrictions like permission only place during weekdays.
Pro Tip;
Use the RingGo app for hassle free payments and always check signage to avoid parking fines. Residents can apply for parking permission through Reading Council’s website. With these 2025 costs and tips you will master Reading’s on street parking system while avoiding costly mistakes.
| Central Zone | Near station, Oracle | £4.50/hr | £3.50/hr | Free | 2 hours |
| Residential Zone 1 | East Reading | £1.20/hr | £1.20/hr | Free | 4 hours |
| Residential Zone 2 | West Reading | £1.00/hr | £1.00/hr | Free | 4 hours |
Parking in Reading Residents and Permits
Living in Reading? Secure your resident Parking in Reading permission to avoid daily parking hassles. In 2025 annual permission price £85 to £125 depending on your place with visitor permission available at £2.20 per day. Businesses can apply for commercial permission (£260 to £420 annually). Blue Badge holders park free in permission areas. Apply online via Reading Council’s portal processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Pro Tip: Always display permission clearly and renew on time to avoid parking fines. With rising demand apply early especially near Central Reading where places are limited.
| Permit Type | Cost (Annual) | Eligibility | Waiting Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Permit | £80-£120 | Proof of address | 2-3 weeks |
| Visitor Permit | £2 per day | Residents only | Instant (digital) |
| Business Permit | £250-£400 | Local business proof | 4 weeks |
| Disabled (Blue Badge) | Free | Blue Badge holders | Instant |
Event Parking in Reading (Reading FC & Festival)
Planning to attend a Reading FC match or the famous Reading Festival? Parking strategies can make or break your experience. For Select Car Leasing Stadium events official match day parking costs £12 to £18 with early arrival recommended as places fill fast. Around Broad Street Mall provides cheaper evening parking at £4 (5 minute walk). The Reading Festival (August 2025) provides official car parks at £25-£35 for weekend passes including shuttle services. Off site points like Thames Valley Park & Ride (£3/day) with festival buses run until 2 AM.
Pro Tips:
- Book festival parking online in advance for discounts
- Use online parking apps (RingGo) to avoid queues
- Check Reading Council’s traffic updates for road closures
- Remember parking restrictions tighten during big events. Arrive early carpool or consider public transport to avoid the crunch.
| Event | Recommended Parking | Price | Distance to Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading FC Match Days | Select Car Leasing Stadium | £10-£15 | On-site |
| Reading Festival | Official Festival Car Parks | £20-£30 (weekend) | 10-15 min walk |
| Hexagon Theatre Events | Broad Street Mall | £3 (evening rate) | 5 min walk |
Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking in Reading Points
Reading is accelerating its EV charging infrastructure making it easier than ever for electric vehicle owners to stay powered up. The town now provides rapid chargers (50kW+) at Reading Station (£0.48/kWh) and fast chargers (7-22kW) at The Oracle (£0.42/kWh) with 2 hours free parking while charging.
Key locations include:
- Mereoak Park & Ride: 6 fast chargers (£0.38/kWh)
- Broad Street Mall: 4 bays (free for shoppers spending £20+)
- Reading Gateway: New 12 bay ultra rapid hub (150kW)
Pro Tips:
- Use Zap Map to find available chargers
- Reading Council provides discounted resident permission for EV owners
- Avoid fines by only parking in marked EV bays when charging
- With expanding infrastructure and Reading’s Clean Air Zone incentives 2025 is the ideal time to go electric.
| Location | Type | Cost | Parking Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Station | Rapid Charger | £0.45/kWh | Standard parking rates apply |
| The Oracle | Fast Charger | £0.40/kWh | Free while charging (2hr max) |
| Mereoak Park & Ride | Fast Charger | £0.35/kWh | £2 daily parking |
Free parking on public streets
- Wilson Road (2 hours)
- Loverock Road
Free Car Parks in Reading
You can park for free on Saturdays in Reading at the following car parks:
- Thameside car park, Thames Side Promenade, Reading, RG1 8EQ
You can park for free on Sundays in Reading at the following car parks:
- Dunstall Close, Tilehurst, Reading RG31 5AY
- Chester Street, Caversham, Reading RG4 8JH
- Thameside car park, Thames Side Promenade, Reading, RG1 8EQ
Free for 30 minutes:
- Chester Street, Caversham, Reading RG4 8JH (Saturday only)
- Recreation Road, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 4UB
- Dunstall Close, Tilehurst, Reading RG31 5AY (Saturdays only)
Conclusion
Navigating parking in Reading has never been easier with this comprehensive guide to all your points. Whether you are commuting shopping or attending major events like the Reading Festival or Reading FC matches understanding the system saves time and money. For daily needs Reading Station parking provides convenience while The Oracle and Broad Street Mall offer affordable alternatives. Residents benefit from parking permission with special provisions for EV owners and Blue Badge holders. The expanding network of EV charging options around town including rapid chargers at Reading Gateway supports Reading’s green transition.
