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Reading to Manchester by train
It takes an average of 3h 19m to travel from Reading to Manchester by train, over a distance of around 150 miles (241 km). There are normally 16 trains per day traveling from Reading to Manchester and tickets for this journey start from $27.84 when you book in advance.
| First train | 5:15 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 8:15 pm | |
| Departure station | Reading | |
| Arrival station | Manchester | |
| Journey time | From 3h 13m | |
| Distance | 150 miles (241 km) | |
| Frequency | 16 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $27.84 | |
| Train operators |
Traveling from Reading to Manchester by train
Looking to travel from Reading to Manchester by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 3 hours 19 minutes to travel from Reading to Manchester by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 3 hours 13 minutes though. You'll usually find 16 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 Manchester.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Reading to Manchester start from $27.84 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 Manchester by train, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times.
FAQs about the train journey from Reading to Manchester
Want to know more about your journey from Reading to Manchester? 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 Reading to Manchester?
How close is Reading to Manchester by train?
Is it possible to get from Reading to Manchester without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Reading to Manchester?
What time does the first train from Reading to Manchester leave?
What time does the last train from Reading to Manchester leave?
How often are trains from Reading and Manchester?
Do you need to book the train from Reading to Manchester in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Reading to Manchester?
Cheap train tickets from Reading to Manchester
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.
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 Reading to Manchester is right for you.
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.
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.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.