The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Exeter
Cheapest price
€63
Average price
€107
Fastest journey
4 h 19 m
Average duration
4 h 23 m
Trains per day
18
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Exeter will cost around €107 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €63.
Of the 18 trains that leave Manchester for Exeter on Wed, Nov 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 05 the direct trains cover the 319 km distance in an average of 4 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 19 m .
On Wed, Nov 05 the slowest trains will take 4 h 29 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.
C23742
C23742+
P09770
C23742+
P09725
G55960+
P08483+
C23749
G55960+
P08914
C23555 · C23745
C23559 · C23749
C23742
C23555 · C23745+
P09009
C23559 · C23749+
P09011Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Manchester to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €15. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 4m. 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 bus costs an average of €15, and a flight costs an average of €77.
Distance: 319 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€91 Average price | €35 Average price Cheapest | €92 Average price |
5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 26m Average total duration 6h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 1h 4m 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
Manchester to Exeter train times
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C23742 | On time 8:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h22 | 12:25 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C23742+ P09770 | On time 8:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h28 | 1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C23742+ P09725 | On time 8:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h42 | 12:45 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
C23555 · C23745+ P09770 | On time 8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h06 | 1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
C23555 · C23745+ P09009 | On time 8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h28 | 12:53 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 2 transfers | |
C23555 · C23745 | On time 8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h19 | 12:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G55960+ P08483+ C23749 | On time 8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h14 | 1:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 transfers | |
G55960+ P08914 | On time 8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 6h02 | 2:32 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G55960+ P08914 · P09778 | On time 8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 7h02 | 3:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G55960+ P08483+ C23749+ P09774 | On time 8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 6h01 | 2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 transfers | |
G55960+ P08483+ C23749+ P09011 | On time 8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h24 | 1:54 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 3 transfers | |
G55960+ P08914 · P09727 | On time 8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 6h16 | 2:46 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 2 transfers | |
C23559 · C23749+ P09774 | On time 9:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h06 | 2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
C23559 · C23749+ P09011 | On time 9:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h29 | 1:54 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 2 transfers | |
C23559 · C23749 | On time 9:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h19 | 1:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G55962+ P08915 · P09728 | On time 9:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 6h15 | 3:45 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 2 transfers | |
G55962+ P08915 | On time 9:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 6h02 | 3:32 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G55962+ P08915 · P09780 | On time 9:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 6h30 | 4:00 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Exeter by train or bus
Nov 05
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Nov 10
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Nov 21
Nov 22
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Nov 24
Nov 25
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Exeter?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Exeter
Distance 319 km |
Average train duration 4h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price €40 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 18m |
First train 00:42 |
Last train 23:09 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast from Manchester to Exeter trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Manchester and Exeter from €15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Trains from Manchester to Exeter
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.
Which train companies travel from Manchester to Exeter?
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.
How long is the train from Manchester to Exeter?
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.
How many trains are there from Manchester to Exeter?
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.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Manchester to Exeter?
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.
FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Exeter

When departing from Manchester, you have various train station options to start your trip from including Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Airport and Manchester Victoria. When arriving in Exeter, you can end your trip in train stations like Exeter St Davids, Exeter Central and Exeter St Thomas.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Manchester Piccadilly, which is located around 0.5 miles (766 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Exeter St Davids, located 1.9 miles (3 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Manchester to Exeter
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:20 - 23:40 Sunday 08:10 - 23:30
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: Free Metro shuttle bus link from station front serving Manchester City centre including Victoria Station On both sides of Whitworth Street, Deansgate and Chester Road for buses to Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham or Sale. Contact Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stops on Whitworth St.
- Metro: Metrolink G-Mex tram stop linked by footbridge from Manchester platform. 0161 228 7811
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Platform 4/5
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
- 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
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C station, Services towards Manchester :Level access through a 100cm wide gate and down a stepped ramp (36 paces, 1:14 slope) through a 90cm wide gate onto the platform. Services towards New Mills and Sheffield : Level access through a separate 100cm wide gate and down a stepped ramp (36 paces, 1:14 slope) through a 94cm wide gate onto the platform.
- Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Onward travel information: Located on Levenshulme Road for buses to Chorlton and Cheetham Hill. Maximum distance 30 yards/27m, Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stop on Ryder Brow Road, east of the station, before Highgate Crescent.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- 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
- 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
- Type of shops available: WHSmith
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1 and adjacent entrance
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Bottom of stairs leading to platform 1.
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - There is step-free access to both platforms. Interchange via level crossing outside station.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pinn Lane, outside station entrance
- Car Park: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement buses depart from Widgery Road bus stops on Pinhoe Road. Taxis depart from the front of the station.
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 Station - This station has a degree of step free access to the platforms, however the Exeter bound platform cannot be accessed step free and the Exmouth bound platform can be accessed step free but only via a very steep ramp.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus Stops on the Old Tiverton Road (Nearest to St James Road)
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