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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Manchester
Showing times and prices for 30 Nov
Cheapest price
£102
Average price
£109
Fastest journey
3 h 14 m
Average duration
3 h 44 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
241 km
Cheap tickets
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 £109 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £102.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Reading for Manchester every day 2 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 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 14 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 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.
C27691+
Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+
W0965210:363h43
Reading station (RDG)14:19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1021One-way
2 changes
P07243+Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+W0964709:294h20
Reading station (RDG)13:49Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1021One-way
2 changes
C28284+Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+W0964208:564h06
Reading station (RDG)13:02Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1021One-way
2 changes
C2338109:153h15
Reading station (RDG)12:30Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1201One-way
0 changes
C2338610:153h14
Reading station (RDG)13:29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1201One-way
0 changes
C2338610:153h14
Reading station (RDG)13:29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1201One-way
0 changes
C2338109:153h15
Reading station (RDG)12:30Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1201One-way
0 changes
C27691+Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+W0965210:363h43
Reading station (RDG)14:19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1021One-way
2 changes
C28284+Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+W0964208:564h06
Reading station (RDG)13:02Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1021One-way
2 changes
P07243+Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+W0964709:294h20
Reading station (RDG)13:49Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1021One-way
2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Reading to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the coach 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 £44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. 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 £44, and a flight costs an average of £49.
Distance: 241 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£82 Average Price | £56 Average Price Cheapest | £163 Average Price |
3h 36m Average total duration 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m 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 tomorrow, Sunday 30 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 23:25
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C28284+Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+W09642 | On time 08:56 Reading station (RDG) | 4h06 | 13:02 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| C23381 | On time 09:15 Reading station (RDG) | 3h15 | 12:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P07243+Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+W09647 | On time 09:29 Reading station (RDG) | 4h20 | 13:49 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| C23386 | On time 10:15 Reading station (RDG) | 3h14 | 13:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C27691+Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+W09652 | On time 10:36 Reading station (RDG) | 3h43 | 14:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Manchester 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.
Sun
30 Nov
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec
04 Dec
Fri
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Sat
06 Dec
06 Dec
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 21 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.
Trains
from £82Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £34 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 241 km distance in 3h 14m.
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 241 km |
Average train duration 3h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £34 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 14m |
First train 00:06 |
Last train 22:15 |
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, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Reading to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Reading and Manchester from £34. 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 14m
Cheapest Price
£34
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
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 19m
Cheapest Price
£68
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 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 13m
Cheapest Price
£199
Cross Country frequency
16 a day
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.
The train journey from Reading to Manchester offers a varied landscape, featuring picturesque countryside, charming towns, and glimpses of the Peak District, providing passengers with a pleasant and scenic experience.
A stay of 2 to 4 days in Manchester is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, including museums, historical sites, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
In Manchester, you can explore Old Trafford, the iconic stadium of Manchester United, and the Northern Quarter, known for its independent shops and street art. Enjoy performances at the Manchester Opera House and experience the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks. Relax at Heaton Park, one of Europe's largest municipal parks. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery and the Science and Industry Museum. Admire Manchester Cathedral's Gothic architecture and the John Rylands Library's rare collections. Stroll through Castlefield, with its Roman ruins and picturesque canals.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £34, while the average price tends to be around £82.
A day trip from Reading to Manchester is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 14m. However, there are 6 train services available per day. The distance between the two cities is 241 km.
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Manchester is by train, costing approximately £34.
The train distance from Reading to Manchester is 241 km.
The last train from Reading to Manchester departs at 22:15.
Yes, there is a direct train between Reading and Manchester. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
There is no night train service from Reading to Manchester.
Booking trains from Reading to Manchester 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 Manchester covers a distance of 241 km and takes approximately 3h 14m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train station in Reading that goes to Manchester is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The first train from Reading to Manchester leaves at 0:06.
Trains from Reading to Manchester run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Manchester.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Manchester.
To get from Reading to Manchester, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
popular train stations
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
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
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
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
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
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotel
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading West
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Reading: Bus Stop on Oxford Road under Railway Bridge. Heading away from Reading Bus Stop on Oxford Road, outside McDonalds.
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityThe major train station for arrivals in Manchester is Manchester Airport. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Airport for your journey to Manchester from Reading.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike Parking
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
Distance to city center
13 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- 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
Public transport options for Manchester Airport
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Platform 4/5
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Manchester Oxford Road
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
Amenities at train station
Wifi
LockersParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
Accessibility
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
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
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Address
Manchester Victoria station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 1WYTicket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Manchester Victoria
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
Manchester
information
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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