2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
NX540 · NX030 · RRRA115:308h45Manchester, Coach Station0:15Reading, Blagrave Street£471One-way2 changes- NX540 · NX025 · RRRA115:308h45Manchester, Coach Station0:15Reading, Blagrave Street£501One-way2 changes
- NX541 · NX210 · RRRA15:457h41Manchester, Coach Station13:26Reading, Blagrave Street£501One-way2 changes
- NX540 · NX025 · RRRA114:408h06Manchester, Coach Station22:46Reading, Blagrave Street£501One-way2 changes
- NX540 · NX030 · RRRA112:508h27Manchester, Coach Station21:17Reading, Blagrave Street£501One-way2 changes
- NX541 · NX210 · RRRA19:207h29Manchester, Coach Station16:49Reading, Blagrave Street£541One-way2 changes
- NX121 · NX210 · RRRA111:107h36Manchester, Coach Station18:46Reading, Blagrave Street£511One-way2 changes
- NX120 · NX210 · RRRA121:307h41Manchester, Coach Station5:11Reading, Blagrave Street£511One-way2 changes
- NX541 · NX210 · RRRA15:457h41Manchester, Coach Station13:26Reading, Blagrave Street£501One-way2 changes
- NX181 · NX210 · RRRA14:157h50Manchester, Coach Station12:05Reading, Blagrave Street£561One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Manchester to Reading
The cheapest option from Manchester to Reading is coach, with an average price of £47. Omio recommends booking the train, as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Reading among Omio users. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg.
Distance: 241 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£47 Average Price Cheapest option | £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 option 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.
Live departures
Manchester to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Reading coaches for tomorrow, Tuesday 7 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX421 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 2:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h00 | 10:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX181 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 4:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h50 | 12:05 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | Delayed 9:20 5:45Manchester, Coach Station | 7h41 | 13:26 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | Delayed 9:20 7:25Manchester, Coach Station | 8h03 | 15:28 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | Delayed 9:20 9:20Manchester, Coach Station | 7h29 | 16:49 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX121 · NX210 · RRRA1 | On time 11:10 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h36 | 18:46 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX540 · NX032 · RRRA1 | Delayed 13:40 11:30Manchester, Coach Station | 8h32 | 20:02 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX540 · NX035 · RRRA1 | Delayed 13:40 11:30Manchester, Coach Station | 8h32 | 20:02 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | On time 12:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h22 | 20:47 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX540 · NX025 · RRRA1 | Delayed 13:40 12:50Manchester, Coach Station | 8h27 | 21:17 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX540 · NX030 · RRRA1 | Delayed 13:40 12:50Manchester, Coach Station | 8h27 | 21:17 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX121 · NX210 · RRRA1 | On time 14:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h01 | 22:16 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX540 · NX025 · RRRA1 | On time 14:40 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h06 | 22:46 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX540 · NX025 · RRRA1 | On time 15:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h45 | 0:15 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX540 · NX030 · RRRA1 | On time 15:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h45 | 0:15 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Reading by train, coach or flight
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.
Tue
07 Jul
07 Jul
Wed
08 Jul
08 Jul
Thu
09 Jul
09 Jul
Fri
10 Jul
10 Jul
Sat
11 Jul
11 Jul
Sun
12 Jul
12 Jul
Mon
13 Jul
13 Jul
Why should you book Manchester to Reading coaches with Omio?
Megabus as well as National Express or FlixBus offer coaches 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 Megabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or FlixBus 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 Megabus 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 Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip 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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Typically, there are 16 buses per day from Manchester to Reading, including direct buses, 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.
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 241 km |
Average bus duration 6h 1m |
Lowest 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 |
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
Bus providers: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus from Manchester to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Reading with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for as low as £15. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 25m
Cheapest Price
£15
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 26m
Cheapest Price
£41
National Express frequency
16 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 10m
Cheapest Price
£22
Megabus frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
FAQs: Manchester to Reading coach
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.
The earliest coach from Manchester to Reading leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Reading leaves at 23:55.
There are 16 coaches a day from Manchester to Reading which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Reading, you can count on Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Manchester , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Manchester, Airport . When arriving in Reading , you can end your route in coach stations like Reading, Blagrave Street, Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Manchester, Coach Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Reading, Blagrave Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Reading is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Reading including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Reading:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Reading for coach company Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Reading depends on the coach companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Manchester to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Reading:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Reading:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Manchester to Reading. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Reading with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Reading with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Reading with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Reading
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.
Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Reading
Which Manchester station do buses to Reading leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Reading leave from Manchester, Coach Station. The station is from Manchester city centre at Chorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom.
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre
Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 33, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 1m · £2 · every ~231 min
Manchester, Coach Station 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 and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre
Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · £2 · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · £2 · every ~23 min
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East from Manchester city centre
Bus101, 15, 103, 102 · 14m · £2 · every ~31 min
Uk023, Ukn23, Uk071 · 21m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Which Reading station do buses from Manchester arrive at?
Buses from Manchester to Reading most often arrive at Reading, Blagrave Street. Some services arrive at Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Reading arrival station.
Reading, Blagrave StreetReading RG1 1PZ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading, Blagrave Street from Reading city centre
Bus19a, 19c · 1h 21m · £2
Reading, Blagrave Street bus station facilities and services
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Manchester
Most popular bus connections
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
