Exploring Reading, Pa: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Reading, Pennsylvania, is served by the Reading Regional Airport (RDG), also known as the General Carl A. Spaatz Field. The airport is located three miles northwest of Reading and has a rich military history, originally serving as an Army Air Force training airfield during World War II. With two runways open 24/7/365, the airport offers convenient access to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast markets and plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth, education, and connection for the region.

Reading Regional Airport's history

Reading Regional Airport, also known as the General Carl A. Spaatz Field, is a public airport located three miles (5 km) northwest of Reading, in Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. The airport is owned by the Reading Regional Airport Authority.

The airport has a rich military history, originally serving as an Army Air Force training airfield during World War II. The site for the airport was selected as early as 1934, and work began in August 1936. The field was dedicated during a two-day ceremony in October 1939, which attracted 103,000 spectators, including leading aviation officials, military pilots, and acrobatic fliers. The airport opened as a civil airport in April 1938.

During the war, the Reading Army Air Field opened on June 1, 1943, with the 309th Base Headquarters and Air Base Squadron as its host unit. The mission was to train tactical reconnaissance units. The 11th Photographic Group used Reading as its worldwide headquarters, with its reconnaissance and photo squadrons deployed worldwide. On January 1, 1944, the station's mission changed to repairing and overhauling aircraft and returning them to active service. Activity at the airfield was phased down in the summer of 1945, and it was inactivated as an active military airfield on February 26, 1946.

In the postwar era, several airlines applied to stop in Reading, including Eastern, United, American, and Pennsylvania-Central. The airport continued to evolve, with the construction of a new terminal and restaurant in 1961. Runways were lengthened, and navigational aids and a new control tower were added to accommodate growing air traffic demands.

The airport has been home to the Reading Composite Squadron of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol since the 1950s. It also hosted the annual Reading Airshow, one of the largest in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, which later became the Reading Aerofest until it ended in 1998.

Today, the airport is a full-service transportation center, supporting corporate and business activity, air charter, training, aerial inspection, and recreational flights. It is also home to the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, which collects, restores, and displays historic military planes, classic airliners, and rare civilian and military aircraft.

Airlines and flights

Yes, Reading, Pennsylvania, is served by the Reading Regional Airport (RDG), also known as the General Carl A. Spaatz Field or simply Carl A. Spaatz Field. The airport is located three miles (5 km) northwest of Reading, in Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Reading Regional Airport is a general aviation airport and full-service transportation centre. It is a public airport owned by the Reading Regional Airport Authority. The airport has a rich military history, originally serving as an Army Air Force training airfield during World War II. Today, it continues to support military aircraft used for training, as well as corporate and business activity, air charter, aerial inspection, pipeline patrol, and recreational flights.

Reading Regional Airport features two runways that are open 24/7/365 and can accommodate various types of aircraft. The airport had scheduled flights on US Airways Express carrier Air Midwest until September 3, 2004. Since then, the airport has been served by charter airlines and operators like Air Charter Advisors, NetJets, and Wheels Up. Boscov's Travel is one notable charter operator offering direct flights to Orlando on Southwest Airlines, with the option to book any destination.

In addition to charter services, Reading Regional Airport supports corporate and business aviation, with Quest Diagnostic operating a base for their 24 aircraft used for transporting medical specimens. The airport also facilitates air taxi services, with 12% of its aircraft operations falling under this category in 2022.

Reading Regional Airport is easily accessible from Philadelphia (PHL) by bus, with a travel time of approximately 3 hours. The airport provides free parking for terminal patrons and houses KLINGER'S restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner.

Location and directions

Yes, Reading, Pennsylvania, is served by the Reading Regional Airport (RDG), also known as the General Carl A. Spaatz Field or simply Carl A. Spaatz Field. The airport is located three miles (5 km) northwest of Reading, in Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. The address is 2501 Bernville Rd, Reading, Pennsylvania 19605, United States.

Reading Regional Airport is easily accessible from all directions. The airport is located just off US 222 on SR 183. It is about a 10-minute drive from downtown Reading.

When driving from the north or south via Interstate 95, take exit 39A to merge onto US-222 S toward Reading. Follow US-222 S for about 13 miles, then take exit 5B for PA-183 N toward Bernville. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for PA-183 N/Bernville, and continue on Airport Road. The airport will be on your right.

