The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Manchester
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
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.
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.
8:05 AM8h55Reading5:00 PMManchester$641One-way0 transfers
12:25 PM8h55Reading9:20 PMManchester$651One-way0 transfers
4:20 PM8h05Reading12:25 AMManchester$691One-way0 transfers
2:44 PM8h41Reading11:25 PMManchester$1041One-way0 transfers
10:03 PM8h02Reading6:05 AMManchester$1231One-way0 transfers
10:03 PM8h02Reading6:05 AMManchester$1231One-way0 transfers
4:20 PM8h05Reading12:25 AMManchester$691One-way0 transfers
2:44 PM8h41Reading11:25 PMManchester$1041One-way0 transfers
12:25 PM8h55Reading9:20 PMManchester$651One-way0 transfers
8:05 AM8h55Reading5:00 PMManchester$641One-way0 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 |
![]() 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 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).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 4m.
Bus takes on average 5h 34m.
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
| 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, 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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:20 AM Reading | 8h00 | 12:20 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 | |
![]() | 3:20 PM Reading | 8h05 | 11:25 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:20 PM Reading | 8h05 | 12:25 AM Manchester | 0 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.
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Why should you book Reading to Manchester buses with Omio?
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
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.
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 |
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
National Express
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.

- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Reading to Manchester
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
- 05:00-23:30
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside the interchange.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
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



