Living Car-Free in Reading
I’m relocating to Reading soon and won’t have a car. I’m considering flats in the town center, close to the railway station for easy access to London, Oxford, and beyond. However, I’m curious about local public transport. Are the buses reliable, and do they take you close to major shopping centers like IKEA, Costco, and Tesco?
Living car-free in Reading is definitely feasible, especially with your plans to stay near the railway station. The public transport system in Reading is generally good, with a variety of bus services connecting different parts of the town.
Buses: The local buses are reasonably reliable and frequent. They provide convenient access to major shopping areas such as the Oracle Shopping Centre and other retail parks where you can find stores like IKEA and Tesco. While Costco is a bit further out, there are still buses that can get you relatively close.
Walking and Cycling: Reading is quite walkable, especially from the town centre to various amenities. There are also cycle lanes if you prefer biking, which can make getting around town even easier.
Trains: Besides the train services to cities like London and Oxford, the train station can also be a hub for other regional destinations, making it easy to explore further afield.
Overall, you’ll find that you can manage well without a car, especially in the town centre. Just check the local bus schedules or apps for real-time updates to help plan your trips efficiently!