The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Reading
Cheapest price
£23
Average price
£135
Fastest journey
3 h 15 m
Average duration
3 h 17 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
241 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 £135 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.
Of the 12 trains that leave Manchester for Reading every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 241 km distance in an average of 3 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 20 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.
G0102212:253h18Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)15:43Reading station (RDG)£231One-way0 changes
G0102413:253h15Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)16:40Reading station (RDG)£231One-way0 changes
W33925+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
G1496512:343h19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)15:53Reading station (RDG)£1021One-way2 changes
W34031+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
W3471212:543h29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)16:23Reading station (RDG)£1021One-way2 changes
W34270+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
W3463713:143h25Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)16:39Reading station (RDG)£1021One-way2 changes
G0102413:253h15Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)16:40Reading station (RDG)£231One-way0 changes
W34218+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
Y153997:003h15Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)10:15Reading station (RDG)£2541One-way2 changes
G0102212:253h18Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)15:43Reading station (RDG)£231One-way0 changes
W33925+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
G1496512:343h19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)15:53Reading station (RDG)£1021One-way2 changes
G010037:253h20Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)10:45Reading station (RDG)£1201One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Manchester to Reading
Omio 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
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£68 Average Price | £47 Average Price Cheapest | £122 Average Price |
3h 37m Average total duration 3h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 31m Average total duration 6h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Reading trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 7 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33950+ G01000 | On time 6:02 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h40 | 9:42 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
W34018+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14938 | 6:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h25 | 9:39 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
G01176+ C16915+ G38866 | 6:27 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h40 | 10:07 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W33953+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14956 | 6:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h24 | 9:53 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W34218+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ Y15399 | 7:00 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h15 | 10:15 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
G01003 | 7:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h20 | 10:45 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33948+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W34634 | 12:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h21 | 15:35 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
G01022 | 12:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h18 | 15:43 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33925+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14965 | 12:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h19 | 15:53 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W34031+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W34712 | 12:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h29 | 16:23 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W34270+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W34637 | 13:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h25 | 16:39 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
G01024 | 13:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h15 | 16:40 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
07 Jul
08 Jul
09 Jul
10 Jul
11 Jul
12 Jul
13 Jul
Why should you book Manchester to Reading trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Cross Country 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 CrossCountry 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 Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Cross Country 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.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Reading?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Reading
Trains from Manchester to Reading run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 241 km distance in 3h 12m.
Distance 241 km |
Average train duration 3h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 12m |
First train 0:07 |
Last train 22:15 |
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 3 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Manchester to Reading trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Manchester and Reading from £15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
FAQs: Manchester to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Reading 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 Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Reading
Most Manchester to Reading trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Manchester station do trains to Reading leave from?
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport train station facilities and services
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre
Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services
Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Reading station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading West train station facilities and services
Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Reading Green Park from Reading city centre
Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading Green Park train station facilities and services
Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Reading
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