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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Manchester
Showing times and prices for Nov 27
Cheapest price
$64
Average price
$82
Fastest journey
7 h 20 m
Average duration
8 h 7 m
Buses per day
4
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 $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $64.
Fast buses
Of the 4 buses that leave Reading for Manchester on Thu, Nov 27, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 27 the direct buses cover the 241 km distance in an average of 8 h 7 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 20 m .
On Thu, Nov 27 the slowest buses will take 9 h 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.
07:50PM9h00
Reading04:50AMManchester
$641One-way
0 transfers
03:20PM8h05
Reading11:25PMManchester
$741One-way
0 transfers
04:55AM7h20
Reading12:15PMManchester
$771One-way
0 transfers
09:03PM8h02
Reading05:05AMManchester
$1131One-way
0 transfers
04:55AM7h20
Reading12:15PMManchester
$771One-way
0 transfers
09:03PM8h02
Reading05:05AMManchester
$1131One-way
0 transfers
03:20PM8h05
Reading11:25PMManchester
$741One-way
0 transfers
07:50PM9h00
Reading04:50AMManchester
$641One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Reading to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the bus 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 €48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. 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 €48, and a flight costs an average of €53.
Distance: 149 miles (241 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€61 Average price Cheapest | €90 Average price | €177 Average price |
6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 36m Average total duration 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Reading to Manchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:41AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 7h19 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:21AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 8h04 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:44PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 8h41 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:43PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 7h32 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:03PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 8h02 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $85 |
Live departures
Reading to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Manchester buses for today, Wednesday, November 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 9:45 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RRRA1 · NX032 · NX540 | Delayed 10:25 AM 4:20 AMReading, Blagrave Street | 8h00 | 12:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX121 | Delayed 10:25 AM 5:55 AMReading, Blagrave Street | 7h20 | 1:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX590 | Delayed 10:25 AM 7:41 AMReading, Blagrave Street | 7h19 | 3:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX120 | Delayed 10:25 AM 8:21 AMReading, Blagrave Street | 8h04 | 4:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX121 | Delayed 10:25 AM 9:05 AMReading, Blagrave Street | 8h35 | 5:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| RRRA1 · NX032 · NX540 | On time 10:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h35 | 7:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX120 | On time 11:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h05 | 7:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX120 | On time 11:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h45 | 8:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| RRRA1 · NX032 · NX540 | On time 12:25 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h55 | 9:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX120 | On time 1:45 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h55 | 9:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX120 | On time 3:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h05 | 11:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| RRRA1 · NX030 · NX540 | On time 4:20 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h05 | 12:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX181 | On time 5:43 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h32 | 1:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX424 | On time 10:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h02 | 6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, November 27 | |||||
| 4:55 AM Reading | 7h20 | 12:15 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Manchester 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.
Thu
Nov 27
Nov 27
Fri
Nov 28
Nov 28
Sat
Nov 29
Nov 29
Sun
Nov 30
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Dec 03
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Manchester run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $60 (€48) but you can travel from only $45 (€37) by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 149 miles (241 km) distance in 7h 12m.
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 $45 (€37)
Distance 149 miles (241 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 (€48) |
Buses per day 15 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 7h 12m |
First bus 00:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
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 $45 (€37)
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 $45 (€37). 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
$29 (€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 12m
Cheapest Price
$60 (€48)
National Express frequency
15 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.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Manchester can start from as little as $22 (€18) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Manchester is $61 (€49); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Reading to Manchester bus time is 4 h 10 min covering the 149 mile (240 km) long route, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Reading to Manchester leaves at 3: 09AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Reading to Manchester leaves at 10: 09PM.
There are 13 buses a day from Reading to Manchester which require at least one change with Megabus or FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Take the Reading to Manchester bus with Megabus or FlixBus. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus companies for the route from Reading to Manchester as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Reading, Station North Interchange (Stop NE), which is located around 0.5 miles (829 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, located 0.5 miles (833 m) 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 4 h 10 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Reading to Manchester is March.
You have options as you can travel between Reading and Manchester 3 different ways: train, bus or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to Manchester:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to Manchester for bus company FlixBus.
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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Manchester depends on the bus company:
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Reading to Manchester, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
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:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Reading to Manchester:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Reading to Manchester. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Reading to Manchester with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to Manchester with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to Manchester with the following bus company: FlixBus.
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 Street
Amenities at bus station
Accessibilityinformation
Accessibility
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
The major bus station for arrivals in Manchester is Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange for your trip to Manchester from Reading.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:00-23:30
Car connection
ShudehillWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside the interchange.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
- Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
Manchester, Coach Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Car connection
Chorlton StreetWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps, assistance
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Coach Station
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
Manchester, Airport
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
2 kmCar connection
Terminal Road NorthWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Airport
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
information
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Reading
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