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Trains from Manchester Stations to
Reading Stations

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Manchester Stations to Reading Stations by train

Planning a train journey from Manchester Stations to Reading Stations? 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.

Manchester Stations to Reading Stations Key Stats

Arrival Station

Reading Stations

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

5 Train Operators

Prices

from£37.30

Travelling from Manchester Stations to Reading Stations by Train

Jump on a Train from Manchester Stations to Reading Stations – It's Quicker Than You Expect!

Considering a train trip from Manchester Stations to Reading Stations? 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 First TransPennine Express, GWR, 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 Stations!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between Manchester Stations and Reading Stations

Curious about your trip from Manchester Stations to Reading Stations? We've put together answers to the most commonly asked questions from our customers to make planning your journey easier.

How long does it take to travel between Manchester Stations and Reading Stations by train?

The travel time between Manchester Stations and Reading Stations 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.

What's the fastest journey time between Manchester Stations and Reading Stations by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Manchester Stations to Reading Stations is 3hrs 12 mins.

How much does the train from Manchester Stations to Reading Stations cost?

Train ticket prices from Manchester Stations to Reading Stations 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.

What are the departure and arrival times for trains between Manchester Stations and Reading Stations?

The departure and arrival times for trains between Manchester Stations and Reading Stations 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.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between Manchester Stations and Reading Stations?

First class tickets on trains between Manchester Stations and Reading Stations typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.

What amenities are available on trains between Manchester Stations and Reading Stations?

Amenities on trains between Manchester Stations and Reading Stations can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Manchester Stations to Reading Stations by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Manchester Stations and Reading Stations. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Reading Stations, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.

Is it possible to take a direct train from Manchester Stations to Reading Stations?

Yes! There are usually around 15 direct services per day from Manchester Stations to Reading Stations

What train companies run services from Manchester Stations to Reading Stations?

First TransPennine Express, GWR, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry and Northern Rail are the main train operating companies running services between Manchester Stations and Reading Stations.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between Manchester Stations and Reading Stations?

Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Manchester Stations and Reading Stations, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.

When are Manchester Stations to Reading Stations Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from Manchester Stations to Reading Stations on Friday 25th April 2025, with our handy timetable below.

Alternatively, you can view the full day's schedule or search for a different date here!

Friday 25th April
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
12:55 Manchester Piccadilly16:23 Reading2 changesLondon Euston
London Paddington
3 hrs 28 mins Get Tickets
13:15 Manchester Piccadilly16:38 Reading2 changesLondon Euston
London Paddington
3 hrs 23 mins Get Tickets
13:25 Manchester Piccadilly16:40 ReadingDirect3 hrs 15 mins Get Tickets
13:35 Manchester Piccadilly16:53 Reading2 changesLondon Euston
London Paddington
3 hrs 18 mins Get Tickets
13:55 Manchester Piccadilly17:23 Reading2 changesLondon Euston
London Paddington
3 hrs 28 mins Get Tickets
14:25 Manchester Piccadilly17:40 ReadingDirect3 hrs 15 mins Get Tickets
14:35 Manchester Piccadilly17:53 Reading2 changesLondon Euston
London Paddington
3 hrs 18 mins Get Tickets
14:55 Manchester Piccadilly18:22 Reading2 changesLondon Euston
London Paddington
3 hrs 27 mins Get Tickets
15:25 Manchester Piccadilly18:41 ReadingDirect3 hrs 16 mins Get Tickets
15:35 Manchester Piccadilly18:57 Reading2 changesLondon Euston
London Paddington
3 hrs 22 mins Get Tickets
15:55 Manchester Piccadilly19:21 Reading2 changesLondon Euston
London Paddington
3 hrs 26 mins Get Tickets
16:15 Manchester Piccadilly19:38 Reading2 changesLondon Euston
London Paddington
3 hrs 23 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for Manchester Stations to Reading Stations journeys?

From booking in Advance, to our FairSplits, here are our tips for you to find the best price

Advance Tickets

A single ticket for one journey leaving at a specific date and time.

The rule is: the sooner you book the cheaper they are. Usually the cheapest, but least flexible.

Advance fares from Manchester Stations to Reading Stations start from as little as £37.30

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak Tickets

Offering greater flexibility than Advances, Off-Peak tickets offer travel during less busy times of day trading off more flexibility in the Off-Peak windows but for still discounted fares.

Anytime Tickets

Anytime tickets are fully flexible allowing travel at any time of the day. Brilliant if you don’t want the pressure of clock watching, returning when you want

With our FairSplit technology, you can save up to 90% on the cost of train travel.

The biggest saving our customers have made travelling from Manchester Stations to Reading Stations is £27.10 & the average saving on this route is £8.59!

Travelling in a group? We can save you even more!

Unlike other split ticketing sites, you can enter multiple railcards in a single search on traintickets.com. We will find you the best price using all possible combinations of your railcards in conjunction with our split ticketing technology & GroupSave.

When you do a search on traintickets.com we check all the cheapest prices automatically

Manchester Stations

The following stations are part of this group. Click a station for more information.

Reading Stations

The following stations are part of this group. Click a station for more information.