- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.
Cheapest price
$223
Average price
$250
Fastest journey
6 h
Average duration
6 h 31 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
294 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Barnstaple to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barnstaple to Manchester will cost around $250 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $223.
Of the 2 trains that leave Barnstaple for Manchester on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 294 km distance in an average of 6 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 7 h 2 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Barnstaple to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $59. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 11m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $59, and a flight costs an average of $105.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$135 Average price | $67 Average price Cheapest | $179 Average price | $93 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 25m Average total duration 5h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 27m Average total duration 7h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Barnstaple to Manchester:
A bus is $68 (€56) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Barnstaple to Manchester costing on average $135 (€111).
A bus is $112 (€91) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Barnstaple to Manchester costing on average $179 (€147).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 55m.
Bus takes on average 7h 57m.
Tickets start at around $135 (€111) compared to roughly $93 (€76) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-42.60 (€-34.88). The journey takes 5h 55m versus 4h 56m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Barnstaple to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:34 AM Barnstaple | 7h02 | 3:36 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:35 AM Barnstaple | 6h00 | 3:35 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Barnstaple to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $79 (€64) but you can travel from only $59 (€48) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:42, the last at 18:25. The fastest train covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 5h 24m.
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
Average train duration 5h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $79 (€64) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 24m |
First train 4:42 AM |
Last train 6:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major museum exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.
University museum with acclaimed natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, recently refreshed and especially popular for its dinosaur and ancient Egypt displays.
Central city gallery with fine art, design and decorative arts collections, plus changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and photogenic corners that are highly popular online.
Canalside heritage area with Roman roots, warehouses, waterside walks and one of the city’s most atmospheric urban landscapes.
Historic civic square framed by major Victorian architecture and often used for events, making it a classic city-centre stop.
A classic Manchester dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet dishes.
A flaky pastry filled with currants, sugar, and butter, originating from Eccles in Greater Manchester. It is a famous regional bake often eaten with tea.
A traditional blood sausage strongly associated with nearby Bury and widely eaten in Manchester, especially as part of a full breakfast.
A stylish and widely loved restaurant inspired by Bombay cafés, known for rich curries, grilled dishes, and a distinctive heritage interior.
A popular casual venue pairing Indian street food with craft beer. It is lively, well-known, and especially good for vegetarian diners.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Manchester known for modern British cooking, polished service, and an elegant setting inside The Midland hotel.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but central hotels and nightlife can be pricey.
Service is often included in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester -> Manchester City Centre, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barnstaple 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.

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