- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$133
Fastest journey
3 h 15 m
Average duration
3 h 16 m
Trains per day
27
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 $133 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 27 trains that leave Manchester for Reading on Sat, Aug 29, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 29 the direct trains cover the 241 km distance in an average of 3 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .
On Sat, Aug 29 the slowest trains will take 3 h 16 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.
G01028
W33788+
Tube from London Euston to Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth line)+
C37186
G01025
G01021
G01014
G01021
G01028
G01025
G01014
G01017Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $16. 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 train costs an average of $16, and a flight costs an average of $94.
Distance: 149 miles (241 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$63 Average price Cheapest | $70 Average price | $155 Average price | $84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 36m Average total duration 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 32m Average total duration 6h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Manchester to Reading:
A train is $10 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester to Reading costing on average $67.
A train is $87 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Reading costing on average $143.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 6m.
Bus takes on average 6h 2m.
The journey is about 37m faster (3h 6m by train vs 3h 43m by car) and roughly $27 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($57 vs $84). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with CrossCountry, Cross Country.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Reading trains for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33888+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ Y15402 | Delayed 7:54 AM 8:54 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h22 | 12:16 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
W33893+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14960 | Delayed 8:34 AM 9:34 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h19 | 12:53 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01013 | On time 10:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h16 | 1:41 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33902+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14962 | On time 10:34 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h19 | 1:53 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01018 | On time 11:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h17 | 2:42 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33975+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ Y15425 | On time 11:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h23 | 3:17 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01022 | On time 12:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h17 | 3:42 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34270+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ Y15295 | 1:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h24 | 4:38 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01024 | On time 1:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h15 | 4:40 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34228+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14941 | 2:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h27 | 5:41 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01027 | On time 2:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h19 | 5:44 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01291+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14943 | 3:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h27 | 6:41 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01032 | 3:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h16 | 6:41 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01035 | 4:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h16 | 7:41 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01188+ C16962+ G38886 | Delayed 5:33 PM 4:30 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h38 | 8:08 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
W34285+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W34737 | On time 4:54 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h29 | 8:23 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
W34125+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W34918 | 5:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h32 | 8:46 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01043 | On time 5:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h18 | 8:43 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01296+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14971 | On time 5:54 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h31 | 9:25 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01039 | 6:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 9:39 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34242+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W35087 | On time 6:34 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h20 | 9:54 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
W34071+ C48267 | 9:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h20 | 2:34 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
W33397+ W34762+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington | 8:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h27 | 11:41 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01006 | 8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h17 | 11:42 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33648+ C42189+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington | 8:34 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h19 | 11:53 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
W33763+ W34692+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington | 8:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h29 | 12:23 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
W33594+ W34623+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington | 9:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h24 | 12:38 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01010 | 9:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h17 | 12:42 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33597+ C42190+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington | 9:34 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h19 | 12:53 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Manchester to Reading run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $16 if you book in advance.
There are 3 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 $16 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 12m |
First train 12:07 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Modern art gallery in the civic centre showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists in a central, accessible space.
University museum with strong agriculture, countryside, and design collections. Popular for families and one of Reading's standout visits.
Large central park with formal gardens, Thames views, and the iconic Maiwand Lion. A classic place to stroll or relax near downtown.
Historic quarter around the Abbey ruins, museum, and Forbury Gardens. Ideal for understanding Reading's origins on a compact walking route.
Riverside nature reserve and meadow walk beside the Thames. Peaceful paths and wildlife make it a favorite local escape close to the centre.
A Berkshire classic of smoked haddock in a creamy parsley sauce. Traditionally linked to Windsor and widely associated with the wider county.
A rich fruit cake made with currants, butter, eggs, sugar and mixed spice. A long-standing Berkshire tea-time bake.
A soft yeasted bun spiced with caraway and filled with currants, candied peel and sugar. Traditionally baked in Berkshire and nearby counties.
Polished fine dining restaurant known for seasonal British tasting menus and refined service in an elegant central Reading setting.
Popular Reading institution for Lebanese and Middle Eastern plates, known for generous mezze and a lively, casual atmosphere.
Well-regarded independent restaurant serving British and European dishes with seasonal ingredients in a relaxed modern dining room.
Reading is pricier than many UK towns. Hotels and dining are above average, but rail and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafes usually do not require tipping.
Official public transport app
Reading Station -> Broad Street, 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.

Most Manchester to Reading trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are 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.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: 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.
Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: 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.
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
ATMs are available at Reading.
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: 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.
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: 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.
Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.
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