Manchester to Reading train with CrossCountry

Sat 23 May
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Reading

Showing times and prices for 23 May

Cheapest price

£22

Average price

£80

Fastest journey

3 h 15 m

Average duration

3 h 17 m

Trains per day

12

Distance

241 km

Cheap tickets

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 £80 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.

Fast trains

Of the 12 trains that leave Manchester for Reading every day 4 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 19 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.

  • CrossCountryG01021
    12:253h15
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    15:40Reading station (RDG)
    £221One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG01025
    13:253h16
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    16:41Reading station (RDG)
    £221One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW33459+Great Western RailwayY15429+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington
    12:543h21
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    16:15Reading station (RDG)
    £681One-way
    2 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW33600+Great Western RailwayW34635+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington
    12:143h23
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    15:37Reading station (RDG)
    £681One-way
    2 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW33457+Great Western RailwayC42194+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington
    12:343h19
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    15:53Reading station (RDG)
    £681One-way
    2 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 £65.

Distance: 241 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£69

Average Price

£48

Average Price

Cheapest

£123

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

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

British Airways

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 today, Friday 22 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG01027
On time
14:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h19
17:44 Reading station (RDG)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastC01289+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayG14967
On time
14:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h19
17:53 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34266+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayY15431
On time
14:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h27
18:21 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
CrossCountryG0103215:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h16
18:41 Reading station (RDG)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34255+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW35082
On time
15:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h23
18:57 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34277+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayY15434
On time
15:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h27
19:21 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34267+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayY15297
On time
16:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h24
19:38 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
CrossCountryG0103516:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h16
19:41 Reading station (RDG)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34066+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayG14969
On time
16:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h19
19:53 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34285+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW34737
On time
16:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h29
20:23 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34125+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW3491817:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h32
20:46 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
CrossCountryG01043
On time
17:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h18
20:43 Reading station (RDG)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW33929+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayG14970
On time
17:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h19
20:53 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastC01296+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayG14971
On time
17:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h31
21:25 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
CrossCountryG0103918:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h14
21:39 Reading station (RDG)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34242+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW35087
On time
18:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h20
21:54 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34178+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayG14972
On time
18:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h32
22:26 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
CrossCountryG01042
On time
19:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h15
22:40 Reading station (RDG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29939
On time
20:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h15
23:40 Reading station (RDG)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34071+Great Western RailwayC48267
On time
21:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
5h20
2:34 Reading station (RDG)
1 change
Avanti West CoastW33802+Great Western RailwayC48260
On time
22:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
6h10
4:24 Reading station (RDG)
1 change
Saturday 23 May
Avanti West CoastW33397+Great Western RailwayW34621+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington8:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h22
11:36 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
CrossCountryG010068:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h17
11:42 Reading station (RDG)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW33648+Great Western RailwayC42189+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington8:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h19
11:53 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33763+Great Western RailwayW34692+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington8:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h29
12:23 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33594+Great Western RailwayW34625+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington9:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h22
12:36 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
CrossCountryG010109:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h17
12:42 Reading station (RDG)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW33600+Great Western RailwayW34635+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington12:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h23
15:37 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
CrossCountryG0102112:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h15
15:40 Reading station (RDG)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW33457+Great Western RailwayC42194+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington12:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h19
15:53 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33459+Great Western RailwayY15429+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington12:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h21
16:15 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33702+Great Western RailwayW35420+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington13:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h22
16:36 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
CrossCountryG0102513:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h16
16:41 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.

Sat
23 May
Sun
24 May
Mon
25 May
Tue
26 May
Wed
27 May
Thu
28 May
Fri
29 May

Why should you book Manchester to Reading trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast or Cross Country offer trains 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 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?

The best time to book your train from Manchester to Reading is 49 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Manchester to Reading route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Manchester to Reading per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Manchester to Reading.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

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.

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
Coach from £15
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
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
Coach from £15

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

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 12m
Cheapest Price
£22
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 16m
Cheapest Price
£86
Avanti West Coast frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 11m
Cheapest Price
£200
Cross Country frequency
6 a day

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £69.
The train journey from Manchester to Reading covers a distance of 241 km and takes approximately 3h 12m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Reading is 241 km.
The first train from Manchester to Reading leaves at 0:07.
The last train from Manchester to Reading departs at 22:15.
Trains from Manchester to Reading run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Reading.
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Reading. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
To get from Manchester to Reading, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Reading.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Reading is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Reading is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Manchester to Reading in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Manchester to Reading offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of rolling countryside, charming towns, and occasional glimpses of the British countryside, providing a moderately scenic experience.
A day trip from Manchester to Reading is not feasible as the travel time is 3h 12m, and the train service operates 8 times per day. The distance is 241 km.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Reading.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Reading

Manchester
Reading
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your trip from Manchester to Reading.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Carluccio’s
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Starbucks
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Costa Coffee
  • Pret a Manger
  • Upper Crust
  • McDonald's
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
  • Premier Inn Manchester City
  • Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transport options for Manchester Piccadilly
  • Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
  • Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: on Platform 4/5
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Manchester Oxford Road
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: No cycle storage
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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
Public transport options for Manchester Airport
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.

More options for your journey from Manchester to Reading

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Reading Manchester to Reading train

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