- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Barnstaple to Manchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£75
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£76
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
6 h 38 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
6 h 38 m
Trains on 18 Sept
2
Distance
294 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Barnstaple to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barnstaple to Manchester will cost around £76 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £75.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Barnstaple to Manchester, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 294 km distance in an average of 6 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 38 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 38 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
8:356h38Barnstaple15:13Manchester£751One-way0 changes
9:356h38Barnstaple16:13Manchester£761One-way0 changes
- 9:356h38Barnstaple16:13Manchester£761One-way0 changes
- 8:356h38Barnstaple15:13Manchester£751One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Barnstaple to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Barnstaple to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £43 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 59m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £43, while a flight costs an average of £92.
Distance: 294 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£70 Average Price | £43 Average Price Cheapest | £92 Average Price | £69 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 25m Average total duration 5h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 39m Average total duration 8h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 59m Average total duration Fastest 59m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Barnstaple to Manchester is a coach with an average price of £43.
This is compared to other travel options from Barnstaple to Manchester:
A coach is £27 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Barnstaple to Manchester costing on average £70.
A coach is £49 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Barnstaple to Manchester costing on average £92.
The fastest way to travel from Barnstaple to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 59m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 55m.
Coach takes on average 8h 9m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Barnstaple and Manchester including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £70 compared to roughly £69 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-0.63. The journey takes 5h 55m versus 4h 56m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Barnstaple to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Barnstaple to Manchester trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:35 Barnstaple | 6h38 | 16:13 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Barnstaple to Manchester by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
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24 Sept
Why should you book Barnstaple to Manchester trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) and more offer trains services from Barnstaple to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Barnstaple to Manchester.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Barnstaple to Manchester.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Barnstaple to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Barnstaple to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Barnstaple to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Barnstaple to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Barnstaple to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 but you can travel from only £40 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:42, the last at 18:25. The fastest train covers the 294 km distance in 5h 24m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £40
Distance 294 km |
Average train duration 5h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £49 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 24m |
First train 4:42 |
Last train 18:25 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 2 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £40
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Barnstaple to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Barnstaple and Manchester from £40. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
5h 24m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£49
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Transport for Wales
About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
8h 37m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£79
Transport for Wales frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
6h 38m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£75
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
5h 24m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£298
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Manchester
Things to do in Manchester
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
- Must visit
Manchester Museum
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
- Must visit
Manchester Art Gallery
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
- Recommended
Albert Square
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
- Recommended
Oldham Street
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
Rag Pudding
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
A hearty hotpot of slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. A long-standing North West comfort dish served across Manchester pubs.
- Gluten-free
Manchester Tripe
A rich tripe stew cooked with onions, milk and stock. It was a classic working-class Manchester meal linked to the city’s historic tripe trade.
mana
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
The Winston Churchill
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
The Black Friar
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.
Bee Network app
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1.40
- Day pass
- £6.10
To the city centre
Manchester Piccadilly -> Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Use contactless tap and go on Bee Network buses and trams for capped fares. Always use the same card or device for every tap.
- The Bee Network app is the official app for journey planning, live departures and buying tram and bus tickets.
FAQs: Barnstaple to Manchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barnstaple to Manchester by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Barnstaple to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £49, while the average price tends to be around £70.
The train journey from Barnstaple to Manchester covers a distance of 294 km and takes approximately 5h 24m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Barnstaple to Manchester is 294 km.
The first train from Barnstaple to Manchester leaves at 4:42.
The last train from Barnstaple to Manchester departs at 18:25.
Trains from Barnstaple to Manchester run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Barnstaple to Manchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Barnstaple to Manchester.
To get from Barnstaple to Manchester, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Barnstaple to Manchester.
The train station in Barnstaple that goes to Manchester is Barnstaple station (BNP), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The cheapest way to get from Barnstaple to Manchester is by coach, costing approximately £40.
Booking trains from Barnstaple to Manchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Barnstaple to Manchester offers scenic views, particularly as it travels through the rolling hills and countryside of Devon and Somerset, providing a picturesque experience before reaching the more urban landscapes further north.
A day trip from Barnstaple to Manchester is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 24m. Trains for this route run 6 times per day over a distance of 294 km.
In Manchester, you can explore Old Trafford, the iconic stadium of Manchester United, and the Northern Quarter, known for its independent shops and street art. Enjoy performances at the Manchester Opera House and experience the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks. Relax at Heaton Park, one of Europe's largest municipal parks. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery and the Science and Industry Museum. Admire Manchester Cathedral's Gothic architecture and the John Rylands Library's rare collections. Stroll through Castlefield, with its Roman ruins and picturesque canals.
A stay of 2 to 4 days in Manchester is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, including museums, historical sites, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Barnstaple to Manchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Barnstaple and Manchester
Most Barnstaple to Manchester trains use the Barnstaple to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Oxford Road. Use this guide to compare Barnstaple and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Barnstaple
Arrival train stations in Manchester
Which Barnstaple station do trains to Manchester leave from?
Trains from Barnstaple to Manchester leave from Barnstaple. The station is 1 km from Barnstaple city centre at Barnstaple station, Station Road, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 2AU.
BarnstapleBarnstaple station, Station Road, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 2AU+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Barnstaple from Barnstaple city centre
Bus21, 21A, 372, 301, 71, 72, 319, 155, 15, 21B, 310, 309, 303, 19, 5B, 85 · 5m · £2 · every ~31 min
301, 921, 21B, 310, 309, 303, 19 · 9m · £2 · every ~14 min
Barnstaple train station facilities and services
Barnstaple has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Station Masters Cafe
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Barnstaple.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Barnstaple: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Barnstaple: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Barnstaple: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - step free access available to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Manchester station do trains from Barnstaple arrive at?
Trains from Barnstaple to Manchester most often arrive at Manchester Piccadilly. Some services arrive at Manchester Oxford Road, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Manchester arrival station.
Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · £2 · every ~56 min
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Oxford RoadManchester Oxford Road station, Station Approach, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 6FU
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre
Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 5m · £2 · every ~224 min
T1 · 1h 7m
Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services
Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Barnstaple
More options for your journey from Barnstaple to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Manchester and Barnstaple
Most popular train connections to Manchester
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