Reading, Pennsylvania, provides diverse transportation options that connect the city’s 95,000 residents and visitors to destinations throughout Berks County and beyond. The BARTA (Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority) operates public bus services with multiple routes covering Reading and surrounding communities, serving as a vital transit option for daily commuters and residents without personal vehicles.
For rail enthusiasts and tourists, the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad offers scenic excursions through Pennsylvania’s beautiful countryside. At the same time, the historic Reading Railroad heritage adds to the city’s transportation legacy. Though passenger rail service to major cities like Philadelphia is limited, Reading’s strategic location along major highway corridors provides excellent road connectivity.
Interstate 76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike), U.S. Route 222, and U.S. Route 422 make road travel highly convenient, offering direct access to Philadelphia (65 miles southeast), Allentown, and other major Pennsylvania cities. These highways also connect Reading to Interstate 78 and Interstate 83, expanding regional accessibility.
For air travel, Reading Regional Airport/Carl A. Spaatz Field serves general aviation needs. At the same time, commercial passengers typically use Lehigh Valley International Airport (about 45 miles northeast) or Philadelphia International Airport for domestic and international flights. The proximity to these major airports gives Reading residents convenient access to commercial aviation services.
Reading has been developing more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly infrastructure in recent years, with improved sidewalks in the downtown area and connections to the Schuylkill River Trail system. The city’s compact 10.1 square mile area makes many destinations walkable, particularly in the revitalized downtown district, where residents can access shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions on foot.
