Train from Manchester to Reading: Tickets & Timetables

Next train departures

Next departures from Manchester to Reading on 15 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
CrossCountryTrain
Manchester Piccadilly
ReadingCheapest
CrossCountryTrain
Manchester Piccadilly
ReadingFastest
CrossCountryTrain
Manchester Piccadilly
ReadingNo tags
CrossCountryTrain
Manchester Piccadilly
ReadingNo tags
CrossCountryTrain
Manchester Piccadilly
ReadingNo tags

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

Compare 3 ways to travel 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 R 402, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day
3h 20mAverage duration
242 kmDistance
10kgCO₂ emissions
Average priceR 383 - R 1 520Average duration9h 5m
6kg CO₂e
Average priceR 519 - R 7 418Average duration3h 16m
6kg CO₂e
Carpool
Average priceR 402 - R 716Average duration3h 20m
10kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Manchester to Reading by train

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

  1. How much is the train ticket from Manchester to Reading?

    The cheapest train tickets from Manchester to Reading start from R 519. The average price for this train route is around R 2 762. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the train journey from Manchester to Reading?

    The average train journey time from Manchester to Reading is 3h 16m, covering a distance of 241 km. The quickest train can get you there in 3h 13m and is operated by CrossCountry.

  3. Which train operators serve the Manchester to Reading route?

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

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

    The earliest train from Manchester to Reading departs at 07:25. And the latest train departs at 18:25.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found
10/12
R 2 638
11/12
R 500
Today
R 1 376
13/12
R 658
14/12
No data
15/12
R 570
16/12
R 570
17/12
No data
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Manchester to Reading was searched and found on 11 Dec 2025 with a price of R 500

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 R 500 to R 7 068 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 R 570, which is on 2025-12-16.

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