Reading to Manchester from $19: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Reading to Manchester: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$19 by busBest price
151 milesDistance
3h 14m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Reading to Manchester with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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| Type | Mo 20/01 | Tu 21/01 | We 22/01 | Th 23/01 | Fr 24/01 | Sa 25/01 | Su 26/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $18 | $25 | $25 | $25 | $24 | $23 | $21 |
| Train | $36 | $233 | $26 | $114 | $61 | $74 | $51 |
| Fly | $109 | $148 | $243 | $46 | $159 | $110 | $81 |
Traveling From Reading to Manchester
The journey from Reading to Manchester opens up a tapestry of experiences, with Reading's quaint charm contrasting sharply against Manchester's vibrant urban energy.
Best Neighbourhoods in Manchester
Manchester boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.
Northern Quarter
• Known for its indie shops and street art.
• Home to vibrant music and nightlife scenes.
Deansgate
• Features upscale dining and shopping options.
• Major cultural attractions like the Museum of Manchester.
Castlefield
• Offers scenic canals and historic architecture.
• Great for relaxed strolls and outdoor dining.
Best Times To Visit Manchester's Attractions
Planning your visit to Manchester? Timing can enhance your experience at popular spots.
Manchester Museum
Weekday mornings offer a quieter atmosphere for exploring exhibits.
The Lowry
Visit during midweek afternoons for fewer crowds and relaxed viewing.
Etihad Stadium
Catch matches on a weekday evening for a vibrant but less congested experience.
Manchester Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Manchester experiences a maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters, often accompanied by rain throughout the year. Visiting during late spring or early autumn typically offers more pleasant weather, making outdoor activities and sightseeing more enjoyable.
Dining in Manchester: A Culinary Adventure
For a culinary experience that contrasts with Reading, try the iconic Manchester dish, the Manchester Tart, or visit Dishoom for its vibrant Bombay-style cuisine. The lively atmosphere, bold flavors, and use of local ingredients create a dining experience in Manchester that feels dynamic and exciting, setting it apart from the more traditional offerings found in Reading.
Reading - Manchester operators
Explore transport companies operating between Reading and Manchester, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
0344 736 9123Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/
Train from Reading to Manchester Piccadilly
Average Duration
3h 14mEstimated price
$100-290Contact phone
+44 3457 000 125Website
https://www.gwr.com/
Train from Reading to London Paddington
Average Duration
41mEstimated price
$21-55Contact phone
0343 222 1234Website
https://tfl.gov.uk/
Train from Reading to London Paddington
Average Duration
53mEstimated price
$11-28Website
https://uk.megabus.com
Bus from Reading North Interchange to Manchester Shudehill Interchange
Average Duration
4h 45mEstimated price
$19-28Website
britishairways.com
Plane from London Heathrow (LHR) to Manchester (MAN)
Average Duration
1h 1mEstimated price
$55-330Reading to Manchester: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Reading and Manchester offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic journey from Reading to Manchester by car, covering a driving distance of 299.3 km. With an approximate travel time of 3 hours and 19 minutes, prepare for a comfortable ride through picturesque landscapes.
💷 Plan your trip flexibly as the prices for driving from Reading to Manchester range from £47 to £71.
Average price
£47 - £70
🚆 Hop on a direct train from Reading to Manchester Piccadilly operated by CrossCountry. The journey, lasting approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes, offers a convenient way to travel between the two cities.
🎟️ Ticket prices for the train between Reading and Manchester typically range from £79 to £229, offering different fare options to suit various budgets.
Departure Point
Reading station
Arrival Point
Manchester Piccadilly station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Reading to Manchester, you'll primarily be traveling with operators like Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry. Avanti offers a range of onboard catering services including a café bar with snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. They have a 'Table Service' option in First Class for enjoying meals directly at your seat, while CrossCountry provides a trolley service with light refreshments on selected routes.
• On this route, Avanti West Coast offers both Standard Class and First Class seating options. Standard Class is comfortable and can include table seats, while First Class provides additional space, complimentary snacks and drinks, and quieter environments. CrossCountry also typically offers Standard and First Class options, with amenities varying by service. Be sure to book the class that fits your preferences for comfort and service.
• Upon arriving at Manchester Piccadilly, you'll find that the station is well-equipped for travelers. There are luggage lockers available for short-term storage, as well as clean restrooms throughout the station. If you require shower facilities, the nearby Virgin Active gym offers day passes for travelers who want to freshen up. To get to the city center fast, take the Metrolink tram (service line 1) directly from Piccadilly station; this will get you to the heart of the city in about 10 minutes.
🛫 Embark on a quick and convenient journey from Reading to Manchester by taking a direct flight from London Heathrow Airport. The flight duration is just 1 hour, allowing you to reach your destination swiftly.
Departure Point
London Heathrow Airport
Arrival Point
Manchester Airport
🚌 The journey by bus from Reading to Manchester takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, with services departing five times a day. Operated by Megabus UK, the direct route goes from Reading North Interchange to Manchester Shudehill Interchange.
