How much is the train ticket from Manchester to Reading?

The cheapest train tickets from Manchester to Reading start at $43. The average price for this train route is around $226. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train ride from Manchester to Reading?

The average train trip from Manchester to Reading takes 3h 16m and covers 241 km. The quickest train gets you there in 3h 13m and is operated by CrossCountry .

Which train operators serve the Manchester to Reading route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 3 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Manchester to Reading?

The earliest train from Manchester to Reading departs at 7:25am. The latest train departs at 6:25pm.

Train Manchester to Reading from $41

Next train departures

Next departures for Manchester to Reading on December 12
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:25am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 20m	10:45am	Reading	Cheapest
Train	3:25pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 16m	6:41pm	Reading	Fastest
Train	7:25am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 20m	10:45am	Reading	No tags
Train	3:25pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 16m	6:41pm	Reading	No tags
Train	4:25pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 16m	7:41pm	Reading	No tags

Next departures for Manchester to Reading on December 15
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:25am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 20m	10:45am	Reading	Cheapest
Train	8:25am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 15m	11:40am	Reading	Fastest
Train	7:25am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 20m	10:45am	Reading	No tags
Train	8:25am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 15m	11:40am	Reading	No tags
Train	3:25pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 16m	6:41pm	Reading	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 1:43 AM GMT.

Compare 3 ways to go from Manchester to Reading

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Reading. The journey takes about 3 hours 20 minutes, and with fares starting at just $33, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

3h 20mAverage Duration

242 kmDistance

10kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$32 - $125	Average Duration9h 5m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$43 - $606	Average Duration3h 16m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average Price$33 - $59	Average Duration3h 20m	CO₂ emissions 10kg CO₂e

Train companies

CrossCountry

4.5/544 reviews

Staff4.5

Timeliness4.1

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi4.1

Based on 44 reviews, the company was rated 4.3 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the departure location but often complained with the value for money. CrossCountry ticket prices on this trip start at $43

GB train and bus companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, RegioJet, FlixTrain, Amtrak Acela

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Manchester to Reading by train

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from Manchester to Reading?
The cheapest train tickets from Manchester to Reading start at $43. The average price for this train route is around $226. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Manchester to Reading?
The average train trip from Manchester to Reading takes 3h 16m and covers 241 km. The quickest train gets you there in 3h 13m and is operated by CrossCountry.
Which train operators serve the Manchester to Reading route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 3 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Manchester to Reading?
The earliest train from Manchester to Reading departs at 7:25am. The latest train departs at 6:25pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

12-10

$216

12-11

$41

Today

$113

12-13

$54

12-14

No data

12-15

$47

12-16

$47

12-17

No data

The cheapest trip from Manchester to Reading was searched and found on Dec 11, 2025 with a price of $41

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Manchester to Reading, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $41 to $578 for a train ticket from Manchester to Reading based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $47 which is on 2025-12-16.