4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Manchester
Cheapest price
£13
Average price
£52
Fastest journey
3 h 8 m
Average duration
3 h 22 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
241 km
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.
The average ticket from Reading to Manchester will cost around £52 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £13.
Of the 5 trains that leave Reading for Manchester every day 5 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 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 8 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 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.
9:153h14Reading12:29Manchester£131One-way0 changes- 7:153h14Reading10:29Manchester£251One-way0 changes
- 8:153h14Reading11:29Manchester£261One-way0 changes
- 8:513h08Reading11:59Manchester£611One-way0 changes
- 6:154h00Reading10:15Manchester£1361One-way0 changes
- 8:513h08Reading11:59Manchester£611One-way0 changes
- 9:153h14Reading12:29Manchester£131One-way0 changes
- 7:153h14Reading10:29Manchester£251One-way0 changes
- 8:153h14Reading11:29Manchester£261One-way0 changes
- 6:154h00Reading10:15Manchester£1361One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Reading to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £14. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 4m. 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 £14, and a flight costs an average of £49.
Distance: 241 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£55 Average Price | £51 Average Price Cheapest | £113 Average Price |
3h 34m Average total duration 3h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 1h 4m 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.
Live departures
Reading to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Manchester trains for today, Tuesday 14 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:15 Reading | 3h14 | 9:29 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:15 Reading | 3h14 | 11:29 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
 | 8:42 Reading | 4h03 | 12:45 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:51 Reading | 3h08 | 11:59 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:05 Reading | 3h14 | 15:19 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 17:15 Reading | 3h14 | 20:29 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 18:15 Reading | 3h14 | 21:29 Manchester | 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 Manchester by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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.
15 Jul
16 Jul
17 Jul
18 Jul
19 Jul
20 Jul
21 Jul
Why should you book Reading to Manchester trains with Omio?
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 Reading to Manchester.
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Manchester.
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 Reading to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Manchester.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Reading to Manchester?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 241 km distance in 3h 8m.
Distance 241 km |
Average train duration 3h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 8m |
First train 0:06 |
Last train 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Reading to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Reading and Manchester from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
FAQs: Reading to Manchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Manchester
Most Reading to Manchester trains use the Reading to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Reading and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Reading station do trains to Manchester leave from?
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
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.
Getting to Reading Green Park from Reading city centre
Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading Green Park train station facilities and services
Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.
Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading West train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Which Manchester station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
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.
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Manchester Victoria from Manchester city centre
Manchester Victoria train station facilities and services
Manchester Victoria 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 Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Manchester and Reading
Most popular train connections to Manchester
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