- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
City museum with local history, archaeology, world cultures and changing exhibitions in a landmark Victorian building.
Cheapest price on 30 Sept
£54
Average ticket price on 30 Sept
£112
Fastest journey on 30 Sept
4 h 6 m
Average journey duration on 30 Sept
4 h 16 m
Trains on 30 Sept
35
Distance
319 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Exeter will cost around £112 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £54.
On Wed 30 Sept, we found 35 trains from Manchester to Exeter, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 319 km distance in an average of 4 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 6 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 20 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.
G38885+
G15192
G38885+
G15192 · C48052
G38880+
G15019+
G01153+
G15471
G38882+
Y41684
G38882+
Y41684 · C01620
G01150
G01039 · G01166
G01027 · G01153
G01022 · G01148
G01043 · W29909The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 30 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G01022 · G01148 | 12:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h19 | 16:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
G01022 · G01148+ C48033 | 12:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h43 | 17:08 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
G38878+ G15017+ W29884+ C48037 | 12:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h32 | 18:02 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
G38878+ G15017+ W29884 | 12:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h16 | 17:46 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
G01024 · W29884 | 13:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h21 | 17:46 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
G01024 · W29884+ C48037 | 13:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h37 | 18:02 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
G38880+ G15019+ G01153+ G15471 | 13:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h35 | 19:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
G38880+ G15019+ G01153 | 13:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h13 | 18:43 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
G01150+ C48039 | 14:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h30 | 18:33 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
G01150 | 14:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h06 | 18:09 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01027 · G01153+ G15471 | 14:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h40 | 19:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
G01027 · G01153 | 14:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h18 | 18:43 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
G38882+ Y41684 · C01620 | 14:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 6h31 | 21:01 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
G38882+ Y41684 | 14:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h59 | 20:29 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
G38882+ W35025+ G01154 | 14:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h20 | 19:50 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
G38882+ W35025+ G01154+ C48048 | 14:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 6h03 | 20:33 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
W34266+ W34836 · C48048+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington | 14:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h39 | 20:33 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
G01032 · G01154 | 15:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h25 | 19:50 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
G01032 · G01154+ C48048 | 15:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h08 | 20:33 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
G38885+ G15192 | 15:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h55 | 21:25 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
G38885+ G15022+ G01161_G66477+ C01620 | 15:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h31 | 21:01 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
G38885+ G15192 · C48052 | 15:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 6h34 | 22:04 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
G38885+ G15022+ G01161_G66477 | 15:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h17 | 20:47 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
G01035 · G01161_G66477+ C01620 | 16:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h36 | 21:01 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
G01035 · G01161_G66477 | 16:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h22 | 20:47 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
G38886+ G15025+ W29909+ C48052 | 16:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h34 | 22:04 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
G38886+ G15025+ W29909 | 16:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h15 | 21:45 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
G01043 · W29909+ C48052 | 17:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h39 | 22:04 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
G01043 · W29909 | 17:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h20 | 21:45 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
G38890+ W35045+ G01166 | 17:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h12 | 22:42 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
G38890+ W35045+ G01166+ C48054 | 17:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h35 | 23:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Manchester to Exeter run on average 17 times per day, taking around 4h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £32 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:42, the last at 23:09. The fastest train covers the 319 km distance in 3h 48m.
Distance 319 km |
Average train duration 4h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £32 |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 48m |
First train 0:42 |
Last train 23:09 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.
City museum with local history, archaeology, world cultures and changing exhibitions in a landmark Victorian building.
Underground medieval passages beneath the city, explored on guided tours that reveal Exeter’s engineering and history.
Working print museum with historic presses, typesetting equipment and hands-on insight into traditional printing methods.
Historic quay with waterside walks, canal heritage, independent shops and easy access to cycling and boat trips.
Well-kept Victorian park with broad lawns, flower beds, mature trees and links to the castle and city walls.
Historic shopping street lined with timber-framed buildings, independent businesses and one of Exeter’s most distinctive walks.
A cider brandy from nearby Topsham, distilled from West Country cider apples. It is a long-standing Devon drink linked to the area’s orchards.
Traditional Devon split bread roll filled with thick slices of cured ham. It is a classic county snack and picnic staple around Exeter.
Sweet fried dough pieces once sold at Devon fairs, often dusted with sugar. They are a nostalgic West Country treat associated with local baking.
Stylish city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking with Devon produce. Smart but approachable setting for a more refined meal.
Historic quayside pub known for pies, British classics and local drinks. Relaxed atmosphere in one of Exeter’s most characterful old buildings.
Lively indoor market food hall with several independent traders. Good for sampling local produce, casual meals and coffee in a social setting.
Moderate for the UK: stays and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is fine. Taxis: round up or add about 10% for good service.
Official public transport app
Exeter St Davids -> Exeter city centre
The cathedral city of Exeter has a rich history, dating back to Roman times, and has attracted visitors for centuries. It's a great contrast to Manchester’s bustling post-industrial vibes. The two are connected by a convenient direct train route, arriving in under 4.5 hours. Departures are spread throughout the day, making rail travel a great choice.
All train services between Manchester and Exeter are provided by Cross Country Trains. These include both direct and indirect sercices. Trains are usually available every day of the week, with several options per day. Passengers can expect one departure per hour.
There is only a slight variation in journey times along this route. The fastest direct train takes just 4 hours 8 minutes, while the slowest takes 4 hours 26 minutes. The average journey to Exeter from Manchester takes around 4 hours 17 minutes, which includes a brief change at Birmingham New Street. Connecting trains, generally speaking, are comparble in length with direct changes, so it is worth checking the timetable to ensure the quickest route.
A range of direct and connecting trains depart from Manchester to Exeter every day of the week, with service regularity continuing over the weekend. There are usually three direct direct departures, with times spread throughout the day. If these do not suit passengers, they can choose from up to 13 indrect services involving a change at Birmingham New Street.
Departure train station: All trains depature from Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester’s busiest train station located right in the heart of the city. From there, visitors can take advantage of a free bus service, which travels on a circular route around the city centre. The station offers two levels of shops and restaurants, as well as pay-as-you-go Wi-Fi.
Arrival train station: Exeter’s main station, Exeter St. Davids, is a 15 minute walk away from the city centre, or a quick five-minute bus ride. The station features a small selection of cafes and shops, as well as public Wi-Fi.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Exeter 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 Exeter, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Exeter trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
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.
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 storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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.
Deansgate is 1 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Deansgate has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Deansgate.
Ticket office support is available at Deansgate.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Deansgate: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Deansgate: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Deansgate: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday, 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.
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Davids: 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.
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: 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.
Exeter Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter Central: 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.
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