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Manchester to Reading by train
It takes an average of 3h 18m to travel from Manchester to Reading by train, over a distance of around 150 miles (241 km). There are normally 17 trains per day traveling from Manchester to Reading and tickets for this journey start from $28.88 when you book in advance.
| First train | 4:11 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 8:25 pm | |
| Departure station | Manchester | |
| Arrival station | Reading | |
| Journey time | From 3h 12m | |
| Distance | 150 miles (241 km) | |
| Frequency | 17 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $28.88 | |
| Train operators |
Traveling by train from Manchester to Reading
Want to travel from Manchester to Reading by train? Start your journey with us.
It takes 3 hours 18 minutes on average to travel from Manchester to Reading by train. There are around 17 trains per day on this route.
Direct trains operate on this route.
Traveling from Manchester to Reading can cost from $28.88. If you want cheaper tickets, it's often a good idea to book in advance.
Our Journey Planner is the place to find the latest times, tickets and prices.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Manchester to Reading?
Want to know more about your journey from Manchester to Reading? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from Manchester to Reading?
How close is Manchester to Reading by train?
Is it possible to get from Manchester to Reading without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Reading?
What time does the first train from Manchester to Reading leave?
What time does the last train from Manchester to Reading leave?
How often are trains from Manchester and Reading?
Do you need to book the train from Manchester to Reading in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Manchester to Reading?
How do I find cheap train tickets from Manchester to Reading?
Planning a trip to the UK soon? As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.
1. Book in advance
Train tickets from Manchester to Reading start at $28.88§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.
2. Sign up to Ticket Alert
If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.
3. Book split tickets
Our handy feature SplitSave will ‘split’ your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.
4. Travel Off-Peak
If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper than Anytime tickets in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.
§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.