- 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
$63
Average price
$71
Fastest journey
8 h
Average duration
8 h 24 m
Buses per day
5
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 $71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.
Of the 5 buses that leave Reading for Manchester on Wed, Aug 26, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 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 8 h .
On Wed, Aug 26 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.










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 train with prices starting from $30. 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 train costs an average of $30, and a flight costs an average of $74.
Distance: 149 miles (241 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$68 Average price | $51 Average price Cheapest | $123 Average price | $84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m 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 |
![]() 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 Reading to Manchester:
A train is $17 (€14) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Reading to Manchester costing on average $68 (€55).
A train is $72 (€58) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Reading to Manchester costing on average $123 (€99).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 5m.
Bus takes on average 5h 35m.
Tickets start at around $68 (€55) compared to roughly $84 (€67) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $16 (€13). The journey takes 5h 35m 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.
| 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 Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:57AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 7h53 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:57AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 8h03 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:04AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 7h56 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:21AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 7h44 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $68 |
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 Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:23AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 8h47 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:56AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 8h14 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:03AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 8h22 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
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 $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:56AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 8h09 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:43PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 7h27 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:56PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 7h14 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:56PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 7h34 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:03PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 7h27 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:23PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 7h27 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:26PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 7h24 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
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 Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:26PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 7h14 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:31PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 7h09 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:03PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 9h02 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:03PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 8h02 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:03PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 8h32 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Manchester buses for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:25 AM Reading | 8h10 | 4:35 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:25 AM Reading | 8h55 | 8:20 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:25 PM Reading | 8h55 | 9:20 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:20 PM Reading | 8h05 | 12:25 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:31 PM Reading | 7h44 | 1:15 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:03 PM Reading | 8h02 | 6:05 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 26 | |||||
![]() | 4:20 AM Reading | 8h00 | 12:20 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Reading to Manchester run on average 14 times per day, taking around 5h 35m. 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 5m.
Distance 149 miles (241 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 7h 5m |
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 35 days |
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, Shudehill Interchange. 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, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
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