Manchester to Barnstaple train with CrossCountry

Sun, Jun 21
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Barnstaple

Showing times and prices for Jun 21

Cheapest price

$102

Average price

$187

Fastest journey

6 h 41 m

Average duration

7 h 5 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

294 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Barnstaple is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Manchester to Barnstaple will cost around $187 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $102.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Manchester for Barnstaple on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 294 km distance in an average of 7 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 41 m .

On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 7 h 28 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.

  • Transport for Wales
    9:30 AM7h28
    Manchester
    4:58 PMBarnstaple
    $1021One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountry
    1:45 PM6h41
    Manchester
    8:26 PMBarnstaple
    $2721One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to Barnstaple

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Barnstaple among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $57. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, and a flight costs an average of $56.

Distance: 182 miles (294 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$149

Average price

$70

Average price

Cheapest

$152

Average price

$93

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 8m

Average total duration

5h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 56m

Average total duration

7h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 6m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

4h 42m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Barnstaple is a bus with an average price of $70 (€58).

This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Barnstaple:

A bus is $79 (€65) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Barnstaple costing on average $149 (€122).

A bus is $82 (€67) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Barnstaple costing on average $152 (€125).

The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Barnstaple is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 6m.

Other travel options to Barnstaple take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 38m.

Bus takes on average 7h 26m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Barnstaple including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Barnstaple among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $149 (€122) compared to roughly $93 (€76) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-56.44 (€-46.19). The journey takes 5h 38m versus 4h 42m 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.

Live departures

Manchester to Barnstaple train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Barnstaple trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Transport for Wales9:30 AM Manchester
7h28
4:58 PM Barnstaple0 transfersDirect
CrossCountry1:45 PM Manchester
6h41
8:26 PM Barnstaple0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Barnstaple by train, bus, or flight

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.

Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27

Why should you book Manchester to Barnstaple trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast and more offer trains services from Manchester to Barnstaple.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Barnstaple.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Cross Country or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Barnstaple.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Barnstaple.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Cross Country or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Barnstaple.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Barnstaple.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Barnstaple

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Barnstaple run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $64 (€53) but you can travel from only $56 (€46) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 05:11, the last at 18:25. The fastest train covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 6h 0m.

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
Flight from $56 (€46)
Distance
182 miles (294 km)
Average train duration
5h 38m
Cheapest ticket price
$64 (€53)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
6h 0m
First train
5:11 AM
Last train
6:25 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
56 days
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
Flight from $56 (€46)

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast from Manchester to Barnstaple trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Manchester and Barnstaple from $56 (€46). 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
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
$64 (€53)
CrossCountry frequency
4 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
6h 55m
Cheapest Price
$87 (€71)
Transport for Wales frequency
3 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

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
6h 1m
Cheapest Price
$418 (€342)
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 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
5h 28m
Cheapest Price
$401 (€328)
Cross Country frequency
15 a day

FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Barnstaple

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Manchester to Barnstaple can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $64 (€53), while the average price is around $149 (€122).
The train from Manchester to Barnstaple takes 6h 0m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Manchester to Barnstaple is 182 miles (294 km).
The first train from Manchester to Barnstaple leaves at 5:11 AM.
The last train from Manchester to Barnstaple leaves at 6:25 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Manchester to Barnstaple.
There is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to Barnstaple.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Manchester to Barnstaple.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Barnstaple is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), which connects to Barnstaple station (BNP).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Barnstaple is by flight, with a cost of around $56 (€46).
Yes, the train journey from Manchester to Barnstaple is considered scenic, offering views of the rolling countryside, picturesque villages, and parts of the Exmoor National Park as you travel through the heart of England's rural landscapes.
A day trip from Manchester to Barnstaple is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 0m each way, covering a distance of 182 miles (294 km). Trains are available 5 times per day.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Barnstaple's key attractions, enjoy its local markets, and experience the nearby countryside.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Barnstaple.
Since neither Manchester nor Barnstaple are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Barnstaple include Exeter, Bridgwater, Dawlish, Torquay, Newton Abbot.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Barnstaple among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Barnstaple, travelers should be aware of typical urban safety concerns such as pickpocketing in busy areas and on public transport. It's advisable to stay vigilant in crowded spots, especially around the town center and transportation hubs. While scams are not prevalent, travelers should be cautious of unsolicited offers or deals that seem too good to be true, particularly from street vendors or unofficial ticket sellers. Keeping personal belongings secure and purchasing tickets from official sources helps ensure a safe experience.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Manchester to Barnstaple

Manchester
Barnstaple
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 Barnstaple.
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
Manchester
information
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.

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