Bus from Reading to Manchester: Tickets & Timetables

Next bus departures

Next departures from Reading to Manchester on 22 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
FlixbusBus
Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride
ShudehillCheapest
FlixbusBus
Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride
Manchester (Moss Lane East)Fastest
FlixbusBus
Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride
Manchester AirportNo tags
FlixbusBus
Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride
ShudehillNo tags
FlixbusBus
Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Park & Ride
ShudehillNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Wednesday at 6:42 PM GMT.

Compare 3 ways to travel from Reading to Manchester

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Manchester. The journey takes about 3 hours 10 minutes and with fares starting at just R 449, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day
3h 10mAverage duration
242 kmDistance
10kgCO₂ emissions
Average priceR 331 - R 1 203Average duration8h 25m
6kg CO₂e
Average priceR 522 - R 7 453Average duration3h 14m
6kg CO₂e
Carpool
Average priceR 449 - R 718Average duration3h 10m
10kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Reading to Manchester by bus

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

  1. How much is the bus ticket from Reading to Manchester?

    The cheapest bus tickets from Reading to Manchester start at R 331. The average price for this route is around R 572. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the bus journey from Reading to Manchester?

    The average bus journey time from Reading to Manchester is 8h 25m, covering a distance of 244 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 4h 10m and is operated by Megabus UK.

  3. Which bus companies service the Reading to Manchester route?

    Several major bus companies operate on this route with 10 buses available per day, including services from FlixBus, Megabus UK.

  4. What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Reading to Manchester?

    The earliest bus departs from Reading to Manchester at 01:30. And the latest bus departs at 20:50.

  5. What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Reading to Manchester?

    A bus trip from Reading to Manchester produces an estimated 6 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.

  6. What is the best bus company from Reading to Manchester?

    According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Megabus UK, with an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars based on 4290 reviews.

  7. Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Reading to Manchester?

    Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company FlixBus has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 2.7.

  8. Which bus company offers the most punctual service from Reading to Manchester?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is FlixBus, with a punctuality rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

  9. Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Reading to Manchester?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Megabus UK, with a cleanliness rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found
19/12
R 745
20/12
R 756
Today
R 744
22/12
R 518
23/12
R 618
24/12
R 817
25/12
No data
26/12
No data
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Reading to Manchester was searched and found on 22 Dec 2025 with a price of R 518

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Reading to Manchester as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from R 518 to R 1 168 for a bus ticket from Reading to Manchester based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 518, which is on 2025-12-22.

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