If you are familiar with Reading, you will know that parking, and most definitely free parking in Reading can be difficult due to the restrictions, so we show you the best options for free parking in Reading without restrictions.
3 places to park for free in Reading (2026)
The following streets offer un-restricted FREE parking spots in Reading:
You should always check for any newly installed restriction signs before leaving your car.
What to consider when parking free in Reading
When parking, please be considerate of others:
- Ensure you don’t block any driveways
- Tuck your car as close to the kerb as possible.
- Don’t double park as you may be parked on a bus route
Cheapest all-day parking Reading
The cheapest car park in Reading is Premier Inn Reading Central, which you can book even if you are not staying at the hotel – but it must be pre-booked, you cannot just turn up.
You can choose to book this car park all day (9am – 5pm) for just £9, so it’s a great option for commuters or those visiting Reading for the full day.
Cheapest monthly parking in Reading
We found the cheapest monthly parking in Reading to be at Premier Inn Reading Central which costs £115 per month and you can book even if you are not staying at the hotel – but it must be pre-booked, you cannot just turn up.
You can use this car park 24 hours a day and come and go as you please during the day, although this must be pre-booked.
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)
There are also a few privately owned car parks in the centre of Reading that offer free parking.
| Car Park | Address | Spaces | Free Parking | Disabled Spaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thameside Car Park | Thames Side Promenade, Reading RG1 8EQ | 62 | Free on weekends | 2 |
| Chester Street Car Park | Chester Street, Caversham, Reading RG4 8JH | 60 | Free Saturday (30 minutes) and all day Sunday | 2 |
| Recreation Road Car Park | Recreation Road, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 4UB | 80 | Free Sundays | 6 |
| Dunstall Close Car Park | Dunstall Close, Tilehurst, Reading RG31 5AY | 47 | Free Saturday (30 minutes) and all day Sunday | 3 |
Free street parking in Reading
There are several on-street parking locations in Reading that offer free parking during certain times of the day.
If you’d rather not use a secure car park or one of the recommended free parking spots, you can park for free at the following on-street locations:
| Street | Address | Free Parking |
|---|---|---|
| Alfred Street | RG1 7LJ | 6.30pm – 8am and Sundays |
| Temple Place | RG1 6QL | 6.30pm – 8am and Sundays |
| London Street | RG1 4PS | 8pm – 8am and Sundays |
| South Street | RG1 4QU | 8pm – 8am and Sundays |
| East Street | RG1 4AW | 8pm – 8am |
Reading Park & Ride Sites
There are three park and ride sites around Reading, allowing you to take advantage parking for just £1, especially if you are visiting for a longer period of time or you are commuting from the local villages.
| Park and Ride Site | Address | Time to Reading | Use For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madejski Stadium Park & Ride | RG2 0FL | 10 minutes | Station Road, Market Place |
| Winnersh Triangle Park & Ride | RG41 5RD | 20 Minutes | Minster Street, Friar Street, Market Place |
| Mereoak Park & Ride | RG7 1PB | 20 Minutes | Reading Station, Market Place |
Reading Park & Ride Bus Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Price |
| Adult Single | £2.30 |
| Adult Return | £3.50 |
| 5 People | £5.50 |
Free parking near Reading Station
Reading Station does offer 20 minutes of free parking, but this is mainly used for pickup and drop-off. If you are travelling by train out of Reading, you can park for free nearby at the following locations:
- Loverock Road
- Wilson Road
- Brock Gardens
Free overnight parking in Reading
You can park for free overnight in Reading at the following council car parks, although a ticket still must be obtained:
| Car Park | Address | Spaces | Free Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kensington Road Car Park | Kensington Road, Reading RG30 2SZ | 62 | 5pm – 9am |
| Thameside Car Park | Thames Side Promenade, Reading RG1 8EQ | 62 | 5pm – 9am |
| Chester Street Car Park | Chester Street, Caversham, Reading RG4 8JH | 60 | 6pm – 8am |
Alternatively, you can park for free overnight in Reading at the following on-street parking locations:
| Street | Address | Free Parking |
|---|---|---|
| Alfred Street | RG1 7LJ | 6.30pm – 8am and Sundays |
| Temple Place | RG1 6QL | 6.30pm – 8am and Sundays |
| London Street | RG1 4PS | 8pm – 8am and Sundays |
| South Street | RG1 4QU | 8pm – 8am and Sundays |
| East Street | RG1 4AW | 8pm – 8am |
Residential parking in Reading
If you are a resident in Reading where permits are required, you can apply for a residents parking permit.
In order to apply, you will need to prove you are a resident, so will be required to provide proof of address and proof of vehicle.
Prices for a one year permit start at £46 for the first permit but there are discounts available depending on your profession. Visitor passes are also available to purchase.
About Reading, UK
Reading might be known across the UK as the home to one of the biggest festivals in the country, but there is so much more to Reading to explore.
There’s plenty of history to be found in this popular commuter town, from Reading Abbey to Reading Town Hall & Museum.
The River Kennet is also a focal point of the town, offering a solace from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. It’s popular with walkers and boaters. Just slightly North of the town is the River Thames which takes you on some more scenic walks out of the town itself.
If retail therapy is more your thing, the Oracle Shopping Centre is the place to be, with plenty of high street names under one roof. You can also enjoy one of the local eateries to recharge and relax after a busy day shopping.
Other towns and cities nearby
If you’re visiting the area for a short trip or just looking for things to do nearby, you can explore these towns and cities that are near to Preston:
About the Author
Hi, my name is Amber and I’m here to help find you suitable free parking in towns and cities across the UK.
When I visit new towns and cities, I always take note of where you can (legally) park for free, whether this be on-street parking bays or council run car parks, which offer free parking during certain hours of the day.
Although I take every effort to ensure this information is up to date and correct, if you notice an issue, please get in touch so I can rectify it for everyone.
Amber
Information was last updated on June 25th, 2024