- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Reading will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Reading without transferring at least 2 times.
NX540 · NX030 · RRRA1
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NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1
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NX540 · NX025 · RRRA1
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NX540 · NX025 · RRRA1
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NX540 · NX035 · RRRA1
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NX421 · NX210 · RRRA1
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NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1
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NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1
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NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1
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NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1
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Buses from Manchester to Reading run on average 15 times per day, taking around 6h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $55 (€47) but you can travel from only $30 (€25) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 149 miles (241 km) distance in 5h 6m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Manchester to Reading.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 01:26PM | Duration 8h11 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 01:26PM | Duration 7h41 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 01:26PM | Duration 7h36 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 01:17PM | Duration 7h07 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 03:28PM | Duration 8h13 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 03:28PM | Duration 8h03 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 04:49PM | Duration 7h59 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 04:49PM | Duration 7h29 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 06:14PM | Duration 8h24 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 06:46PM | Duration 7h36 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 06:46PM | Duration 7h31 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 08:02PM | Duration 8h32 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 08:47PM | Duration 8h22 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 08:47PM | Duration 7h47 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 09:17PM | Duration 8h07 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 08:41PM | Duration 7h21 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 09:41PM | Duration 8h16 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 10:16PM | Duration 8h46 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 10:16PM | Duration 8h01 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 10:16PM | Duration 7h51 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 10:46PM | Duration 8h06 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 10:11PM | Duration 7h06 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Reading buses for today, Friday, October 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 8:50 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h59 | 4:49 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 11:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h31 | 6:46 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 1:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h47 | 8:47 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NX025 · RRRA1 | 1:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h07 | 9:17 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 2:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h51 | 10:16 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NX025 · RRRA1 | 3:35 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h40 | 12:15 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NX035 · RRRA1 | 3:35 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h40 | 12:15 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX120 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 9:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h40 | 5:10 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX424 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h45 | 7:40 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, October 31 | |||||
NX421 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 2:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h27 | 9:12 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX181 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 4:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h52 | 12:07 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 6:10 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h17 | 1:27 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 7:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h00 | 3:25 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Manchester to Reading with National Express. Overnight buses available on this route with National Express. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Modern art gallery in the civic centre showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists in a central, accessible space.
University museum with strong agriculture, countryside, and design collections. Popular for families and one of Reading's standout visits.
Large central park with formal gardens, Thames views, and the iconic Maiwand Lion. A classic place to stroll or relax near downtown.
Historic quarter around the Abbey ruins, museum, and Forbury Gardens. Ideal for understanding Reading's origins on a compact walking route.
Riverside nature reserve and meadow walk beside the Thames. Peaceful paths and wildlife make it a favorite local escape close to the centre.
A Berkshire classic of smoked haddock in a creamy parsley sauce. Traditionally linked to Windsor and widely associated with the wider county.
A rich fruit cake made with currants, butter, eggs, sugar and mixed spice. A long-standing Berkshire tea-time bake.
A soft yeasted bun spiced with caraway and filled with currants, candied peel and sugar. Traditionally baked in Berkshire and nearby counties.
Polished fine dining restaurant known for seasonal British tasting menus and refined service in an elegant central Reading setting.
Popular Reading institution for Lebanese and Middle Eastern plates, known for generous mezze and a lively, casual atmosphere.
Well-regarded independent restaurant serving British and European dishes with seasonal ingredients in a relaxed modern dining room.
Reading is pricier than many UK towns. Hotels and dining are above average, but rail and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafes usually do not require tipping.
Official public transport app
Reading, Blagrave Street -> Reading Station, Reading
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Reading.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Reading by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Reading buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Check bus stations information for Manchester and Reading, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.