Reading to Manchester bus with Megabus

Thu, May 28
+ Add return
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Manchester

Showing times and prices for May 28

Cheapest price

$64

Average price

$85

Fastest journey

8 h 2 m

Average duration

8 h 32 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

241 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Reading to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Reading to Manchester will cost around $85 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $64.

Fast buses

Of the 5 buses that leave Reading for Manchester on Thu, May 28, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, May 28 the direct buses cover the 241 km distance in an average of 8 h 32 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 2 m .

On Thu, May 28 the slowest buses will take 8 h 55 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.

  • National Express
    8:05 AM8h55
    Reading
    5:00 PMManchester
    $641One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    12:25 PM8h55
    Reading
    9:20 PMManchester
    $651One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    4:20 PM8h05
    Reading
    12:25 AMManchester
    $691One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    2:44 PM8h41
    Reading
    11:25 PMManchester
    $1041One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    10:03 PM8h02
    Reading
    6:05 AMManchester
    $1231One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Reading to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 4m. 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 $19, and a flight costs an average of $68.

Distance: 149 miles (241 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

$71

Average price

Cheapest

$76

Average price

$156

Average price

$82

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 4m

Average total duration

5h 34m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 34m

Average total duration

3h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 4m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

4h 30m

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

Megabus

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

British Airways

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Manchester is a bus with an average price of $71 (€57).

This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Manchester:

A bus is $5 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Manchester costing on average $76 (€61).

A bus is $85 (€69) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Reading to Manchester costing on average $156 (€126).

The fastest way to travel from Reading to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 4m.

Other travel options to Manchester take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 4m.

Bus takes on average 5h 34m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Reading and Manchester including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Manchester among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around $71 (€57) compared to roughly $82 (€67) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $12 (€10). The journey takes 5h 34m versus 4h 30m 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.

Reading to Manchester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:20AM
Arrival Time
12:20PM
Duration
8h00
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:55AM
Arrival Time
01:50PM
Duration
7h55
Departure days
Mon, Sat
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:57AM
Arrival Time
01:50PM
Duration
7h53
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$78
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:55AM
Arrival Time
03:00PM
Duration
8h05
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$150
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:57AM
Arrival Time
03:00PM
Duration
8h03
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$119
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:04AM
Arrival Time
03:00PM
Duration
7h56
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$119
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:05AM
Arrival Time
05:00PM
Duration
8h55
Departure days
Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
$62
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:21AM
Arrival Time
04:05PM
Duration
7h44
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$108
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:25AM
Arrival Time
04:05PM
Duration
7h40
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$121
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:25AM
Arrival Time
04:35PM
Duration
8h10
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:57AM
Arrival Time
04:05PM
Duration
7h08
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$125
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:05AM
Arrival Time
06:10PM
Duration
9h05
Departure days
Mon, Sat
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:45AM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
9h40
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:05AM
Arrival Time
06:55PM
Duration
8h50
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$72
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:23AM
Arrival Time
07:10PM
Duration
8h47
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$121
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:56AM
Arrival Time
07:10PM
Duration
8h14
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$110
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:03AM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
8h22
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:05AM
Arrival Time
07:30PM
Duration
8h25
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$86
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:25AM
Arrival Time
08:20PM
Duration
8h55
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$62
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:43AM
Arrival Time
08:05PM
Duration
8h22
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$117
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:45AM
Arrival Time
08:15PM
Duration
8h30
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$99
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:56AM
Arrival Time
08:05PM
Duration
8h09
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$98
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:25PM
Arrival Time
09:20PM
Duration
8h55
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:43PM
Arrival Time
09:10PM
Duration
7h27
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$121
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:45PM
Arrival Time
09:35PM
Duration
7h50
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$104
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:56PM
Arrival Time
09:10PM
Duration
7h14
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$111
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:44PM
Arrival Time
11:25PM
Duration
8h41
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$104
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:56PM
Arrival Time
11:25PM
Duration
8h29
Departure days
Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$96
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:03PM
Arrival Time
10:30PM
Duration
7h27
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$121
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05PM
Arrival Time
10:55PM
Duration
7h50
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$92
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:20PM
Arrival Time
11:25PM
Duration
8h05
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$78
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:44PM
Arrival Time
12:25AM
Duration
8h41
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$77
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:20PM
Arrival Time
12:25AM
Duration
8h05
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$63
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:23PM
Arrival Time
11:50PM
Duration
7h27
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$121
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:26PM
Arrival Time
11:50PM
Duration
7h24
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$98
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:31PM
Arrival Time
01:15AM
Duration
7h44
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:43PM
Arrival Time
01:15AM
Duration
7h32
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$107
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:26PM
Arrival Time
01:40AM
Duration
7h14
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$98
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:31PM
Arrival Time
02:15AM
Duration
7h44
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$72
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:50PM
Arrival Time
01:40AM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$104
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:03PM
Arrival Time
05:05AM
Duration
8h02
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$92
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:03PM
Arrival Time
06:05AM
Duration
8h02
Departure days
Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
$123
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:03PM
Arrival Time
07:35AM
Duration
8h32
Departure days
Mon, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$82

