- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Reading to Manchester
Showing times and prices for 28 Aug
Cheapest price
£43
Average price
£47
Fastest journey
7 h 9 m
Average duration
7 h 45 m
Buses per day
17
Distance
241 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Reading to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Manchester will cost around £47 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £43.
Fast coaches
To travel from Reading to Manchester you need to make at least 2 changes.
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX12011:458h30Reading, Blagrave Street20:15Manchester, Coach Station£431One-way2 changes- RRRA1 · NX210 · NX42123:038h32Reading, Blagrave Street7:35Manchester, Coach Station£441One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX210 · NX54110:259h15Reading, Blagrave Street19:40Manchester, Coach Station£441One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX210 · NX5907:048h11Reading, Blagrave Street15:15Manchester, Coach Station£441One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX210 · NX54113:458h00Reading, Blagrave Street21:45Manchester, Coach Station£441One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX210 · NX54118:317h09Reading, Blagrave Street1:40Manchester, Coach Station£521One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX210 · NX54115:057h40Reading, Blagrave Street22:45Manchester, Coach Station£441One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX032 · NX5404:207h50Reading, Blagrave Street12:10Manchester, Coach Station£491One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX210 · NX54113:458h00Reading, Blagrave Street21:45Manchester, Coach Station£441One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX210 · NX5418:218h04Reading, Blagrave Street16:25Manchester, Coach Station£481One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Reading to Manchester
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 train with prices starting from £22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. 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 £22, and a flight costs an average of £54.
Distance: 241 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£49 Average Price | £37 Average Price Cheapest | £89 Average Price |
6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 2h 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
Reading to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Manchester coaches for today, Thursday 27 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX590 | 7:04 Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h56 | 15:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX541 | 8:21 Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h44 | 16:05 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX032 · NX540 | 10:25 Reading, Blagrave Street | 9h05 | 19:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX025 · NX540 | 10:25 Reading, Blagrave Street | 9h05 | 19:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX120 | 11:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h30 | 20:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX541 | 13:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h50 | 21:35 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX120 | 15:05 Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h50 | 22:55 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX541 | 16:20 Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h05 | 0:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX181 | 17:43 Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h32 | 1:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX424 | 21:03 Reading, Blagrave Street | 9h02 | 6:05 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX421 | 23:03 Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h32 | 7:35 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| Friday 28 August | |||||
| RRRA1 · NX032 · NX540 | 4:20 Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h50 | 12:10 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX025 · NX540 | 5:25 Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h25 | 13:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX032 · NX540 | 5:25 Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h25 | 13:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 · NX120 | 5:55 Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h20 | 14:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Manchester 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.
Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
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29 Aug
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30 Aug
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Mon
31 Aug
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03 Sept
03 Sept
Why should you book Reading to Manchester coaches with Omio?
Megabus as well as National Express offer coaches services from Reading to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Manchester.
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 to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Manchester.
- 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 Reading to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Manchester run on average 14 times per day, taking around 5h 35m. 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 5m.
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 5h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 7h 5m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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
Bus providers: Megabus, National Express from Reading to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Reading to Manchester with Megabus, National Express for as low as £15. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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.
Entertaiment on board
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 32m
Cheapest Price
£43
National Express frequency
14 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.
Complete guide to Manchester
Things to do in Manchester
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
- Must visit
Manchester Museum
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
- Must visit
Manchester Art Gallery
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
- Recommended
Albert Square
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
- Recommended
Oldham Street
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
Rag Pudding
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
A hearty hotpot of slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. A long-standing North West comfort dish served across Manchester pubs.
- Gluten-free
Manchester Tripe
A rich tripe stew cooked with onions, milk and stock. It was a classic working-class Manchester meal linked to the city’s historic tripe trade.
mana
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
The Winston Churchill
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
The Black Friar
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
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
- £70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.
Bee Network
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1.40
- Day pass
- £7.10
To the city centre
Manchester Airport Train Station -> Manchester Piccadilly
- Distance
- 14 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Contactless Tap and Go works on Bee Network trams and buses. Remember to tap in and tap out on trams, and tap in on buses.
- Train tickets to MANCHESTER CTLZ are valid on Metrolink in Zone 1, which can help if you are connecting into the city centre.
FAQs: Reading to Manchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Reading to Manchester can start from as little as £15 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Reading to Manchester is £49; 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 Reading to Manchester is 7h 5m 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 Reading to Manchester leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Reading to Manchester leaves at 23:55.
There are 14 coaches a day from Reading to Manchester which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Reading to Manchester, you can count on Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Reading and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Reading , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Reading, Blagrave Street, Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your route in coach stations like Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Airport, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Reading, Blagrave Street, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Manchester, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Manchester from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Reading to Manchester is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Reading and Manchester including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Reading to Manchester:
- 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Reading to Manchester for coach company Megabus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Reading to Manchester 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.
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 Reading to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Manchester:
- 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.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Manchester:
- 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.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Reading to Manchester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Reading to Manchester with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Reading to Manchester with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Reading to Manchester with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Manchester
Most Reading to Manchester buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Use this guide to compare Reading and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Reading
Arrival bus stations in Manchester
Which Reading station do buses to Manchester leave from?
Buses from Reading to Manchester leave from Reading, Blagrave Street. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading RG1 1PZ, UK.
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.
Which Manchester station do buses from Reading arrive at?
Buses from Reading to Manchester most often arrive at Manchester, Coach Station. Some services arrive at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Manchester arrival station.
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 · £5 · 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.
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Reading
Most popular bus connections
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