Reading to Manchester bus with National Express

Sat, Oct 10
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 10

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

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 $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Reading to Manchester without transferring at least 2 times.

  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX030 · NX540
    11:03 AM8h22
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    7:25 PMManchester, Coach Station
    $571One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210 · NX590
    6:55 AM8h05
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    3:00 PMManchester, Coach Station
    $581One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210 · NX541
    10:23 AM8h47
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    7:10 PMManchester, Coach Station
    $581One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210 · NX541
    3:03 PM7h27
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    10:30 PMManchester, Coach Station
    $581One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210 · NX120
    11:43 AM8h22
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    8:05 PMManchester, Coach Station
    $581One-way
    2 transfers

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 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.

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 $30
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
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 $30

Reading to Manchester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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

Live departures

Reading to Manchester bus times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX030 · NX54011:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
8h50
7:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210 · NX12011:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
8h30
8:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210 · NX5411:45 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
8h00
9:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210 · NX5413:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
7h40
10:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210 · NX5414:20 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
8h05
12:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210 · NX5416:31 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
7h09
1:40 AM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210 · NX4249:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
9h02
6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210 · NX42111:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
8h32
7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
Saturday, October 10
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX032 · NX5404:20 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
7h50
12:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX025 · NX5405:55 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
7h55
1:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX035 · NX5405:55 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
7h55
1:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210 · NX5906:55 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
8h05
3:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210 · NX5418:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
7h40
4:05 PM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX032 · NX5409:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
9h05
6:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210 · NX54110:23 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
8h47
7:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Reading to Manchester buses with Omio?

National Express operates all 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 National Express?

  • 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Manchester.

Bus providers: National Express from Reading to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Reading to Manchester with National Express for as low as $30. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

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 National Express Duration
5h 27m
Cheapest National Express Price
$56
National Express frequency
14 a day
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.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Complete guide to Manchester

Things to do in Manchester

Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.

  • 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.

  • Must visit

Manchester Art Gallery

Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.

  • Must visit

Manchester Museum

The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

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 $56 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Manchester is $85 ; 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 5h 27m 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 15 buses a day from Reading to Manchester which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Reading to Manchester, you can count on 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, Airport .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Reading, Blagrave Street, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Manchester, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Reading and Manchester including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to Manchester for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Manchester depends on the bus companies:
  • 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:
  • 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:
  • 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: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express.
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

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.

Departure bus stations in Reading
Arrival bus stations in Manchester

Which Reading station do buses to Manchester leave from?

Buses from Reading to Manchester leave from Reading, Blagrave Street. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading RG1 1PZ, UK.
Reading, Blagrave StreetReading RG1 1PZ, UKAccessibility
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading, Blagrave Street from Reading city centre

Bus19a, 19c · 1h 21m · $2

Reading, Blagrave Street bus station facilities and services

Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.

Most popular bus connections from Reading

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