Live departures

Reading to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Manchester buses for today, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express4:20 AM Reading
8h00
12:20 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
National Express11:25 AM Reading
8h55
8:20 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
National Express12:25 PM Reading
8h55
9:20 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
National Express3:20 PM Reading
8h05
11:25 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
National Express4:20 PM Reading
8h05
12:25 AM Manchester0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to Manchester by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

Thu
May 28
Fri
May 29
Sat
May 30
Sun
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Wed
Jun 03

Why should you book Reading to Manchester buses with Omio?

Megabus as well as National Express offer buses services from Reading to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Manchester.

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 to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Manchester.
  • 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Reading to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Reading to Manchester run on average 14 times per day, taking around 5h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) but you can travel from only $18 (€14) 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 7h 5m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $18 (€14)
Distance
149 miles (241 km)
Average bus duration
5h 34m
Cheapest ticket price
$19 (€15)
Buses per day
14
Fastest bus
7h 5m
First bus
12:05 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
35 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $18 (€14)

Bus providers: Megabus, National Express from Reading to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Reading to Manchester with Megabus, National Express for as low as $18 (€14). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 10m
Cheapest Price
$30 (€24)
Megabus frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
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).
Additional luggage
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.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Entertaiment on board

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 20m
Cheapest Price
$43 (€34)
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.

FAQs: Bus from Reading to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Manchester can start from as little as $19 (€15) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Manchester is $71 (€57) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Reading to Manchester is 7h 5m to travel the 149 miles (241 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Reading to Manchester leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Reading to Manchester leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 14 buses a day from Reading to Manchester which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Reading to Manchester, you can count on Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Reading and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Reading , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Reading, Blagrave Street, Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your journey in bus stations like Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Airport, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Reading, Blagrave Street, which is located around 0 away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Manchester, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Manchester from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Reading to Manchester is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Reading and Manchester including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to Manchester:
  • 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to Manchester for bus company Megabus, National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Manchester are:
  • Manchester Art Gallery, a public art museum housing an extensive collection of fine art and decorative pieces
  • Science and Industry Museum, an interactive museum exploring Manchester's industrial heritage and scientific achievements
  • Manchester Cathedral, a historic Gothic-style cathedral known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere
  • The John Rylands Library, a neo-Gothic library with an impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts
  • Castlefield, a historic area with Roman ruins and picturesque canals, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
The best things to do in Manchester include:
  • Old Trafford, the iconic football stadium and home to Manchester United, offering tours and a museum dedicated to the club's history
  • The Northern Quarter, a vibrant district known for its independent shops, cafes, and street art
  • Visit the Manchester Opera House for a captivating performance
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks, a popular area with bars and clubs
  • Enjoy a relaxing day at Heaton Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, offering beautiful landscapes and recreational activities.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Manchester depends on the bus companies:
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Reading to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Reading to Manchester:
  • 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.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Reading to Manchester:
  • 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.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Reading to Manchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Reading to Manchester with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to Manchester with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to Manchester with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.
Since neither Reading nor Manchester are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Manchester among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Manchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft. Staying aware of surroundings, particularly at night, helps reduce safety risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Reading to Manchester

Reading
Manchester
The major bus station for departures in Reading is Reading, Blagrave Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading, Blagrave Street for your trip from Reading to Manchester.
Reading, Blagrave StreetAccessibility
Amenities at bus station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible

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