Park & Ride services at Mereoak and Thames Valley Park remain the smart choice for stress free access to the town center especially during peak times. Event goers should book festival parking early or use official match day parking around the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Always check Reading Council’s updates for the latest on parking restrictions and Clean Air places policies. With points ranging from on street parking places to online payments via RingGo you are equipped to park smarter in 2025. Remember: planning ahead using these tips will help you avoid parking fines and make the most of your visit to vibrant Reading.
People Also Ask
Where can I find cheap parking in Reading?
Try Broad Street Mall or The Oracle for affordable rates, or use Park & Ride services.
Is there free parking in Reading on Sundays?
Yes, on-street parking is free on Sundays, but check signs for restrictions.
What’s the best parking option near Reading Station?
Reading Station Short Stay is closest but expensive; Queens Road Car Park is a cheaper alternative.
How do I pay for parking in Reading?
Use RingGo, cash at pay-and-display machines, or contactless payments.
Are there parking restrictions in Reading?
Yes, check Reading Council’s website for CPZ (Controlled Parking Zone) rules.
How do I apply for a Reading residents’ parking permit?
Apply online via Reading Council’s portal with proof of address (takes 2-3 weeks).
How much does a resident parking permit cost?
£85-£125/year, depending on your zone.
Can visitors park in permit zones?
Yes, with a visitor permit (£2.20/day) purchased by residents.
Do Blue Badge holders need a permit?
No, disabled parking is free in permit zones, but display your Blue Badge.
Are business parking permits available?
Yes, commercial permits cost £260-£420/year.
Where should I park for Reading FC matches?
Use official match-day parking (£12-£18) or Broad Street Mall (£4 evening rate).
What’s the best parking for Reading Festival?
Book official festival parking (£25-£35 weekend pass) or use Park & Ride (£3/day).
Is there parking near the Hexagon Theatre?
Yes, Broad Street Mall is a 5-minute walk with evening rates.
Does Reading Festival offer disabled parking?
Yes, book in advance via the festival’s accessibility page.
Where exactly are EV charging points located in Reading?
- Key locations:
- Reading Station (Short Stay): 4x rapid chargers (50kW+) – £0.48/kWh
- The Oracle Riverside: 8x fast chargers (7-22kW) – Free parking while charging (2hr max)
- Mereoak Park & Ride: 6x fast chargers – £0.38/kWh + £2.50 daily parking fee
- Reading Gateway (A33): New ultra-rapid hub (150kW) – £0.55/kWh
- Pro Tip: Use Zap-Map or Reading Council’s EV map for real-time availability.
Are EV charging costs included in parking fees?
- No, charging and parking are billed separately. Example:
- The Oracle: Free parking only while actively charging (max 2hrs). After charging, standard rates apply (£2.50/hr).
- Reading Station: Pay both charging (£0.48/kWh) and parking (£4.50/hr).
Is free parking available for electric vehicles?
- Limited options:
- The Oracle: 2hr free parking only while charging.
- Residential zones: EVs with permits park free, but must display Blue Badge if applicable.
- No blanket free parking check signage to avoid fines.
How does Park & Ride work for events like Reading Festival?
- 2025 Festival Special Service:
- Mereoak Park & Ride: £3/day parking + free shuttle buses running until 2 AM.
- Thames Valley: £2.50/day, but no late-night return buses.
- Note: Official festival parking (£25-35) includes security; Park & Ride is cheaper but less convenient.
Do all Park & Ride sites have EV charging?
- Mereoak: Yes, 6x fast chargers (£0.38/kWh).
- Thames Valley: No chargers (planned for 2026).
- Pro Tip: Charge at Mereoak before taking the bus to avoid town centre charging costs.
How can I avoid parking fines in Reading?
- Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overstaying in EV bays (fine: £70).
- Parking in permit zones without a permit (fine: £60).
- Ignoring “No Return” signs (e.g., 1-hour max zones).
- Useful Tool: Reading Council’s parking restriction map.
What’s the process to appeal a parking fine (PCN)?
- Step-by-Step:
- Appeal within 14 days (via Reading Council’s portal).
- Provide evidence (e.g., permit receipts, broken meter photos).
- If rejected, escalate to Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
- Success Rate: ~40% for first appeals with evidence.
How does Reading’s Clean Air Zone affect parking?
- Key Rules (2025):
- Non-compliant diesels (pre-2015): £10 daily charge.
- EVs/hybrids: Exempt (register via council website).
- Enforcement: Cameras at town centre entry points.
Where can I park overnight safely?
- Approved Options:
- Queens Road Car Park: £8 overnight (6 PM–8 AM).
- Residential zones: Only with permit (or risk £60 fine).
- Hotels: Some (e.g., Hilton Reading) offer paid overnight parking.
How do I report illegally parked cars?
- Methods:
- Online: Reading Council’s reporting tool.
- Phone: 0118 937 3787 (Parking Enforcement).
- Provide: Vehicle reg, photos, and exact location.
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