Manchester to Reading train with CrossCountry

Tue 07 Jul
+ Add return
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 07 Jul

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

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 £135 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.

Fast trains

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.

  • CrossCountryG01024
    13:253h15
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    16:40Reading station (RDG)
    £231One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG01022
    12:253h18
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    15:43Reading station (RDG)
    £231One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW33948+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW34634
    12:143h21
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    15:35Reading station (RDG)
    £1021One-way
    2 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW34270+Great Western RailwayW34637+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington
    13:143h25
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    16:39Reading station (RDG)
    £1021One-way
    2 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW34031+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW34712
    12:543h29
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    16:23Reading station (RDG)
    £1021One-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 £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

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 tomorrow, Tuesday 7 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Avanti West CoastW33950+CrossCountryG01000
On time
6:02 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h40
9:42 Reading station (RDG)
1 change
Avanti West CoastW34018+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayG149386:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h25
9:39 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
CrossCountryG01176+West Midlands TrainsC16915+Transport for WalesG388666:27 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h40
10:07 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33953+Great Western RailwayG14956+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington6:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h24
9:53 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34218+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayY153997:00 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h15
10:15 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
CrossCountryG010037:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h20
10:45 Reading station (RDG)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW33948+Great Western RailwayW34634+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington12:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h21
15:35 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
CrossCountryG0102212:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h18
15:43 Reading station (RDG)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW33925+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayG1496512:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h19
15:53 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34031+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW3471212:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h29
16:23 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34270+Great Western RailwayW34637+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington13:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h25
16:39 Reading station (RDG)2 changes
CrossCountryG0102413:25 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.

Tue
07 Jul
Wed
08 Jul
Thu
09 Jul
Fri
10 Jul
Sat
11 Jul
Sun
12 Jul
Mon
13 Jul

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
£85
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
£198
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 £68.
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

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.

Departure train stations in Manchester
Arrival train stations in Reading

Which Manchester station do trains to Reading leave from?

Trains from Manchester to Reading leave from Manchester Piccadilly. The station is 1 km from Manchester city centre at Piccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom.
Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre

Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · £2 · every ~56 min
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min

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.

Manchester AirportManchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RRWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre

Manchester Airport is 13 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 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.

Manchester Oxford RoadManchester Oxford Road station, Station Approach, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 6FUParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre

Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 5m · £2 · every ~224 min
T1 · 1h 7m

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.

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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