If you're coming from the east or west via Interstate 76, take exit 330 toward Reading/Pottsville and merge onto PA-12 N/US-422 W. Follow signs for US-222 S/Reading and merge onto US-222 S. Take exit 5B for PA-183 N toward Bernville and keep left at the fork to stay towards PA-183 N/Bernville. Continue on Airport Road, and you will see the airport on your right.

Alternatively, you can use public transportation or a ride-sharing service to get to the airport. The bus via Airport Terminal A from Philadelphia (PHL) to Reading takes approximately 3 hours.

Hotels and accommodation

Yes, Reading, Pennsylvania, has an airport. The Reading Regional Airport (RDG), also known as the General Carl A. Spaatz Field, is a public airport located three miles (5 km) northwest of Reading, in Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania.

There are several hotels and accommodation options near the Reading Regional Airport. Here are some popular choices:

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Reading Airport: This newly renovated, smoke-free hotel is conveniently located near the Reading Regional Airport and offers free high-speed internet access, complimentary parking, and free breakfast. It is also close to various businesses and attractions, including the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum and the Pagoda on Mount Penn.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading: This hotel is known for its convenient location, offering easy access to nearby attractions, free parking, Wi-Fi, and a pool. It also provides a variety of hot and cold breakfast options and clean, comfortable rooms.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Reading: This Hilton hotel is pet-friendly and is praised for its friendly staff and reasonable pricing. It offers free parking, Wi-Fi, and breakfast, although the latter is considered basic by some guests.
• Hampton Inn Reading/Wyomissing: This hotel is part of the popular Hampton by Hilton chain and is known for its clean rooms and ample parking.
• The Mansion at Hamden: This bed and breakfast accommodation in West Reading is known for its friendly and accommodating staff, spacious rooms, and comfortable amenities.

Other notable mentions include the Courtyard by Marriott Reading Wyomissing, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Wyomissing, and the Candlewood Suites Reading. These hotels are located near the Reading Public Museum and offer a range of amenities and comfortable stays.

Attractions and things to do

Yes, Reading, Pennsylvania, has an airport. The Reading Regional Airport (RDG), also known as the General Carl A. Spaatz Field, is located three miles northwest of the city in Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. The airport has a rich military history, originally serving as an Army Air Force training airfield during World War II.

The city of Reading, PA, offers a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Here is a list of some of the top things to do when visiting:

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is a unique attraction housed in a former safety goggle factory. It offers a range of classes and workshops on various art forms, including glassblowing, woodworking, and silversmithing. For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, the centre also features art galleries and exhibits showcasing regional, national, and international artists.

Reading Public Museum and Neag Planetarium

The Reading Public Museum and Neag Planetarium have been educational epicentres since 1906. The museum features a diverse collection of art, science, and children's exhibits, including an Egyptian mummy and dinosaur bones. Visitors can also enjoy daily star shows and astronomy lessons at the neighbouring Neag Planetarium.

The Pagoda

The Pagoda is a Japanese-inspired building that has stood atop Mount Penn for over a century, serving as a symbol of Reading. While the Pagoda itself is not open to the public, visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, which offer panoramic views of the Reading skyline.

Santander Performing Arts Center and Santander Arena

The Santander Performing Arts Center is the place to go for a Broadway musical or a concert. Located near the Neag Planetarium, it offers a state-of-the-art arena for various performances. For a more energetic experience, the Santander Arena hosts rock concerts and other musical events.

Berks Jazz Festival

If you're visiting Reading in the spring, don't miss the Berks Jazz Festival. This music festival features improvised jazz performances that will delight your ears. Reading also hosts rock concerts and other musical events throughout the year.

Outdoor Activities

Reading and Berks County offer a range of outdoor activities for nature lovers. Explore the picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor recreation areas. Discover natural attractions like Crystal Cave in Kutztown and Lost River Caverns in Hellertown, or go bird watching at Kempton's Hawk Mountain Sanctuary to witness the annual hawk migration. Blue Marsh Lake, near Reading, is a great place for boating, paddle boarding, and canoeing.

Mid-Atlantic Air Museum

Located at the Reading Airport, this museum collects, restores, and displays historic warplanes, classic airliners, and rare civilian and military aircraft. Visitors can learn about the rich aviation history of the region and admire the restored aircraft.

Frequently asked questions