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Manchester to Reading train ticket prices
€24.65
On Mon 09 Feb
Manchester to Reading train timetable
From Manchester to Reading, take the fastest train in 3h 11m, typically 3h 30m. Daily, 64 trains depart from Manchester, with the first at 00:06 and the last at 22:14. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
10:14 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 25m, 1 change | 13:39 Reading | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
10:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 4h 8m, 2 change | 14:33 Reading | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
10:34 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 19m, 1 change | 13:53 Reading | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
10:54 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 29m, 1 change | 14:23 Reading | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
11:14 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 22m, 1 change | 14:36 Reading | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
Manchester to Reading train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Manchester to Reading with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
CrossCountry: Manchester to Reading trains
Jump on board a Manchester to Reading train and marvel at the stunning views of the English countryside, North Wessex Downs and Chiltern Hills from the comfort of your seat. On average, the journey takes around 3 hours and 23 minutes.
CrossCountry services from Manchester Piccadilly to Reading run around 15 times a day. The train operator’s network is centred around Birmingham New Street, with services outside Greater London alighting at Aberdeen, Gloucester, Cardiff and other cities.
Departing from Manchester Piccadilly
CrossCountry trains to Reading depart from Manchester Piccadilly, located about a 15-minute walk away from the city centre. Two free city bus routes serve the station, and Metrolink trams stop underground to connect you to the city, suburbs in the Greater Manchester area and the airport.
As one of the busiest stations in the UK, there are many travel options available. Train operators include Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Northern and TransPennine Express. Major cities like Edinburgh, London, Bristol and Birmingham are just some of the destinations.
Main stops
Trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Reading stop at Crewe, Stafford, Birmingham New Street, Coventry, Banbury or other destinations, depending on the time, operators and routes.
Arriving at Reading
The Manchester Piccadilly to Reading train zips through to the town centre. Reading station is to the north near the River Thames and main shopping areas. There are convenient bus links taking you around Reading and across the Thames Valley.
Four train providers serve Reading station: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway and the Elizabeth line. Trains from this station connect passengers to Cardiff, Basingstoke, London, Southampton, and other destinations.
Located to the west of London, Reading is best known for its music festival and university. The town centre has a wide selection of shops, independent boutiques and stellar food markets. Discover the historic red brick buildings, Abbey Quarter and the Victorian Forbury Gardens close to the station.
CrossCountry train classes
- Standard Class: Provides comfortable seating, ample luggage space, and free WiFi. Catering is available for purchase on most services from 06:00 to 20:00, offering a variety of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and snacks.
- First Class: Offering comfortable seating with larger reclining seats and extra table space, plus free WiFi. Complimentary food and drink are available on most First Class services.
CrossCountry train travel advice
- Luggage: One small bag, one medium bag and one large suitcase (not exceeding 90 x 70 x 30 centimetres) are allowed.
- Bicycles: Bikes are permitted on board free of charge. Spaces are limited, so reservations are highly recommended. E-bikes shouldn’t exceed 250 watts.
- Children: Children under 5 travel free, and the Family and Friends Railcard offers families with kids aged 5 to 15 a 33% discount on adult fares and 60% off children's fares.
- Pets: Up to two pets are permitted on board, as long as they are kept in a carrier or on a lead at all times.
- Passenger Assist: Provide assistance at stations and on trains, or during transfers, help with luggage, offer discounts for disabled passengers, and other services.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Manchester to Reading train travel guide
Travelling by train from Manchester to Reading is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Manchester, you can reach Reading in just 3h 11m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Manchester to Reading?
Ticket prices from Manchester to Reading average around €24.65, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
How do I find the best train route from Manchester to Reading?
What is the fastest train from Manchester to Reading?
The fastest train journey time from Manchester to Reading is 3h 11m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Manchester to Reading?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Manchester to Reading. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Manchester to Reading?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Manchester to Reading train timetables?
While Manchester to Reading trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Manchester to Reading is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do Manchester to Reading trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Manchester to Reading route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the Manchester to Reading route?
The train from Manchester to Reading is operated by Avanti West Coast. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap Manchester to Reading train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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