🌆 Enjoy the scenic views along the way as you travel through the English countryside from Reading to Manchester. With affordable fares ranging from £15 to £22, it's a budget-friendly way to explore these two vibrant cities.
Departure Point
Reading North Interchange station
Arrival Point
Manchester Shudehill Interchange station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Upon arriving at Manchester Shudehill Interchange, familiarize yourself with the transport links available, such as the Metrolink tram and local bus services; a handy map of these connections can be found [here](https://tfgm.com/public-transport/tram) to help you navigate your onward journey.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Reading to Manchester.
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The distance between Reading and Manchester is approximately 243.0 km by road. If you choose to travel by train, it takes 3 hours and 14 minutes to reach Manchester from Reading. Another option is to take a train and then fly, which takes around 3 hours and 24 minutes. Alternatively, if you prefer to drive, it takes about 3 hours and 19 minutes by car. Lastly, taking a bus from Reading to Manchester is the longest travel time, with a duration of 4 hours and 20 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Reading to Manchester is by bus, which costs between £19-£27. However, this option takes 4 hours and 20 minutes, which is longer than other modes of transportation. If time is a priority, the quickest option is to take the train, which takes 3 hours and 14 minutes. However, train tickets are more expensive, ranging from £75-£236.
The cost of traveling by train from Reading to Manchester can range from £75 to £236, depending on the type of ticket and booking. On the other hand, taking a bus from Manchester to Reading is generally more affordable, with prices varying from £19 to £27.
To travel from Reading to Manchester without using public transportation, you can drive the distance, which is approximately 299.3 km. The journey takes around 3 hours and 19 minutes by car.
The most convenient way to travel from Reading to Manchester without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes, and ticket prices range from £75 to £236.
Yes, there is a direct link between Reading and Manchester. CrossCountry operates a direct train service that departs from Reading and arrives at Manchester Piccadilly station. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes. Additionally, Megabus UK operates a direct bus service that departs from Reading and arrives at Manchester Shudehill Interchange. The bus journey takes approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes.
The flight between Reading and Manchester typically takes 1 hour. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors, but it is typically around $100-150. It is worth noting that this is a direct flight from London Heathrow Airport to Manchester Airport, so there would be additional travel time and cost to get from Reading to the airport.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Manchester. With over 1539 hotels to choose from, you will have no shortage of choices. Prices start at just £23, so there are options available for different budgets.
Trips from Reading
- Reading to Swindon
- Reading to Oxford
- Reading to Wokingham
- Reading to London
- Reading to Bracknell
- Reading to Leeds (West Yorkshire)
- Reading to Slough
- Reading to Basingstoke
- Reading to Southampton
- Reading to Guildford
- Reading to Bournemouth
- Reading to Portsmouth
- Reading to Milton Keynes
- Reading to Thatcham
- Reading to Liverpool
- Reading to Exeter
- Reading to Brighton
- Reading to Northampton
- Reading to Windsor
- Reading to Bath
- Reading to Luton (Bedfordshire)
- Reading to Birmingham
- Reading to Woking
- Reading to Winchester
- Reading to Coventry
- Reading to Leicester
- Reading to Southall
- Reading to Plymouth
- Reading to Aldershot
- Reading to Twickenham
- Reading to Didcot
- Reading to Farnborough (Hampshire)
- Reading to Henley-on-Thames
- Reading to Cardiff
- Reading to Ascot (Berkshire)
- Reading to Maidenhead
- Reading to Newbury (Berkshire)
- Reading to High Wycombe
- Reading to Bristol
- Reading to Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)
Trips to Manchester
- Birmingham to Manchester
- Dublin to Manchester
- Paris to Manchester
- Amsterdam to Manchester
- Cardiff to Manchester
- Oxford to Manchester
- Southampton to Manchester
- Leicester to Manchester
- Glasgow to Manchester
- Belfast to Manchester
- Liverpool to Manchester
- Bristol to Manchester
- Huddersfield to Manchester
- London to Manchester
- Sheffield to Manchester
- Nottingham to Manchester
- York to Manchester
- Wolverhampton to Manchester
- Burnley to Manchester
- Newcastle upon Tyne to Manchester
- Leeds (West Yorkshire) to Manchester
- Crewe to Manchester
- Milton Keynes to Manchester
- Blackburn (Lancashire) to Manchester
- Glossop to Manchester
- Wigan to Manchester
- Warrington to Manchester
- Rochdale to Manchester
- Carlisle (Cumbria) to Manchester
- Bolton to Manchester
- Chester to Manchester
- Edinburgh to Manchester
- Aberdeen to Manchester
- Preston (Lancashire) to Manchester
- Luton (Bedfordshire) to Manchester
- Bradford (West Yorkshire) to Manchester
- Macclesfield to Manchester
- Lancaster to Manchester
- Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester
- Inverness to Manchester