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Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Manchester to Reading. Traveling by bus from Manchester to Reading usually takes around 4 hours and 53 minutes, but the fastest Megabus bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 150 mi (241 km) |
| Shortest duration | 4h 45m |
| Cheapest price | $18.84 |
| Trips per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Megabus |
| Bus lines | 2 |
What bus companies travel from Manchester to Reading?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Manchester to Reading that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Megabus usually offers more choice, with 5 scheduled trips per day.
First launched in Germany in 2013, FlixBus has become one of the largest intercity bus companies in Europe. Its fleet travels through nearly every country in Europe, including the U.K. FlixBus operates an average of 1 trips from Manchester to Reading, and usually makes the trip in about 8 hours and 45 minutes. On your trip, you'll enjoy Wi-Fi and live GPS, as well as restrooms, air conditioning, and power outlets.
Founded in 2003, Megabus UK was created to provide travelers with greener, more straightforward and smarter travel. The carrier has routes all across the United Kingdom in England, Scotland, and Wales. The Megabus UK fleet, easily distinguishable by its dark blue and yellow colors, has free Wi-Fi, outlets and charging ports, onboard restrooms, and 20 kg luggage allowances on each bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 53 minutes to cover the 150 miles from Manchester to Reading. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 45 minutes. In other words, you'll have plenty of time to rest and relax on the road. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Reading at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
The first bus leaves at 3:00am and the last bus leaves at 8:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Manchester to Reading, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Manchester to Reading every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Manchester to Reading without transferring.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Manchester to Reading; ticket prices start at $67.66.
City Information
Manchester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Most recognizable for its world-famous football team, Manchester is a modern, vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that will appeal to explorers of all kinds. Often referred to as "The Capital of the North," Manchester is also known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Visitors can relive this booming era by taking a trip to the Science and Industry Museum to see how this previously small town changed the world's ideas of industry and manufacturing forever. These days, Manchester is famous for its music and art scene, with it being the birthplace of bands like The Smiths and Oasis.
Art and music-lovers may want to visit Afflecks, a vast and eclectic emporium of all things indie and grunge, to purchase records, artwork, and memorabilia, among many other things. Manchester is also home to 15 parks and gardens, with Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens among the most popular. This park provides a beautiful setting for picnics and scenic walks, perfect for when you need an escape from the bustling city.
And if you really are only here for Man U, both Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are stops on our itinerary to visit every premier league stadium in England.
With three large train stations—Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria—Manchester is easily accessible via rail. National Express and Megabus coaches also allow access from all over the country. In addition, Manchester Airport houses three large terminals, which provide global entry to the city.
Reading
Image credit: Reading Tom
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Reading Tom
Link to image attributionLocated only 20 minutes west of London, Reading is a large university and market town in the English county of Berkshire. Reading has an intriguing mix of the past and the present, with a vibrant student scene thriving among the city's medieval and Victorian architecture.
Reading sits on the River Thames, at the end-point of the Kennet and Avon Canal, so there are a number of pretty riverside walks to take in the scenery. Explore the gardens and meet the animals at Beadle Wildlife Park, a vast park crisscrossed with nature trails.
To discover the town's past, visit the Reading Museum, where you can take a trip through time from early Saxon settlements to the Industrial Revolution through 21st-century life.
Since Reading is home to a large university, you are always guaranteed exciting nightlife. Filled with many restaurants, pubs, bars, and clubs, Reading is the perfect place for a night on the town. Try The Nag's Head, The Lyndhurst, or The Purple Turtle to start your night right.
Because Reading is only a short way from London, getting to Reading is simple. Fly to one of London's large international airports for access from around the world. Reading Train Station is also one of Britain's main railway interchanges, making it easy to reach from all over the country by train. National Express buses also operate through the city from many destinations around the United Kingdom.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Manchester?
Main departure station: Shudehill Interchange (Stand G)
Manchester has two bus stations with service to Reading.
All bus stations in Manchester:
Shudehill Interchange (Stand G)
Thomas Street - Stop Nn
Where does the bus arrive in Reading?
Main arrival station: North Interchange
Buses arrive in Reading at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Reading:
North Interchange
Trooper Potts Way
University - Christchurch Green
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Reading to Manchester?
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