The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Reading
Cheapest price
$30
Average price
$58
Fastest journey
7 h 35 m
Average duration
8 h 24 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
241 km
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 $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
Of the 4 buses that leave Manchester for Reading on Tue, Jun 16, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct buses cover the 241 km distance in an average of 8 h 24 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 35 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest buses will take 9 h 15 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
6:50 AM7h35Manchester2:25 PMReading$301One-way0 transfers
2:30 PM8h45Manchester11:15 PMReading$611One-way0 transfers
1:00 PM9h15Manchester10:15 PMReading$701One-way0 transfers
9:30 AM8h01Manchester5:31 PMReading$711One-way0 transfers
6:50 AM7h35Manchester2:25 PMReading$301One-way0 transfers
9:30 AM8h01Manchester5:31 PMReading$711One-way0 transfers
2:30 PM8h45Manchester11:15 PMReading$611One-way0 transfers
1:00 PM9h15Manchester10:15 PMReading$701One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, and a flight costs an average of $88.
Distance: 149 miles (241 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$65 Average price Cheapest | $93 Average price | $168 Average price | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 31m Average total duration 6h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 37m Average total duration 3h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Reading:
A bus is $28 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Reading costing on average $93 (€76).
A bus is $103 (€83) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Reading costing on average $168 (€136).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 7m.
Bus takes on average 6h 1m.
Tickets start at around $65 (€52) compared to roughly $82 (€67) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $17 (€14). The journey takes 6h 1m versus 3h 43m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Megabus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Manchester to Reading Bus Timetables
| 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 Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 12:47PM | Duration 8h07 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 01:47PM | Duration 8h32 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 01:27PM | Duration 7h47 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 01:26PM | Duration 7h36 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 01:17PM | Duration 7h07 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 03:28PM | Duration 8h13 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 03:16PM | Duration 7h51 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 04:49PM | Duration 7h59 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 05:31PM | Duration 8h01 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 06:14PM | Duration 8h24 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 06:46PM | Duration 7h31 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 08:38PM | Duration 8h53 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 09:17PM | Duration 8h07 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 08:41PM | Duration 7h21 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 09:41PM | Duration 8h16 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 10:16PM | Duration 8h46 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 10:16PM | Duration 7h51 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 10:11PM | Duration 7h06 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 05:11AM | Duration 7h26 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Live departures
Manchester to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Reading buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:50 AM Manchester | 7h35 | 2:25 PM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:30 AM Manchester | 8h01 | 5:31 PM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:00 PM Manchester | 9h15 | 10:15 PM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:30 PM Manchester | 8h45 | 11:15 PM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Reading by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Jun 16
Jun 17
Jun 18
Jun 19
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Why should you book Manchester to Reading buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Reading.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Megabus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Reading
Buses from Manchester to Reading run on average 16 times per day, taking around 6h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 149 miles (241 km) distance in 7h 25m.
Distance 149 miles (241 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Buses per day 16 |
Fastest bus 7h 25m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
Bus providers: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus from Manchester to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Reading with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for as low as $21 (€17). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
Megabus
FAQs: Bus from Manchester to 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.

- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Manchester to Reading
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
- 05:00-23:30
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside the interchange.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
More options for your journey from Manchester to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need



