Exeter to Manchester train with CrossCountry

Sun 04 Jan
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 04 Jan

Cheapest price

£75

Average price

£115

Fastest journey

4 h 2 m

Average duration

4 h 32 m

Trains per day

12

Distance

319 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Exeter to Manchester will cost around £115 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £75.

Fast trains

To travel from Exeter to Manchester you need to make at least one change.

Great Western RailL17230+Transport for WalesL64808
09:465h29
Exeter St Davids (EXD)
15:15Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£751One-way
1 change
Great Western RailP31577 · L17231+Transport for WalesL64811
10:046h11
Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
16:15Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£751One-way
2 changes
South Western RailwayP61130+Great Western RailL17231+Transport for WalesL64811
10:415h34
Exeter Central (EXC)
16:15Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£751One-way
2 changes
Great Western RailP31592+CrossCountryC72330+Great Western RailL17233+Transport for WalesL64815
12:455h29
Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
18:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£751One-way
3 changes
Great Western RailL17091 · L17230+Transport for WalesL64808
09:325h43
Exeter Central (EXC)
15:15Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£751One-way
2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Exeter to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Manchester 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 flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, and a flight costs an average of £66.

Distance: 319 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Flight

£80

Average Price

£34

Average Price

Cheapest

£89

Average Price

5h 34m

Average total duration

5h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 59m

Average total duration

7h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 5m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 5m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Exeter to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Sunday 4 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 18:45
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
great_westernL17091 · L17230+transport_for_walesL64808
On time
09:32 Exeter Central (EXC)
5h43
15:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 changes
great_westernL17230+transport_for_walesL64808
On time
09:46 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
5h29
15:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
great_westernP31577 · L17231+transport_for_walesL64811
On time
10:04 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
6h11
16:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 changes
south_west_trainsP61130+great_westernL17231+transport_for_walesL64811
On time
10:41 Exeter Central (EXC)
5h34
16:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 changes
great_westernL17231+transport_for_walesL64811
On time
10:50 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
5h25
16:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
great_westernP31237+cross_countryC75338 · C72320
On time
11:14 Exeter Central (EXC)
4h15
15:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 changes
cross_countryC75338 · C72320
On time
11:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
4h02
15:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
great_westernL17093 · L17232+transport_for_walesL64812
On time
11:33 Exeter Central (EXC)
5h42
17:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 changes
great_westernP31586+cross_countryC75340 · C72327
On time
11:45 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
4h44
16:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 changes
great_westernL17232+transport_for_walesL64812
On time
11:47 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
5h28
17:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
great_westernP31592+cross_countryC72330+great_westernL17233+transport_for_walesL64815
On time
12:45 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
5h29
18:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3 changes
great_westernP31592+cross_countryC72330
On time
12:45 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
4h15
17:00 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Manchester 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.

Sun
04 Jan
Mon
05 Jan
Tue
06 Jan
Wed
07 Jan
Thu
08 Jan
Fri
09 Jan
Sat
10 Jan
Sun
11 Jan
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16 Jan
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17 Jan
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18 Jan
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22 Jan
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23 Jan
Sat
24 Jan

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Exeter to Manchester?

The best time to book your train from Exeter to Manchester is 4 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Exeter to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Exeter to Manchester per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Exeter to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Exeter to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Exeter to Manchester run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:42, the last at 23:09. The fastest train covers the 319 km distance in 4h 26m.

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 £17
Distance
319 km
Average train duration
5h 4m
Cheapest ticket price
£49
Trains per day
15
Fastest train
4h 26m
First train
00:42
Last train
23:09
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 £17

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country, first_great_western from Exeter to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Exeter and Manchester from £17. 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 Duration
4h 26m
Cheapest Price
£59
CrossCountry frequency
12 a day
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 Duration
5h 18m
Cheapest Price
£50
Transport for Wales frequency
5 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 Rail

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 Duration
5h 3m
Cheapest Price
£182
Great Western Rail frequency
3 a day
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

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 39m
Cheapest Price
£125
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 1m
Cheapest Price
£258
Cross Country frequency
16 a day

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 17m
Cheapest Price
£254
first_great_western frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Exeter to Manchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter 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.

FAQs
A stay of 2 to 4 days in Manchester is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, including museums, historical sites, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
A day trip from Exeter to Manchester is not feasible, as the journey takes 4h 26m. Trains run every 15 per day, covering a distance of 319 km.
The train distance from Exeter to Manchester is 319 km.
The train journey from Exeter to Manchester offers varied scenery, including the rolling countryside of Devon, the picturesque views along the River Exe, and glimpses of the Peak District as you approach Manchester, providing a pleasant visual experience.
The train journey from Exeter to Manchester covers a distance of 319 km and takes approximately 4h 26m. Trains run 15 per day.
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.
Booking trains from Exeter to Manchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The first train from Exeter to Manchester leaves at 0:42.
Yes, there is a direct train between Exeter and Manchester. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
The last train from Exeter to Manchester departs at 23:09.
The cost of a train ticket from Exeter to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £49, while the average price tends to be around £80.
Trains from Exeter to Manchester run approximately 15 times per day.
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Manchester is by coach, costing approximately £17.
There is no night train service from Exeter to Manchester.
To get from Exeter to Manchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Manchester is Exeter St Davids (EXD), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Exeter to Manchester.
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter to Manchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and Manchester

Exeter
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Exeter is Exeter St Davids. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Exeter St Davids for your trip from Exeter to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:40 Saturday 06:15 - 20:00 Sunday 07:30 - 20:40 Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Weekdays (Mon-Fri) 08:45 - 19:40, Saturday 08:45 - 18:30 Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: WHSmith
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Step free Category A station - All platforms can be accessed via Lifts from the sole main station entrance. 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 may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
  • 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 ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office.
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 5. 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Platform 1 and adjacent entrance
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Exeter St Davids
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any 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 taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Bottom of stairs leading to platform 1.
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Exeter St Thomas
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Exeter St Davids: Cowick Street bus stop by shopping precint. To Newton Abbot: Cowick Street bus stop outside the station
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:50 - 18:15 Saturday 07:50 - 18:15 Sunday 09:30 - 16:30
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Yes
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Both platforms
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Exeter Central
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop at the front of the station on Queens Street
HomeTrainsTrain Times to Manchester Exeter to Manchester train

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