How much does a bus ticket from Manchester to Reading cost?

The bus ticket price from Manchester to Reading starts at R 430. The best way to find cheap bus tickets from Manchester to Reading 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 bus ride from Manchester to Reading?

The average travel time between Manchester and Reading is around 9h, although the fastest bus will take about 8h 5m. This is the time it takes to travel the 242 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily bus connections are there between Manchester and Reading?

The number of buses from Manchester to Reading can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 9 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Manchester to Reading by comparing and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which bus companies travel from Manchester to Reading?

When taking the bus from Manchester to Reading, you can travel comfortably and safely with FlixBus, Megabus UK.

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Manchester to Reading?

Buses travelling between Manchester and Reading leave from Shudehill or Coach Station and arrive at Mereoak P&R, Bath Road, Reading.

Bus Manchester to Reading from R 348 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures from Manchester to Reading on 15 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	18:00	Shudehill	10h 40m	04:40	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	Cheapest
Bus	12:15	Manchester (Moss Lane East)	8h 5m	20:20	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	Fastest
Bus	06:00	Shudehill	9h 25m	15:25	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	No tags
Bus	12:00	Shudehill	8h 20m	20:20	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	No tags
Bus	17:00	Shudehill	8h 25m	01:25	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	No tags
Bus	23:59	Shudehill	9h 21m	09:20	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	No tags
Bus	00:20	Manchester (Moss Lane East)	9h	09:20	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	No tags
Bus	06:20	Manchester (Moss Lane East)	9h 5m	15:25	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Sunday at 2:47 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 10 minutes and with fares starting at just R 483, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

3h 10mAverage duration

242 kmDistance

10kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average priceR 430 - R 1 406	Average duration9h	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 545 - R 3 843	Average duration3h 16m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average priceR 483 - R 513	Average duration3h 10m	CO₂ emissions 10kg CO₂e

Compare bus companies

FlixBus

3.5/511 306 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.1

WiFi2.7

Megabus UK

3.5/54 270 reviews

Staff4.4

Timeliness3.4

Cleanliness4.3

WiFi2.6

Based on 4270 reviews, the company was rated 3.6 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the staff but often complained with the Wi-Fi. Megabus UK ticket prices on this trip start at R 821

Megabus Manchester Reading recent customer reviews

Seat wasn’t comfortable and bus was very cold hope no heaters inside

Shameem B.

1 April 2024

Great experience, polite staff

Michelle L.

3 May 2023

Adequate and Expected

Dom R.

7 November 2022

GB Bus Companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Trenitalia, Sindbad

Where are the popular stops in Manchester and Reading?

Stops in Manchester

A - Shudehill

B - Coach Station

C - Manchester Airport

D - 56 Great Bridgewater St

E - City of Manchester Stadium

F - Manchester Coach Station

Stops in Reading

A - Mereoak P&R

B - Bath Road

C - Reading

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Manchester to Reading by bus

How much does a bus ticket from Manchester to Reading cost?
The bus ticket price from Manchester to Reading starts at R 430. The best way to find cheap bus tickets from Manchester to Reading 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 bus ride from Manchester to Reading?
The average travel time between Manchester and Reading is around 9h, although the fastest bus will take about 8h 5m. This is the time it takes to travel the 242 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily bus connections are there between Manchester and Reading?
The number of buses from Manchester to Reading can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 9 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Manchester to Reading by comparing and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which bus companies travel from Manchester to Reading?
When taking the bus from Manchester to Reading, you can travel comfortably and safely with FlixBus, Megabus UK.
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Manchester to Reading?
Buses travelling between Manchester and Reading leave from Shudehill or Coach Station and arrive at Mereoak P&R, Bath Road, Reading.

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

12/11

R 698

13/11

R 389

Today

R 511

15/11

R 521

16/11

No data

17/11

R 395

18/11

R 348

19/11

R 385

The cheapest trip from Manchester to Reading was searched and found on 18 Nov 2025 with a price of R 348

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

You can expect to pay from R 348 to R 1 188 for a bus ticket from Manchester to Reading based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 348, which is on 2025-11-18.