How to get from Manchester to Reading

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What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Reading?

Looking for a trip? Check and compare all the available Buses, Trains and Carpool to Reading from Manchester. Look at different modes of transportation, search for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 4 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Bus is the cheapest, while Train is the fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
8h 5m
£15
£24
11
Train
3h 12m
£22
£55
12
Car
3h 50m
£30
£30
1

What is the cheapest way to reach Reading from Manchester?

You can reach Reading with just £15 by taking a Bus from FlixBus, but there are many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for you for the next few days here.

Friday
from £20
Saturday
from £23
Sunday
from £36
Monday
from £22
Tuesday
from £15
Wednesday
from £20
Thursday
from £22

    Cheapest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    9h 5m
    0
    06:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20
  • FlixBus
    9h 25m
    0
    06:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20
  • FlixBus
    8h 5m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £21
  • FlixBus
    8h 20m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £21
  • Cheapest Trains Friday

  • CrossCountry
    3h 37m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    08:48
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £22
  • CrossCountry
    3h 17m
    0
    12:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    15:42
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £35
  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 23m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    15:38
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £64
  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 18m
    0
    12:35
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    15:53
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £64
  • Cheapest Carpool Friday

  • BlaBlaCar
    3h 50m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    12:50
    Reading
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £30

    Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • FlixBus
    8h 25m
    0
    17:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    01:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £23
  • FlixBus
    11h 5m
    0
    14:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    01:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £24
  • FlixBus
    10h 20m
    0
    18:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    04:40
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £24
  • FlixBus
    10h 40m
    0
    18:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    04:40
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £24

    Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    10h 20m
    0
    18:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    04:40
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £36
  • FlixBus
    10h 40m
    0
    18:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    04:40
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £36
  • FlixBus
    8h 5m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £40
  • FlixBus
    8h 20m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £40

    Cheapest Trains Monday

  • CrossCountry
    3h 14m
    0
    08:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:39
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £22
  • CrossCountry
    3h 12m
    0
    09:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:37
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £22
  • CrossCountry
    3h 17m
    0
    12:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    15:42
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £59
  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 18m
    0
    09:35
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:53
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £97
  • Cheapest Buses Monday

  • FlixBus
    9h 5m
    0
    06:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £23
  • FlixBus
    8h 5m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £23
  • FlixBus
    11h 5m
    0
    14:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    01:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £23
  • FlixBus
    9h 25m
    0
    06:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £23

    Cheapest Buses Tuesday

  • FlixBus
    11h 5m
    0
    14:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    01:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £15
  • FlixBus
    9h 5m
    0
    06:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £16
  • FlixBus
    8h 5m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £16
  • FlixBus
    9h 25m
    0
    06:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £16

    Cheapest Buses Wednesday

  • FlixBus
    9h 5m
    0
    06:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20
  • FlixBus
    8h 5m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20
  • FlixBus
    11h 5m
    0
    14:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    01:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20
  • FlixBus
    9h 25m
    0
    06:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20

    Cheapest Buses Thursday

  • FlixBus
    9h 5m
    0
    06:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £22
  • FlixBus
    8h 5m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £22
  • FlixBus
    9h 25m
    0
    06:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £22
  • FlixBus
    8h 20m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £22

What are the fastest trips from Manchester to Reading?

You can get to Reading from Manchester in just 3h 12m with a Train from CrossCountry. But this is just one option, click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other available modes of transportations.

Friday
from 3h 17m
Saturday
from 8h 5m
Sunday
from 8h 5m
Monday
from 3h 12m
Tuesday
from 8h 5m
Wednesday
from 8h 5m
Thursday
from 8h 5m

    Fastest Trains Friday

  • CrossCountry
    3h 17m
    0
    12:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    15:42
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £35
  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 18m
    0
    12:35
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    15:53
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £64
  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 23m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    15:38
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £64
  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 28m
    0
    12:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    16:23
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £64
  • Fastest Carpool Friday

  • BlaBlaCar
    3h 50m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    12:50
    Reading
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £30
  • Fastest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    8h 5m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £21
  • FlixBus
    8h 20m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £21
  • FlixBus
    9h 5m
    0
    06:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20
  • FlixBus
    9h 25m
    0
    06:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20

    Fastest Buses Saturday

  • FlixBus
    8h 5m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £25
  • FlixBus
    8h 25m
    0
    17:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    01:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £23
  • FlixBus
    10h 20m
    0
    18:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    04:40
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £24
  • FlixBus
    10h 40m
    0
    18:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    04:40
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £24

    Fastest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    8h 5m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £40
  • FlixBus
    8h 20m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £40
  • FlixBus
    9h 5m
    0
    06:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £41
  • FlixBus
    10h 20m
    0
    18:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    04:40
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £36

    Fastest Trains Monday

  • CrossCountry
    3h 12m
    0
    09:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:37
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £22
  • CrossCountry
    3h 14m
    0
    08:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:39
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £22
  • CrossCountry
    3h 17m
    0
    12:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    15:42
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £59
  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 18m
    0
    09:35
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:53
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £97
  • Fastest Buses Monday

  • FlixBus
    8h 5m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £23
  • FlixBus
    8h 20m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £23
  • FlixBus
    9h 5m
    0
    06:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £23
  • FlixBus
    9h 25m
    0
    06:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £23

    Fastest Buses Tuesday

  • FlixBus
    8h 5m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £16
  • FlixBus
    8h 20m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £16
  • FlixBus
    9h 5m
    0
    06:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £16
  • FlixBus
    9h 25m
    0
    06:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £16

    Fastest Buses Wednesday

  • FlixBus
    8h 5m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20
  • FlixBus
    8h 20m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20
  • FlixBus
    9h 5m
    0
    06:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20
  • FlixBus
    9h 25m
    0
    06:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20

    Fastest Buses Thursday

  • FlixBus
    8h 5m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £22
  • FlixBus
    8h 20m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    20:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £22
  • FlixBus
    9h 0m
    0
    00:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    09:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £24
  • FlixBus
    9h 5m
    0
    06:20
    Manchester
    Moss Lane East Station
    15:25
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £22
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Manchester to Reading

What are the most popular stations in Manchester and Reading?

In Manchester, you will usually depart from Victoria Station, Piccadilly Train Station or Shudehill Interchange, while in Reading you will be arriving at Central Station, West or Station North Interchange, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to Reading from Manchester? With 6 connections between 4 Bus, Train and Carpool operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Manchester and Reading, you can pay as low as £15 with a Bus from FlixBus.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Train from CrossCountry: you will get to Reading in just 3h 12m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Manchester and Reading are FlixBus, CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Manchester and Reading is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Salford or to Lower Earley, and look at flights from Liverpool Airport, and landing at Farnborough Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Manchester to Reading?

The most popular companies between Manchester and Reading, are FlixBus, CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: FlixBus

Train companies: CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast

All you need to know when you travel from Manchester to Reading

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Manchester to Reading. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Manchester to Reading

How can I reach Reading from Manchester?

Every day, there are on average 6 connections between Bus, Train and Carpool, with which you can get to Reading from Manchester.

How far is Reading from Manchester?

The distance between Manchester and Reading is 240.8 km.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Manchester and Reading?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 7 kgs of CO2, a train 8 kgs, a car 41 kgs, and a flight 59 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Manchester to Reading?

You can get to Reading with just £15 by taking a Bus from FlixBus.

What is the fastest way to get from Manchester to Reading?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to Reading in just 3h 12m with a Train from CrossCountry.

More routes to Manchester and to Reading

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Manchester and to Reading. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

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