Planning a train journey from Manchester Stations to Reading? The trip usually takes about 3hrs 37 mins, covering approximately 149 miles (241 kilometres). With roughly 54 trains operating daily, you have plenty of options to suit your schedule. Booking your tickets ahead of time can snag you fares as low as £37.30, offering an economical choice for savvy travelers.
Arrival Station | Reading |
|---|---|
Departure Station | Manchester Stations |
Frequency | 54trains per day |
Journey Time | from3hrs 12 mins |
Changes | 015 direct trains |
First Train / Last Train | 05:05 / 02:17 |
Distance | 149miles (241 km) |
5 Routes | Via London Euston & London Paddington Direct Via London Euston & Ealing Broadway Via Crewe Via York |
5 Train Operators | GWR, First TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Northern Rail |
Prices | from£37.30 |
Jump on a Train from Manchester Stations to Reading – It's Quicker Than You Expect!
Considering a train trip from Manchester Stations to Reading? You’re in the right place, and the journey is faster than you might think!
Typically, the trip takes about 3hrs 37 mins. If you're rushing or eager to reach Manchester Stations, the quickest trains can get you there in just 3hrs 12 mins. With approximately 54 trains operating daily, you have plenty of options. This picturesque 149-mile (241 km) route usually requires just one change, with GWR, First TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Northern Rail providing comfortable seating and ample luggage space – because being cramped isn't anyone's idea of fun!
The best news? By booking early, you can find tickets starting at just £37.30, a significant saving compared to last-minute purchases. To save even more, consider traveling during Off-Peak hours or using a Railcard to keep your expenses down.
Ready to grab those low-cost tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest discounts and keep your budget happy. Explore more travel tips below or check our timetable for current train schedules. All aboard to Reading!
The travel time between Manchester Stations and Reading by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 3hrs 37 mins & the fastest journey takes 3hrs 12 mins.
The fastest journey time by train from Manchester Stations to Reading is 3hrs 12 mins.
Train ticket prices from Manchester Stations to Reading can start from as little as £37.30 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
The departure and arrival times for trains between Manchester Stations and Reading vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 54 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 05:05, and the last train of the day leaves at 02:17.
First class tickets on trains between Manchester Stations and Reading typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.
Amenities on trains between Manchester Stations and Reading can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.
By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Manchester Stations and Reading. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Reading, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.
Yes! There are usually around 15 direct services per day from Manchester Stations to Reading
GWR, First TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry and Northern Rail are the main train operating companies running services between Manchester Stations and Reading.
Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Manchester Stations and Reading, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.
| Sunday 27th April | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departs | Arrives | Changes | Via Stations | Duration | Operator | |
| 13:35 Manchester Piccadilly | 16:56 Reading | 2 changes | London Euston London Paddington | 3 hrs 21 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 13:55 Manchester Piccadilly | 17:26 Reading | 2 changes | London Euston London Paddington | 3 hrs 31 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 14:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 17:39 Reading | Direct | 3 hrs 14 mins | Get Tickets | ||
| 14:35 Manchester Piccadilly | 17:56 Reading | 2 changes | London Euston London Paddington | 3 hrs 21 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 14:55 Manchester Piccadilly | 18:23 Reading | 2 changes | London Euston London Paddington | 3 hrs 28 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 15:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 18:40 Reading | Direct | 3 hrs 15 mins | Get Tickets | ||
| 15:35 Manchester Piccadilly | 18:56 Reading | 2 changes | London Euston London Paddington | 3 hrs 21 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 15:55 Manchester Piccadilly | 19:23 Reading | 2 changes | London Euston London Paddington | 3 hrs 28 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 16:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 19:39 Reading | Direct | 3 hrs 14 mins | Get Tickets | ||
| 16:35 Manchester Piccadilly | 19:53 Reading | 2 changes | London Euston London Paddington | 3 hrs 18 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 16:55 Manchester Piccadilly | 20:26 Reading | 2 changes | London Euston London Paddington | 3 hrs 31 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 17:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 20:40 Reading | Direct | 3 hrs 15 mins | Get Tickets | ||
The following stations are part of this group. Click a station for more information.
Nestled in the heart of Berkshire, Reading Train Station serves as a key gateway for countless travelers. Balancing its historic charm with modern advancements, the station offers seamless connectivity across the UK. Conveniently positioned on the Great Western Main Line, it opens up quick travel interludes to both London and beyond. Whether you're a commuter, a tourist, or perhaps just someone wandering the British railways, Reading Station is geared to meet various travel needs.
Understanding the potential needs of its patrons, Reading Station furnishes extensive facilities. The ticket office operates from morning to night, opening from 06:15 to 22:00 during weekdays and Saturdays, and from 07:15 to 22:00 on Sundays. In addition, ticket machines are plentiful, and most importantly, accessible ticket machines are conveniently located for easy access. Reading Station also facilitates smart card validation, boasts an induction loop, and is reinforced with round-the-clock CCTV.
Accessibility, naturally, is a top priority here. The station provides step-free access throughout its vast span, making platforms easily reachable via lifts and bridges. Furthermore, accessible toilets, waiting rooms, and seating areas are maintained to high standards, ensuring comfort for everyone.
Shopping and dining options are abundant. Refreshment facilities, cash machines, and a selection of shops await travelers. Free public Wi-Fi adds to the comfort, making it easier to continue working or stay entertained while on the move.
Getting to your next destination is seamless with Reading Station's diverse travel connections. Taxi ranks are readily available at both station entrances, ensuring even those with accessibility needs are well-catered to. Buses, too, are nearby, although travelers should note that not all are accessible. For those traveling further afield, frequent connections to both Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are offered, with a luxurious 'RailAir' service to Heathrow and regular trains to Gatwick.
Meanwhile, cyclists can take advantage of plentiful bicycle storage options, although there's no hire facility at the station itself.
Reading's strategic location makes it a springboard for numerous journeys. For instance, you can plan rides between Reading and London Paddington, a route popular with both business travelers and tourists. If local travel is on your mind, consider the quick jaunts to locations such as Wokingham or a slightly longer trip to Oxford, famed for its prestigious university and serene landscapes.
Other notable routes include travels to Basingstoke and Gatwick Airport. Whether you're heading for a day out in the country or catching a flight, these connections speak volumes about the station's versatility.
In conclusion, Reading Train Station integrates tradition with contemporary demands, catering to an ever-growing community of travelers. With its rich array of services, useful amenities, and robust connectivity options, it’s undoubtedly an essential part of the UK's railway network. Should your next journey be one of the popular routes Reading offers—perhaps venturing towards bustling city life or serene countryside—you can rest assured that the station's comprehensive services will meet your needs splendidly. Don't miss the chance to explore what makes Reading not just a passageway, but a destination in its own right. Happy travels!