- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Cheapest price
£55
Average price
£64
Fastest journey
7 h 20 m
Average duration
7 h 34 m
Buses per day
13
Distance
241 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Reading will cost around £64 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £55.
To travel from Manchester to Reading you need to make at least 2 changes.
NX120 · NX210 · RRRA1
NX540 · NX032 · RRRA1
NX540 · NX035 · RRRA1
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1
NX120 · NX210 · RRRA1
NX424 · NX210 · RRRA1Omio 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 coach with prices starting from £15. 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 coach costs an average of £15, and a flight costs an average of £64.
Distance: 241 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£47 Average Price Cheapest | £68 Average Price | £122 Average Price |
6h 31m Average total duration 6h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 37m Average total duration 3h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Reading coaches for today, Thursday 20 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX120 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 21:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h41 | 5:11 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
NX424 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 23:55 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h52 | 7:47 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| Friday 21 August | |||||
NX421 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 2:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h00 | 10:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 4:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h20 | 12:05 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 5:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h36 | 13:26 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 7:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h13 | 15:28 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 8:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h59 | 16:49 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 11:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h31 | 18:46 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 13:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h47 | 20:47 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
NX540 · NX025 · RRRA1 | 13:10 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h07 | 21:17 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 14:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h51 | 22:16 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
NX540 · NX035 · RRRA1 | 15:35 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h40 | 0:15 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
NX540 · NX032 · RRRA1 | 15:35 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h40 | 0:15 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach 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.
Buses from Manchester to Reading run on average 16 times per day, taking around 6h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £15 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 241 km distance in 7h 25m.
Distance 241 km |
Average bus duration 6h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Buses per day 16 |
Fastest bus 7h 25m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
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 explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Small museum beside the abbey ruins with exhibits on Reading’s medieval abbey. Good for context before walking the historic quarter.
University museum covering farming, countryside life, and design. Engaging displays make it a distinctive and family-friendly visit.
Large riverside park with formal gardens, open lawns, and abbey remains. Ideal for relaxing walks close to the town centre.
Traffic-free shopping street at the heart of Reading. A practical and lively route linking major shops, historic lanes, and public spaces.
Riverside walking area along the Thames near Caversham Bridge. Visit for benches, water views, and an easy stroll near the centre.
Berkshire pork sausages are a long-standing county staple, prized for well-seasoned local pork and often served with mash in traditional pubs.
Spotted dick is a classic steamed suet pudding with dried fruit, commonly served with custard and strongly associated with traditional English cooking.
Summer pudding is a Berkshire favourite in berry season, made by lining bread with soft fruit and juice for a bright, old-fashioned local dessert.
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for carefully plated tasting-style dishes and polished service.
Traditional pub by the Thames serving British classics, Sunday roasts and local drinks in a relaxed historic setting.
Popular central Reading restaurant specialising in well-cooked steaks, grills and hearty sides in a lively contemporary space.
Moderate for England: hotels are often cheaper than London, but dining, drinks and rail fares still add up for visitors.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Reading Station -> Reading Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Reading by coach. 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 coach, 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 buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. ATMs are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Accessible for wheelchairs.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need