- Must visit
The Silk Museum
Town museum covering Macclesfield's silk heritage, local history and changing exhibitions in a restored industrial setting.
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Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Reading to Macclesfield
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Macclesfield among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, and a flight costs an average of £55.
Distance: 215 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£54 Average Price | £93 Average Price | £26 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 23m Average total duration 2h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 5m Average total duration 7h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Reading to Macclesfield train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Macclesfield trains for today, Saturday 1 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 6:15 Reading | 2h50 | 9:05 Macclesfield | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Macclesfield 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.
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Why should you book Reading to Macclesfield trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Cross Country offer trains services from Reading to Macclesfield.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Macclesfield.
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 Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Macclesfield.
- 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 Reading to Macclesfield.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- 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 Macclesfield.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Macclesfield
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Macclesfield run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:10, the last at 22:36. The fastest train covers the 215 km distance in 2h 50m.
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 215 km |
Average train duration 2h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 50m |
First train 5:10 |
Last train 22:36 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country from Reading to Macclesfield trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country trains will get you between Reading and Macclesfield from £23. 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
2h 50m
Cheapest Price
£23
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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 45m
Cheapest Price
£171
Cross Country frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Macclesfield
Things to do in Macclesfield
Discover the best of Macclesfield — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Macclesfield trip today.
- Must visit
Paradise Mill
Working Jacquard silk mill with looms and guided visits that show how Macclesfield became a centre of silk production.
Macclesfield Bus Station Heritage Centre
Small local museum and archive space preserving the history of Macclesfield's once busy bus and transport network.
- Must visit
Tegg's Nose Country Park
Popular hilltop country park on the edge of town with woodland walks, panoramic views and links to local history.
- Recommended
Market Place
Historic market area with independent shops, civic buildings and regular markets at the heart of Macclesfield.
- Recommended
Macclesfield Canal
Peaceful canal-side walking route with locks, mills and waterside views that reveal the town's industrial heritage.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Cheshire Cheese
A crumbly Cheshire cow’s milk cheese with a fresh, tangy taste. It is one of the county’s best-known traditional foods and long associated with local farming.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Blue Cheshire
A strong, salty blue cheese traditionally made in Cheshire. It reflects the county’s dairy heritage and is a classic regional cheese board choice.
- Vegetarian
Eccles Cake
A rich fruit cake from nearby Eccles, often eaten across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. It is packed with currants and commonly served sliced with tea.
Chestergate Bistro
Modern British dining in a polished town-centre setting. Known for seasonal menus, careful cooking and a relaxed but smart atmosphere.
Shalimar Restaurant
Popular Indian restaurant serving classic curries, tandoori dishes and grills in a lively, dependable setting close to the town centre.
Amore Mio
Casual Italian spot serving pizza, pasta and straightforward comfort food. Friendly and family-oriented, it is a well-known local choice.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Manchester or London, while local buses and cafés remain fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Café tipping is optional, usually just small change.
D&G app
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- /n
To the city centre
Macclesfield Railway Station -> Macclesfield Town Hall, Macclesfield
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Macclesfield railway station is within the town centre, so many central destinations are walkable from the station.
- For bus fares and service-specific tickets, Cheshire East directs passengers to check the individual operator fare pages before travel.
FAQs: Reading to Macclesfield train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Macclesfield 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 Macclesfield, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Macclesfield can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £23, while the average price tends to be around £54.
The train journey from Reading to Macclesfield covers a distance of 215 km and takes approximately 2h 50m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Macclesfield is 215 km.
The first train from Reading to Macclesfield leaves at 5:10.
The last train from Reading to Macclesfield departs at 22:36.
Trains from Reading to Macclesfield run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Macclesfield.
Yes, there is a direct train between Reading and Macclesfield. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
To get from Reading to Macclesfield, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Reading to Macclesfield.
The train station in Reading that goes to Macclesfield is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Macclesfield station (MAC).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Macclesfield is by train, costing approximately £23.
Booking trains from Reading to Macclesfield in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Reading to Macclesfield offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the Chiltern Hills and the Peak District, showcasing picturesque countryside and charming towns.
A day trip from Reading to Macclesfield is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 50m. Trains run 7 times per day over a distance of 215 km.
Typically, spending two to three days in Macclesfield allows visitors to explore key attractions like the Silk Museum, Macclesfield Forest, and the nearby Peak District National Park, while enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Macclesfield.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Macclesfield
Most Reading to Macclesfield trains use the Reading to Macclesfield station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Macclesfield train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Macclesfield
Which Reading station do trains to Macclesfield leave from?
Trains from Reading to Macclesfield leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · £2 · every ~15 min
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.
Which Macclesfield station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading to Macclesfield arrive at Macclesfield. Macclesfield is from Macclesfield city centre.
MacclesfieldMacclesfield station, Waters Green, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6JP
City-centre transport
Getting to Macclesfield from Macclesfield city centre
Bus391 · 3m · every ~1 min
Macclesfield train station facilities and services
Macclesfield has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Macclesfield.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Macclesfield.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Macclesfield.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Macclesfield: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Macclesfield: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Macclesfield: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.
More options for your journey from Reading to Macclesfield
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Most popular trains to and from Macclesfield and Reading
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