Manchester to Reading train with CrossCountry

Sat, Nov 29
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Reading

Showing times and prices for Nov 30

Cheapest price

$137

Average price

$145

Fastest journey

3 h 13 m

Average duration

3 h 45 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

241 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Manchester to Reading will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $137.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Manchester for Reading on Sun, Nov 30, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Nov 30 the direct trains cover the 241 km distance in an average of 3 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 13 m .

On Sun, Nov 30 the slowest trains will take 4 h 8 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.

CrossCountryC23557+Avanti West CoastW09147+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailC27911
08:26AM4h28
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
12:54PMReading station (RDG)
$1371One-way
3 transfers
Avanti West CoastW09154+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailC27925
09:20AM4h05
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
01:25PMReading station (RDG)
$1371One-way
2 transfers
Avanti West CoastW09134+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailC27628
08:05AM4h08
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
12:13PMReading station (RDG)
$1371One-way
2 transfers
Avanti West CoastW09143+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailC27566
08:20AM4h05
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
12:25PMReading station (RDG)
$1371One-way
2 transfers
CrossCountryC23557
08:26AM3h13
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
11:39AMReading station (RDG)
$1621One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to Reading

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. 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 €44, and a flight costs an average of €68.

Distance: 149 miles (241 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€91

Average price

€62

Average price

Cheapest

€178

Average price

3h 36m

Average total duration

3h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 21m

Average total duration

5h 51m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 0m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.7 - 1.4kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Manchester to Reading train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Reading trains for today, Saturday, November 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 5:32 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
avanti_west_coastW10337+cross_countryC23812
On time
6:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h02
10:05 AM Reading station (RDG)
1 transfer
transport_for_walesG55955+west_midlands_railL33215+cross_countryC23812
On time
6:27 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h38
10:05 AM Reading station (RDG)
2 transfers
cross_countryC23553
On time
7:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h17
10:42 AM Reading station (RDG)
0 transfersDirect
avanti_west_coastW09176+assertis_tubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+great_westernG04821
On time
8:15 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h23
11:38 AM Reading station (RDG)
2 transfers
cross_countryC23556
On time
8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h17
11:42 AM Reading station (RDG)
0 transfersDirect
avanti_west_coastW09187+assertis_tubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+great_westernG04796
On time
8:35 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h18
11:53 AM Reading station (RDG)
2 transfers
avanti_west_coastW09193+assertis_tubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+great_westernG04797
On time
8:55 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h28
12:23 PM Reading station (RDG)
2 transfers
avanti_west_coastW09198+assertis_tubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+great_westernG04868
On time
9:15 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h30
12:45 PM Reading station (RDG)
2 transfers
cross_countryC23560
On time
9:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h17
12:42 PM Reading station (RDG)
0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Reading 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.

Sun
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04
Fri
Dec 05
Sat
Dec 06

Why should you book Manchester to Reading trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast and Cross Country offer trains services from Manchester to Reading. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Reading.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast and Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Reading.
  • 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Reading.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Multiple travel company options: While CrossCountry tickets can be bought on CrossCountry's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Avanti West Coast and Cross Country to help you choose the right option for your journey from Manchester to Reading.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Reading.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Reading?

The best time to book your train from Manchester to Reading is 49 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Manchester to Reading route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Manchester to Reading per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Manchester to Reading.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Reading run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $30 (€24) if you book in advance.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 149 miles (241 km) distance in 3h 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
Distance
149 miles (241 km)
Average train duration
3h 6m
Cheapest ticket price
$30 (€24)
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
3h 12m
First train
00:07
Last train
22:15
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

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Manchester to Reading trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Manchester and Reading from $30 (€24). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 12m
Cheapest Price
$35 (€29)
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Price
$138 (€112)
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 11m
Cheapest Price
$269 (€218)
Cross Country frequency
9 a day

FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Reading

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Reading by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Two to three days are typically sufficient to explore the main attractions and experience the cultural highlights of Reading.
The train from Manchester to Reading takes 3h 12m and runs 8 per day.
A day trip from Manchester to Reading is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 12m each way. However, there are 8 trains available per day for this route.
The last train from Manchester to Reading leaves at 10:15 PM.
The distance by train from Manchester to Reading is 149 miles (241 km).
The train journey from Manchester to Reading offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with scenic highlights including the rolling hills of the Peak District and the picturesque landscapes near the Midlands, providing a pleasant visual experience.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Manchester to Reading.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Reading is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), which connects to Reading station (RDG).
Train ticket prices from Manchester to Reading can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $30 (€24), while the average price is around $112 (€91).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Reading is by train, with a cost of around $30 (€24).
There is no high speed train available from Manchester to Reading.
The first train from Manchester to Reading leaves at 12:07 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Reading.
Yes, there is a direct train from Manchester to Reading. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Manchester to Reading

Manchester
Reading
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Levenshulme. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Levenshulme for your trip from Manchester to Reading.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 06:20 - 19:35 Sunday 09:00 - 16:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Category C station, From Albert Road up 20 steps to reach the ticket office, then for services to Manchester up a further 26 steps onto the platform. For Services towards Stockport from ticket office go through the underpass (29 paces) and up 26 steps onto the platform.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transit options for Levenshulme
  • Onward travel information: On both sides of Albert Road for buses to Manchester, Reddish, Stockport or Droylsden. Busline 0871 200 2233
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: the bus stop for Manchester Pic is located on the station side of Stockport Road. The bus stop for Stockport is located on the opposite side of Stockport Road.
  • Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
  • Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: No cycle storage
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transit options for Manchester Airport
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: on Platform 4/5
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Manchester Oxford Road
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Carluccio’s
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Starbucks
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Costa Coffee
  • Pret a Manger
  • Upper Crust
  • McDonald's
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
  • Premier Inn Manchester City
  • Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transit options for Manchester Piccadilly
  • Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
  • Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: on platform and approach
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Manchester Victoria
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.​​​​​​​
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:10 - 13:50 Saturday - Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Dining
Dining
  • Sanskruti
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category B station, Scooter Friendly Station - Services towards Manchester : From Mauldeth Road, up a ramp (87 paces, 1:20 slope) onto the platform. Services towards Manchester Airport: From Mauldeth Road, along the road leading to the DIY centre, via a slope (46 paces) or up 7steps onto the platform.
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transit options for Mauldeth Road
  • Onward travel information: On both sides of Mauldeth Road for buses to Stockport, East Didsbury or Manchester. Busline 0871 200 2233
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses from Manchester Airport will call at the stop on Mauldeth Road in front of the primary school playing fields Buses from Manchester Piccadilly will stop on Mauldeth Road opposite the station.
  • Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
Manchester
information

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