How much does a cheap train ticket from Reading to Manchester cost?

The average train ticket price from Reading to Manchester is £126. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Reading to Manchester is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the train trip from Reading to Manchester?

A train trip between Reading and Manchester is around 3h 14m, although the fastest train will take about 3h 14m. This is the time it takes to travel the 150 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily train are there between Reading and Manchester?

The number of trains from Reading to Manchester can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 4. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Reading to Manchester by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Reading to Manchester?

When taking the train from Reading to Manchester, you can travel comfortably and safely with CrossCountry.

Train Reading to Manchester from £26

Previously seen journeys

Next departures from Reading to Manchester on 13 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:15	Reading	3h 14m	10:29	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	08:15	Reading	3h 14m	11:29	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	15:14	Reading	3h 15m	18:29	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	15:43	Reading	3h 16m	18:59	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	16:15	Reading	3h 14m	19:29	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Compare 3 ways to travel from Reading to Manchester

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Manchester. The journey takes about 3 hours 30 minutes and with fares starting at just £19, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

3h 30mAverage duration

150 milesDistance

10kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average price£18 - £60	Average duration8h 35m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Train	Average price£28 - £337	Average duration3h 14m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average price£19 - £33	Average duration3h 30m	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 £28

GB train companies: Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, RegioJet, FlixTrain, CrossCountry

Frequently asked questions on the trip Reading - Manchester

How much does a cheap train ticket from Reading to Manchester cost?
The average train ticket price from Reading to Manchester is £126. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Reading to Manchester is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the train trip from Reading to Manchester?
A train trip between Reading and Manchester is around 3h 14m, although the fastest train will take about 3h 14m. This is the time it takes to travel the 150 miles that separates the two cities.
How many daily train are there between Reading and Manchester?
The number of trains from Reading to Manchester can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 4. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Reading to Manchester by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Reading to Manchester?
When taking the train from Reading to Manchester, you can travel comfortably and safely with CrossCountry.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

11/11

£30

12/11

£30

Today

£26

14/11

£30

15/11

£34

16/11

No data

17/11

No data

18/11

£26

The cheapest trip from Reading to Manchester was searched and found on 18 Nov 2025 with a price of £26

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

You can expect to pay from £26 to £147 for a train ticket from Reading to Manchester based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at £26, which is on 2025-11-18.