The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter Central (EXC) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Cheapest price
£44
Average price
£65
Fastest journey
5 h 58 m
Average duration
6 h 25 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
319 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter Central (EXC) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter Central (EXC) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) will cost around £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.
Of the 3 trains that leave Exeter Central (EXC) for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 319 km distance in an average of 6 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 58 m .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 17 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.






Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Exeter Central (EXC) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter Central (EXC) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, and a train costs an average of £40.
Distance: 319 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£63 Average Price | £30 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 10m Average total duration Fastest 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 16m Average total duration 6h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Exeter Central (EXC) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train times
The table below shows live departures for Exeter Central (EXC) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trains for today, Friday 5 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 07:34 Exeter Central (EXC) | 6h39 | 14:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Exeter Central (EXC) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
06 Dec
07 Dec
08 Dec
09 Dec
10 Dec
11 Dec
12 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Exeter Central (EXC) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Trains from Exeter Central (EXC) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:16, the last at 18:14. The fastest train covers the 319 km distance in 4h 14m.
Distance 319 km |
Average train duration 4h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 14m |
First train 05:16 |
Last train 18:14 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, first_great_western from Exeter Central (EXC) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Exeter Central (EXC) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) from £17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
first_great_western
FAQs: Exeter Central (EXC) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter Central (EXC) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 Piccadilly (MAN), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Exeter Central (EXC) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:50 - 18:15 Saturday 07:50 - 18:15 Sunday 09:30 - 16:30
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Taxi: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step free Category A station - Both platforms can be accessed via lifts from the main station entrance
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- 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: No
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 2. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Both platforms
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop at the front of the station on Queens Street
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Most popular train connections from Exeter Central (EXC)
More options for your journey from Exeter Central (EXC) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


