- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum exploring Manchester’s industrial heritage, science, engineering and transport on the historic Liverpool Road site.
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$107
Fastest journey
4 h 6 m
Average duration
4 h 31 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
319 km
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Manchester will cost around $107 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
Of the 12 trains that leave Exeter for Manchester on Sat, Jun 13, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 13 the direct trains cover the 319 km distance in an average of 4 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 6 m .
On Sat, Jun 13 the slowest trains will take 4 h 51 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.
G00864
C42473 · C42701+
G38954
C42700+
G38979
C42475 · C42702+
G38987
G38956+
C42704
G00864
G01068 · G66736
G01072 · G00870
G01065 · G66731
Y41865+
G01065 · G66731Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. 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 $20, and a flight costs an average of $93.
Distance: 198 miles (319 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$107 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $158 Average price | $87 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 31m Average total duration 5h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 25m Average total duration 6h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Manchester:
A bus is $69 (€56) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Manchester costing on average $107 (€87).
A bus is $120 (€97) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Exeter to Manchester costing on average $158 (€128).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 1m.
Bus takes on average 6h 55m.
Tickets start at around $107 (€87) compared to roughly $87 (€71) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-19.95 (€-16.19). The journey takes 5h 1m versus 4h 34m 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 Exeter to Manchester trains for today, Friday, June 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15496+ G38953 | On time 9:50 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 5h23 | 3:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G15229+ G01069+ C01372+ G38953 | On time 10:06 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h07 | 3:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
G01069+ C01372+ G38953 | On time 10:27 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h46 | 3:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
Y80241+ G00865 | 10:39 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h20 | 2:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
Y80241+ G00865+ G14939+ G38983 | On time 10:39 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h34 | 4:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
Y80241 · G15498+ G38955 | On time 10:39 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 6h34 | 5:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
Y80241+ G00865 · G00875 | On time 10:39 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h50 | 4:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C48003 · W34566 · G15498+ G38955 | On time 10:50 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 6h23 | 5:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
C48003+ G01073 · G00875 | On time 10:50 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 5h39 | 4:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G00865+ G14939+ G38983 | On time 10:56 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 5h17 | 4:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G00865 | 10:56 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h03 | 2:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01073 · G00872 | On time 11:27 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h32 | 3:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
Y80248+ G01074 · G00876 | On time 11:42 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h17 | 4:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
Y80248+ G01074+ W34624+ G38991 | On time 11:42 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 6h32 | 6:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
C48007+ G01074 · G00876 | On time 11:48 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 5h11 | 4:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C48007+ G01074+ G15011+ G38991 | On time 11:48 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 6h26 | 6:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
G15498+ G38955 | On time 11:50 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 5h23 | 5:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G01074 · G00876 | On time 12:27 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h32 | 4:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
Y80254+ G01080 · G00883 | On time 12:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h17 | 5:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C48013+ G01080 · G00883 | On time 12:48 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 5h11 | 5:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C48013 · W34577+ G01080 · G00883 | On time 12:48 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 5h11 | 5:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
G01080 · G00883 | On time 1:27 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h32 | 5:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G01080+ W35418+ G38957 | On time 1:27 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 5h46 | 7:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
Y80260+ G01082 · G00888 | On time 1:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h17 | 6:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C48018+ G01082 · G00888 | On time 1:48 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 5h11 | 6:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G15500+ Y63472+ W33814 | On time 1:50 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 5h54 | 7:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G01082 · G00888 | On time 2:27 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h32 | 6:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
Y80266+ G00894 | On time 2:43 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h16 | 7:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C48024+ G00894 | On time 2:48 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 5h11 | 7:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G00894 | On time 3:23 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h36 | 7:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01083 · G00894 | On time 3:27 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h32 | 7:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
Y80272+ G00723+ W34288+ G38959 | On time 3:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h31 | 9:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
Y80272+ G00723 · G00901 | On time 3:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h47 | 9:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
Y80272+ G00723+ W34288 · C01361 | On time 3:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h23 | 9:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4 transfers | |
G14926+ W34024+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston | On time 3:42 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 5h23 | 9:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C48028+ G00723 · G00901 | On time 3:48 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 5h41 | 9:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C48028+ G00723+ W34288+ G38959 | On time 3:48 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 5h25 | 9:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
C48028+ G00723+ W34288 · C01361 | On time 3:48 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 5h17 | 9:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4 transfers | |
C48033+ G00730+ W34083+ G39004 | On time 4:49 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 5h32 | 10:21 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
Y80279+ G00730+ W34083+ G39004 | On time 5:06 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h15 | 10:21 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
G01065 · G66731+ Y41865 | 8:08 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h51 | 12:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G01065 · G66731 | 8:27 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h32 | 12:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G38979+ C42700 · Y41868 | 8:37 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h36 | 2:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G38979+ C42700 | 8:48 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 5h25 | 2:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G01068 · G66736+ C42473 | 9:06 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h53 | 1:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G38954+ C42701 · C42473 | 9:06 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 6h07 | 3:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G66736+ V96081 · C42473 | 9:06 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h53 | 1:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G01068 · G66736 | 9:27 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h32 | 1:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
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 Exeter to Manchester run on average 18 times per day, taking around 5h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $52 (€42) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:42, the last at 23:09. The fastest train covers the 198 miles (319 km) distance in 4h 26m.
Distance 198 miles (319 km) |
Average train duration 5h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $52 (€42) |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 4h 26m |
First train 12:42 AM |
Last train 11:09 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 4 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 industrial heritage, science, engineering and transport on the historic Liverpool Road site.
Leading civic gallery with important British art, design, fashion and rotating exhibitions in the city centre.
Large university museum with acclaimed natural history, archaeology and cultural collections after a major redevelopment.
Creative district known for street art, indie culture, music heritage, vintage character and photogenic backstreets.
Canal-side conservation area with Roman roots, warehouses, bridges and some of Manchester’s best urban walks.
Historic civic square framed by landmark architecture and a frequent focal point for events and city photos.
A classic Manchester dessert with a shortcrust pastry shell, raspberry jam, custard, and coconut, often topped with a cherry.
A famous Greater Manchester pastry made with flaky pastry filled with currants, butter, and sugar, traditionally eaten as a local sweet treat.
A traditional North West breakfast staple made from pork blood, oats, and seasoning, strongly associated with nearby Bury and commonly served in Manchester.
A highly regarded steak and seafood restaurant set in a former courthouse, popular for British ingredients, polished service, and a lively atmosphere.
A very popular restaurant inspired by Bombay Irani cafes, praised for flavorful dishes, distinctive decor, and all-day dining.
A renowned fine dining restaurant in central Manchester, known for refined modern British cooking and elegant service in a historic setting.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but hotels, drinks, and central dining cost more on weekends and during major events.
Service is often included at 10-12.5% in restaurants; if not, tip about 10% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for pubs or takeaway, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly -> Manchester City Centre
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.

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