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Reading to Manchester train with Cross Country

Fri, 14 Feb
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Cheap train tickets from Reading to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 14 Feb

Cheapest

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

Cross Country
08:153h14
Reading
11:29Manchester
£541One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
09:443h21
Reading
13:05Manchester
£651One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
19:133h54
Reading
23:07Manchester
£651One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
20:123h36
Reading
23:48Manchester
£831One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
09:203h24
Reading
12:44Manchester
£971One-way
0 changes

Reading to Manchester train times

Showing trains for tomorrow, Friday 14 February
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChangesTickets
Avanti West CoastAvanti West Coast09:20 Reading3h24 12:44 Manchester0 changesDirect
Avanti West CoastAvanti West Coast19:13 Reading3h54 23:07 Manchester0 changesDirect
Avanti West CoastAvanti West Coast09:44 Reading3h21 13:05 Manchester0 changesDirect
Avanti West CoastAvanti West Coast08:45 Reading3h59 12:44 Manchester0 changesDirect
Avanti West CoastAvanti West Coast20:12 Reading3h36 23:48 Manchester0 changesDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to Manchester by train, coach or flight

Thu
13 Feb
Fri
14 Feb
Sat
15 Feb
Sun
16 Feb
Mon
17 Feb
Tue
18 Feb
Wed
19 Feb

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Reading to Manchester?

The best time to book your train from Reading to Manchester is days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Reading to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Reading to Manchester 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 Reading to Manchester.

Train times from Reading to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 14 Feb

Fastest Journey

3 h 14 m

Average

3 h 29 m

Trains per day

9

Distance

241 km

Of the 9 trains that leave Reading for Manchester every day 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

Cross Country
10:153h14
Reading
13:29Manchester
£1151One-way
0 changes
Cross Country
08:153h14
Reading
11:29Manchester
£541One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
15:463h19
Reading
19:05Manchester
£971One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
09:443h21
Reading
13:05Manchester
£651One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
08:583h21
Reading
12:19Manchester
£981One-way
0 changes

More than 1,000 travel companies trust us to sell their tickets all in one place.

Virgin Trains
East Coast
Cross Country
Deutsche Bahn

Journey information

Overview: Train from Reading to Manchester

Trains from Reading to Manchester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 but you can travel from only £16 by bus.
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 £16
Distance
240 km
Average train duration
3h 45m
Cheapest ticket price
£27
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
1
Train providers
2
Fastest train
3h 13m
First train
00:06
Last train
22:19
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 £16

Train companies: CrossCountry and Virgin Trains trains Reading to Manchester

CrossCountry and Virgin Trains trains will get you between Reading and Manchester from £46. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Cross Country trains are a UK-based train operator that provides services across the country including trains to Manchester from Reading. They offer a range of services, from express services to local services, and have a variety of ticket types to suit different needs. Their express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and CrossCountry XC Trains, offer a fast and comfortable journey, with onboard facilities such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Their local services, such as the CrossCountry Regional and CrossCountry Regional Express, provide a more leisurely journey, with stops at smaller stations along the way. They also offer a range of ticket types, such as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets, to suit different budgets and travel needs. The most popular routes for Cross Country trains include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.

Reading to Manchester train information with CrossCountry:

  • Average Duration: 3 h 13 min
  • Cheapest Price: £46
  • CrossCountry frequency: 12 a day

FAQs: Reading to Manchester train

FAQs: Travel by train from Reading to Manchester easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Reading to Manchester.
FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Reading to Manchester can start from as little as £24 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Reading to Manchester is £89; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time to Manchester from Reading is on average 3 h 12 min   for the 149 mile long journey, but the time it takes to go from Reading to Manchester by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Reading to Manchester leaves at 01: 05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Reading to Manchester leaves at 22: 19.
Yes, there is 1 direct train a day from Reading to Manchester with CrossCountry. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
For the best Reading to Manchester train to book, you can travel safely and comfortably with CrossCountry or Avanti West Coast. However, it's always good to check all possible train companies with services to Manchester from Reading to compare what amenities they may offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 22: 19.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Reading, which is located around 0.2 miles (415 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Manchester Piccadilly, located 0.5 miles (767 m) away from the city centre.

A trip to Manchester from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 12 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Reading to Manchester by train is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel from Reading to Manchester including taking a coach, train or flight.

Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Manchester

Reading
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your trip from Reading to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Public transport options for Reading
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
The major train station for arrivals in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your journey to Manchester from Reading.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
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
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

More options for your journey from Reading to Manchester

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Manchester Reading to Manchester train

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