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

The bus ticket price from Reading to Manchester starts at R 396. The best way to find cheap bus 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 bus ride from Reading to Manchester?

The average travel time between Reading and Manchester is around 8h 35m, although the fastest bus will take about 7h 25m. This is the time it takes to travel the 242 km that separates the two cities.

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

The number of buses from Reading to Manchester can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 10 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Reading to Manchester by comparing and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which bus companies travel from Reading to Manchester?

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

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

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

Bus Reading to Manchester from R 332 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures from Reading to Manchester on 16 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	04:45	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	8h 15m	13:00	Shudehill	Cheapest
Bus	14:05	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	7h 45m	21:50	Manchester (Moss Lane East)	Fastest
Bus	20:50	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	8h 35m	05:25	Manchester Airport	No tags
Bus	01:30	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	11h	12:30	Shudehill	No tags
Bus	09:25	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	8h 25m	17:50	Shudehill	No tags
Bus	14:05	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	8h 5m	22:10	Shudehill	No tags
Bus	15:55	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	8h 35m	00:30	Shudehill	No tags
Bus	20:50	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	9h 20m	06:10	Shudehill	No tags

Next departures from Reading to Manchester on 17 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	04:45	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	8h 15m	13:00	Shudehill	Cheapest
Bus	14:05	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	7h 45m	21:50	Manchester (Moss Lane East)	Fastest
Bus	20:50	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	8h 35m	05:25	Manchester Airport	No tags
Bus	01:30	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	11h	12:30	Shudehill	No tags
Bus	09:25	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	8h 25m	17:50	Shudehill	No tags
Bus	14:05	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	8h 5m	22:10	Shudehill	No tags
Bus	15:55	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	8h 35m	00:30	Shudehill	No tags
Bus	20:50	Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride	9h 20m	06:10	Shudehill	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Tuesday at 3:55 PM GMT.

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 R 425, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

3h 30mAverage duration

242 kmDistance

10kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average priceR 396 - R 1 330	Average duration8h 35m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 607 - R 7 543	Average duration3h 14m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average priceR 425 - R 726	Average duration3h 30m	CO₂ emissions 10kg CO₂e

Compare bus companies

FlixBus

3.5/511 296 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.1

WiFi2.7

Megabus UK

3.5/54 269 reviews

Staff4.4

Timeliness3.4

Cleanliness4.3

WiFi2.6

Based on 4269 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 814

Megabus Reading Manchester recent customer reviews

The coach was on time , it was clean and safe to board . Driver made sure to drive safely and there was enough space to store my luggage

Buumba M.

1 September 2024

Was on time but I couldn’t change my time on the app because I made an errror and I was asked to pay 10 pounds as extra luggage while I had no luggage before I was allowed to enter with the same ticket

Regina L.

14 June 2024

Wasn’t even a mega bus coach and the coach that turned up an hour late was dirty, cramped and had no heating on one of the coldest days of the year.

Amanda S.

16 December 2022

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

Where are the popular stops in Reading and Manchester?

Stops in Reading

A - Mereoak P&R

B - Bath Road

C - 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

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Reading to Manchester by bus

How much does a bus ticket from Reading to Manchester cost?
The bus ticket price from Reading to Manchester starts at R 396. The best way to find cheap bus 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 bus ride from Reading to Manchester?
The average travel time between Reading and Manchester is around 8h 35m, although the fastest bus will take about 7h 25m. This is the time it takes to travel the 242 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily bus connections are there between Reading and Manchester?
The number of buses from Reading to Manchester can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 10 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Reading to Manchester by comparing and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which bus companies travel from Reading to Manchester?
When taking the bus from Reading to Manchester, you can travel comfortably and safely with FlixBus, Megabus UK.
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Reading to Manchester?
Buses travelling between Reading and Manchester leave from Mereoak P&R or Bath Road and arrive at Shudehill, Coach Station, Manchester Airport.

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

11/11

R 364

12/11

R 365

Today

R 384

14/11

R 395

15/11

R 363

16/11

R 703

17/11

R 444

18/11

R 339

The cheapest trip from Reading to Manchester was searched and found on 18 Nov 2025 with a price of R 339

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

You can expect to pay from R 339 to R 1 178 for a bus ticket from Reading to Manchester based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 339, which is on 2025-11-18.