- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
Cheapest price
$34
Average price
$55
Fastest journey
3 h 13 m
Average duration
3 h 16 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
241 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
Of the 5 trains 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 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 13 m .
On Thu, May 28 the slowest trains will take 3 h 24 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 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)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$76 Average price | $71 Average price Cheapest | $156 Average price | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 34m Average total duration 3h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m 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) |
0.1 - 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 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.
The journey is about 1h 26m faster (3h 4m by train vs 4h 30m by car) and roughly $7 (€6) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($76 (€61) vs $82 (€67)). 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 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 Reading to Manchester trains for today, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15458+ W34065 | On time 3:54 AM Reading station (RDG) | 4h31 | 8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C48609+ W34204+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston | On time 4:35 AM Reading station (RDG) | 4h10 | 8:45 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C48611+ W34175+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston | On time 5:10 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h55 | 9:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
W34850+ W34021+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston | On time 5:48 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h31 | 9:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Reading to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $18 (€14) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 149 miles (241 km) distance in 3h 8m.
Distance 149 miles (241 km) |
Average train duration 3h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€14) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 8m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major museum on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
University museum with renowned collections in natural history, archaeology and world cultures, recently redeveloped and widely praised.
Popular museum telling the story of football through trophies, memorabilia and interactive displays in the city centre.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and a strong music and nightlife identity.
Canal-side conservation area with Roman roots, converted warehouses, bridges and some of the city’s most atmospheric walks.
Famous street in the Gay Village, known for cultural significance, nightlife and role in modern Manchester identity.
A classic Manchester dessert with a shortcrust pastry shell, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry on top. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet treats.
A famous Greater Manchester pastry made with flaky pastry filled with currants, butter, and sugar. It is strongly associated with the Manchester area and widely loved across the North West.
A traditional Lancashire and Greater Manchester snack of slow-cooked black badger peas, often served with vinegar. It is a simple local street-food style dish with deep regional roots.
A highly regarded steak and British seafood restaurant set in a former courthouse. It is known for excellent ingredients, strong service, and a smart but relaxed atmosphere.
A popular casual spot for Indian street food and craft beer, known for flavorful vegetarian dishes and a lively atmosphere near the city centre.
A celebrated fine dining restaurant in central Manchester, known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in an elegant historic setting.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels vary by match days and events, while food, transport, and pubs are mid-priced.
Service charge is uncommon outside upscale venues. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated for good service. Round up taxis. No tip is expected for pubs, takeaways, or counter service.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly -> Manchester Victoria
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need