- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Cheapest price
£23
Average price
£133
Fastest journey
3 h 12 m
Average duration
3 h 18 m
Trains per day
11
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 £133 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.
Of the 11 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 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 12 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 23 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.
G00997
W33952+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
W35115
W34134+
W34622+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington
W33888+
Y15402+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington
W34104+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
G14958
G01009
G01005
W34104+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
G14958
W33888+
Y15402+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington
W34134+
W34622+
Tube from London Euston to London PaddingtonOmio 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
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.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Reading trains for today, Thursday 20 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34202+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14935 | Delayed 4:04 5:04Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h37 | 7:46 7:46Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W33932+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14955 | Delayed 4:54 5:55Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h28 | 9:23 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W34018+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14937 | Delayed 5:14 6:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h27 | 8:42 8:42Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W33953+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14956 | Delayed 5:28 6:29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h24 | 8:55 8:55Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W33953+ G66937 · G01176 | Delayed 5:28 6:29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h38 | 9:10 9:10Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W34117+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W34617 | Delayed 6:14 7:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h26 | 9:41 9:41Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W34111+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14957 | Delayed 6:34 7:34Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h19 | 9:54 9:54Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W33952+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W35115 | Delayed 7:14 8:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h24 | 11:38 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W34104+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14958 | Delayed 7:33 8:34Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h19 | 11:53 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W33893+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14960 | Delayed 8:33 9:34Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h19 | 12:53 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W34202+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14935 | 5:04 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h37 | 8:41 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
G00997 | 5:11 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h37 | 8:48 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33932 · W33950+ G01000 | 5:55 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h47 | 9:42 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W33932+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14955 | 5:55 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h28 | 9:23 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W33932+ G66935 · G01000 | 5:55 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h47 | 9:42 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W33952+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W35115 | 8:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h24 | 11:38 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
G01005 | 8:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h15 | 11:40 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34104+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G14958 | 8:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h19 | 11:53 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W33888+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ Y15402 | 8:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h22 | 12:16 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
W34134+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W34622 | 9:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h23 | 12:37 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
G01009 | 9:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h12 | 12:37 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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 |
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Small museum beside the abbey ruins with exhibits on Reading’s medieval abbey. Good for context before walking the historic quarter.
University museum covering farming, countryside life, and design. Engaging displays make it a distinctive and family-friendly visit.
Large riverside park with formal gardens, open lawns, and abbey remains. Ideal for relaxing walks close to the town centre.
Traffic-free shopping street at the heart of Reading. A practical and lively route linking major shops, historic lanes, and public spaces.
Riverside walking area along the Thames near Caversham Bridge. Visit for benches, water views, and an easy stroll near the centre.
Berkshire pork sausages are a long-standing county staple, prized for well-seasoned local pork and often served with mash in traditional pubs.
Spotted dick is a classic steamed suet pudding with dried fruit, commonly served with custard and strongly associated with traditional English cooking.
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.
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for carefully plated tasting-style dishes and polished service.
Traditional pub by the Thames serving British classics, Sunday roasts and local drinks in a relaxed historic setting.
Popular central Reading restaurant specialising in well-cooked steaks, grills and hearty sides in a lively contemporary space.
Moderate for England: hotels are often cheaper than London, but dining, drinks and rail fares still add up for visitors.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Reading Station -> Reading Station, Reading
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.

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.
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 options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
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.
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 storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
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.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
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 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 options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
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 options are available at Reading.
ATMs are available at Reading.
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Reading West.
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
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.
Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.
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