Manchester to Exeter train with CrossCountry

Sun, Dec 21
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Great Western Rail
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Great Western Rail
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Exeter

Showing times and prices for Dec 21

Cheapest price

€82

Average price

€157

Fastest journey

4 h 19 m

Average duration

4 h 27 m

Trains per day

18

Distance

319 km

Cheap tickets

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 €157 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €82.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Manchester to Exeter without transferring at least once.

Transport for WalesL64748+Great Western RailL16971 · P33225
09:30AM6h16
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
03:46PMExeter Central (EXC)
821One-way
2 transfers
Transport for WalesL64705+Great Western RailL16808+CrossCountryC75195
10:30AM5h17
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
03:47PMExeter St Davids (EXD)
821One-way
2 transfers
Transport for WalesL64748+Great Western RailL16971
09:30AM5h50
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
03:20PMExeter St Davids (EXD)
821One-way
1 transfer
Transport for WalesL64748+Great Western RailL16971 · P33377
09:30AM6h02
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
03:32PMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
821One-way
2 transfers
Transport for WalesL64705+Great Western RailL16972
10:30AM5h47
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
04:17PMExeter St Davids (EXD)
821One-way
1 transfer

Travel 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

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Exeter trains for today, Saturday, December 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 3:59 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
cross_countryC75174
On time
8:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h21
12:24 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 transfersDirect
cross_countryC75174+great_westernP33283
On time
8:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h43
12:46 PM Exeter Central (EXC)
1 transfer
cross_countryC75174+great_westernP33368
On time
8:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
5h35
1:38 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 transfer
cross_countryC72476 · C75193+great_westernP31616
On time
8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h30
12:55 PM Exeter Central (EXC)
2 transfers
cross_countryC72476 · C75193
On time
8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h19
12:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1 transfer
cross_countryC72476 · C75193+great_westernP33368
On time
8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
5h13
1:38 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2 transfers
transport_for_walesL64719+great_westernL23183+cross_countryC75083
On time
8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
5h13
1:43 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2 transfers
transport_for_walesL64719+great_westernL23183+cross_countryC75083+great_westernP33376
On time
8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
6h01
2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3 transfers
transport_for_walesL64719+great_westernL23183+cross_countryC75083+great_westernL23314
On time
8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
5h25
1:55 PM Exeter Central (EXC)
3 transfers
cross_countryC72479 · C75083+great_westernP33376
On time
9:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
5h06
2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2 transfers
cross_countryC72479 · C75083+great_westernL23314
On time
9:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h30
1:55 PM Exeter Central (EXC)
2 transfers
cross_countryC72479 · C75083
On time
9:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h18
1:43 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1 transfer
transport_for_walesL64721+great_westernL23275 · P31634
On time
9:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
6h18
3:48 PM Exeter Central (EXC)
2 transfers
transport_for_walesL64721+great_westernL23275
On time
9:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
5h54
3:24 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1 transfer
transport_for_walesL64721+great_westernL23275 · P33383
On time
9:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
6h02
3:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2 transfers
cross_countryC72481 · C75085+great_westernP31628
On time
10:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h30
2:55 PM Exeter Central (EXC)
2 transfers
cross_countryC72481 · C75085+great_westernL23518 · P31634
On time
10:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
5h06
3:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3 transfers
cross_countryC72481 · C75085
On time
10:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h19
2:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1 transfer

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

Compare train and bus 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
Dec 21
Mon
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Fri
Dec 26
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Dec 27
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Jan 03

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

The best time to book your train from Manchester to Exeter is 2 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Manchester to Exeter route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Manchester to Exeter 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 Manchester to Exeter.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Exeter run on average 15 times per day, taking around 4h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €40 but you can travel from only €15 by bus.

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 4h 18m.

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
Bus from €15
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
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
Bus from €15

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

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 15m
Cheapest Price
€64
CrossCountry frequency
11 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 14m
Cheapest Price
€55
Transport for Wales frequency
8 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 27m
Cheapest Price
€195
Great Western Rail frequency
2 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
5h 14m
Cheapest Price
€199
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 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 3m
Cheapest Price
€282
Cross Country frequency
11 a day

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

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.

FAQs
On average the Manchester to Exeter train time is 5 h 33 min   covering the 318 km long route, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Manchester to Exeter leaves at 05: 11. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Manchester to Exeter leaves at 17: 25.
There are 16 trains a day from Manchester to Exeter which require at least one change with Transport for Wales, CrossCountry or Great Western Rail. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Manchester to Exeter, you can count on Transport for Wales, CrossCountry or Great Western Rail for the best way to get you to Exeter. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service to Exeter from Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

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.

The cheapest month for a train from Manchester to Exeter is May.
Yes, you can take a coach to Exeter from Manchester.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Manchester to Exeter

Manchester
Exeter
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your trip from Manchester to Exeter.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Carluccio’s
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Starbucks
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Costa Coffee
  • Pret a Manger
  • Upper Crust
  • McDonald's
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
  • Premier Inn Manchester City
  • Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transit options for Manchester Piccadilly
  • Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
  • Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: No cycle storage
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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
Public transit options for Manchester Airport
  • 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.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: on Platform 4/5
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Manchester Oxford Road
  • 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)
HomeTrainsTrain Times to ExeterManchester to Exeter train

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