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Trains from Manchester to Reading

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Manchester to Reading

Manchester to Reading by train

It takes an average of 3h 26m to travel from Manchester to Reading by train, over a distance of around 150 miles (241 km). There are normally 31 trains per day traveling from Manchester to Reading and tickets for this journey start from $37.20 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

31 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From $37.20

Train operators

CrossCountry

Traveling from Manchester to Reading by train

Looking to travel from Manchester to Reading by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 3 hours 26 minutes to travel from Manchester to Reading by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 3 hours 12 minutes though. You'll usually find 31 trains per day running along the 241 km route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won't need to make any changes on your way to Reading.

Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Manchester to Reading start from $37.20 when you book in advance, so start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.

If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Reading by train, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times.

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.

How do I travel from Manchester to Reading?

You can get from Manchester to Reading in 3 hours and 26 minutes on average, with the fastest trains taking just 3 hours and 12 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details on times, tickets and prices.

How long does the train from Manchester to Reading take?

The average journey time by train between Manchester and Reading is 3 hours and 26 minutes, with around 31 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

How much does the train from Manchester to Reading cost?

Train tickets from Manchester to Reading can start from as little as $37.20 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book.

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

The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to Reading is 3 hours and 12 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Manchester to Reading?

The price of train tickets from Manchester to Reading starts at $37.20 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

1. Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

2. Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Manchester to Reading is right for you.

3. Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

4. Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

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.

What are my ticket options for this journey?

If you're like us, you've probably seen the sheer number of ticket types available in the UK and wondered "Why are there so many?!" To help, we've put together a handy guide to the main UK ticket types, simply tap the one you’re interested in to find out more.

Advance train tickets

Single tickets released ahead of time for a specific time and date. Generally, the sooner you book, the cheaper these tickets are likely to be.

Anytime train tickets

Flexible tickets that allow you to travel at any time of the day. Perfect if you have to be somewhere but aren’t sure for how long.

First Class train tickets

Fancy traveling in style? Enjoy perks like more spacious seating, complimentary refreshments and lounge access with First Class train tickets.

GroupSave train tickets

Save up to 1/3 when traveling with a group of 3 to 9 people on eligible single or return journeys at Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak times.

Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak train tickets

Available at quieter times of the day, Off-Peak tickets offer the flexibility of traveling at any time during the Off-Peak window and discounted fares.

Return train tickets

Return tickets combine your outward and return journey into a single ticket. Choose from a Day or Open Return ticket for more flexibility on travel dates.

Family train tickets

Traveling with your family? There are plenty of family offers to help you save money, including Kids for a Quid tickets for children aged 5-15 and Off-Peak Family Travelcards.

* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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