- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Oct
Cheapest price on 05 Oct
£43
Average ticket price on 05 Oct
£45
Fastest journey on 05 Oct
7 h 29 m
Average journey duration on 05 Oct
7 h 39 m
Buses on 05 Oct
15
Distance
241 km
Cheap tickets
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 £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £43.
Fast coaches
To travel from Manchester to Reading you need to make at least 2 changes.
NX540 · NX032 · RRRA115:308h45Manchester, Coach Station0:15Reading, Blagrave Street£431One-way2 changes- NX541 · NX210 · RRRA17:258h03Manchester, Coach Station15:28Reading, Blagrave Street£441One-way2 changes
- NX120 · NX210 · RRRA121:307h41Manchester, Coach Station5:11Reading, Blagrave Street£441One-way2 changes
- NX121 · NX210 · RRRA111:107h36Manchester, Coach Station18:46Reading, Blagrave Street£441One-way2 changes
- NX421 · NX210 · RRRA12:458h00Manchester, Coach Station10:45Reading, Blagrave Street£441One-way2 changes
- NX541 · NX210 · RRRA19:207h29Manchester, Coach Station16:49Reading, Blagrave Street£441One-way2 changes
- NX121 · NX210 · RRRA111:107h36Manchester, Coach Station18:46Reading, Blagrave Street£441One-way2 changes
- NX120 · NX210 · RRRA121:307h41Manchester, Coach Station5:11Reading, Blagrave Street£441One-way2 changes
- NX541 · NX210 · RRRA15:457h41Manchester, Coach Station13:26Reading, Blagrave Street£441One-way2 changes
- NX181 · NX210 · RRRA14:157h50Manchester, Coach Station12:05Reading, Blagrave Street£441One-way2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Reading run on average 16 times per day, taking around 6h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £42 but you can travel from only £22 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 241 km distance in 5h 6m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £22
Distance 241 km |
Average bus duration 6h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Buses per day 16 |
Fastest bus 5h 6m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £22
Live departures
Manchester to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Reading coaches for today, Sunday 4 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX424 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 23:55 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h52 | 7:47 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| Monday 5 October | |||||
| 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 | 5:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h41 | 13:26 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 7:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h03 | 15:28 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 9:20 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h29 | 16:49 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX121 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 11:10 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h36 | 18:46 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX540 · NX025 · RRRA1 | 11:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h32 | 20:02 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX541 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 12:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h22 | 20:47 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX540 · NX025 · RRRA1 | 12:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h27 | 21:17 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX121 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 14:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h01 | 22:16 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX540 · NX025 · RRRA1 | 14:40 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h06 | 22:46 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX540 · NX035 · RRRA1 | 15:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h45 | 0:15 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX540 · NX032 · RRRA1 | 15:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h45 | 0:15 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX120 · NX210 · RRRA1 | 21:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h41 | 5:11 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Manchester to Reading coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all 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 National Express?
- 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 National Express 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?
- 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.
Bus providers: National Express from Manchester to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Reading with National Express for as low as £22. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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 National Express Duration
5h 6m
Cheapest National Express Price
£42
National Express frequency
15 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.
Complete guide to Reading
Things to do in Reading
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
- Must visit
The Museum of English Rural Life
Small museum beside the abbey ruins with exhibits on Reading’s medieval abbey. Good for context before walking the historic quarter.
- Recommended
Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology
University museum covering farming, countryside life, and design. Engaging displays make it a distinctive and family-friendly visit.
- Must visit
Forbury Gardens
Large riverside park with formal gardens, open lawns, and abbey remains. Ideal for relaxing walks close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Broad Street
Traffic-free shopping street at the heart of Reading. A practical and lively route linking major shops, historic lanes, and public spaces.
- Recommended
Thames Side Promenade
Riverside walking area along the Thames near Caversham Bridge. Visit for benches, water views, and an easy stroll near the centre.
Berkshire pork sausages
Berkshire pork sausages are a long-standing county staple, prized for well-seasoned local pork and often served with mash in traditional pubs.
- Vegetarian
Spotted dick
Spotted dick is a classic steamed suet pudding with dried fruit, commonly served with custard and strongly associated with traditional English cooking.
- Vegetarian
Summer pudding
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.
L'Ortolan
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for carefully plated tasting-style dishes and polished service.
The Cunning Man
Traditional pub by the Thames serving British classics, Sunday roasts and local drinks in a relaxed historic setting.
Miller & Carter Oracle
Popular central Reading restaurant specialising in well-cooked steaks, grills and hearty sides in a lively contemporary space.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels are often cheaper than London, but dining, drinks and rail fares still add up for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Reading Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £5.40
To the city centre
Reading Station -> Reading Town Centre
- Distance
- 400 m
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless tap on and tap off works on Reading Buses and caps at the simplyReading day ticket price of £5.40.
- Blagrave Street is beside Reading Station and within a short walk of the town centre, so walking is usually quickest from the station area.
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.
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Reading can start from as little as £42 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Reading is £59; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Manchester to Reading is 5h 6m to travel the 241 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
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 National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Reading, you can count on National Express 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, Airport, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East . 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.
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:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Reading for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Reading depends on the coach companies:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
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:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Reading:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to Reading.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Reading with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Reading with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Reading with the following coach company: National Express.
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, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £4 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min
Manchester, Airport bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
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
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