- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Cheapest price on Oct 10
$57
Average ticket price on Oct 10
$62
Fastest journey on Oct 10
6 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Oct 10
7 h 22 m
Buses on Oct 10
16
Distance
241 km
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 $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.
It's difficult to get from Reading to Manchester without transferring at least 2 times.
RRRA1 · NX030 · NX540
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX590
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX541
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX541
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX120
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX541
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX541
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX541
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX120
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX541Buses from Reading to Manchester run on average 15 times per day, taking around 6h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $56 but you can travel from only $30 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 27m.
Distance 149 miles (241 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $56 |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 5h 27m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:57AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 7h53 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:27AM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 8h18 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:57AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 8h03 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:04AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 8h11 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:21AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 8h04 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:57AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 7h08 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:23AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 8h47 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:56AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 8h14 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:03AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 8h22 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:43AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 8h22 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:56AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 8h09 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:43PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 7h27 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:56PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 7h14 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:44PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 8h41 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:56PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 7h34 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:03PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 7h27 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:23PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 7h27 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:26PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 7h24 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:43PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 7h32 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:26PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 7h14 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:31PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 7h09 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:03PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 9h02 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:03PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 8h02 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:03PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 8h32 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Manchester buses for today, Friday, October 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RRRA1 · NX030 · NX540 | 11:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h50 | 7:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX120 | 11:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h30 | 8:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX541 | 1:45 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h00 | 9:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX541 | 3:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h40 | 10:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX541 | 4:20 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h05 | 12:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX541 | 6:31 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h09 | 1:40 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX424 | 9:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 9h02 | 6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX421 | 11:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h32 | 7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, October 10 | |||||
RRRA1 · NX032 · NX540 | 4:20 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h50 | 12:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
RRRA1 · NX025 · NX540 | 5:55 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h55 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
RRRA1 · NX035 · NX540 | 5:55 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h55 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX590 | 6:55 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h05 | 3:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX541 | 8:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h40 | 4:05 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
RRRA1 · NX032 · NX540 | 9:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 9h05 | 6:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX541 | 10:23 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h47 | 7:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
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.

Most Reading to Manchester buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Reading and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
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, 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need