The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Reading
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
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.
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.
C23557+
W09147+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
C27911
W09154+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
C27925
W09134+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
C27628
W09143+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
C27566
C23557
C23557
C23561
W09154+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
C27925
W09143+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
C27566
W09134+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
C27628Travel 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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W10337+ C23812 | On time 6:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h02 | 10:05 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
G55955+ L33215+ C23812 | On time 6:27 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h38 | 10:05 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
C23553 | On time 7:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h17 | 10:42 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W09176+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G04821 | On time 8:15 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h23 | 11:38 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
C23556 | On time 8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h17 | 11:42 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W09187+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G04796 | On time 8:35 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h18 | 11:53 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
W09193+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G04797 | On time 8:55 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h28 | 12:23 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
W09198+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G04868 | On time 9:15 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h30 | 12:45 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
C23560 | 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.
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Dec 05
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 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?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Reading
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.
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 |
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
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Manchester to Reading
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 06:20 - 19:35 Sunday 09:00 - 16:30
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- 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.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Platform 4/5
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- 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)
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- 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.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:10 - 13:50 Saturday - Sunday Closed
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Sanskruti
- 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
- 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
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to.
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station.
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance.
- 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
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Reading: Bus Stop on Oxford Road under Railway Bridge. Heading away from Reading Bus Stop on Oxford Road, outside McDonalds.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:25 - 12:55 Saturday 07:00 - 13:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Step free Category C - This station does not have step free access to operational platforms
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please call our free help line for assistance.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: No
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: Platforms 2/3
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Adjacent entrance to station
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses starting/terminate at Tilehurst: Station forecourt All other buses: A329 Oxford Road bus stops near the station
Most popular train connections from Manchester
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