- Recommended
Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
Local museum on Barnstaple's history, archaeology, and culture. A strong first stop for understanding the town and wider North Devon.
Cheapest price on Sep 21
$106
Average ticket price on Sep 21
$143
Fastest journey on Sep 21
6 h 14 m
Average journey duration on Sep 21
7 h 10 m
Trains on Sep 21
6
Distance
294 km
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 $143 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $106.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Barnstaple without transferring at least 2 times.
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G15185 · Y41512Omio 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 an average ticket price of $67 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 5m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $67, while a flight costs an average of $233.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$180 Average price | $67 Average price Cheapest | $233 Average price | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 31m Average total duration 8h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Barnstaple:
A bus is $113 (€92) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Barnstaple costing on average $180 (€147).
A bus is $166 (€136) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Barnstaple costing on average $233 (€191).
Other travel options to Barnstaple take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 34m.
Bus takes on average 8h 1m.
Tickets start at around $180 (€147) compared to roughly $94 (€77) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-85.99 (€-70.34). The journey takes 5h 34m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Barnstaple trains for today, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:30 AM Manchester | 7h28 | 4:58 PM Barnstaple | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:45 PM Manchester | 6h41 | 8:26 PM Barnstaple | 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 Manchester to Barnstaple run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $103 (€85) but you can travel from only $53 (€44) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:11, the last at 18:25. The fastest train covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 4h 57m.
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
Average train duration 5h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $103 (€85) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 57m |
First train 5:11 AM |
Last train 6:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Barnstaple — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barnstaple trip today.
Local museum on Barnstaple's history, archaeology, and culture. A strong first stop for understanding the town and wider North Devon.
Regional arts venue presenting contemporary exhibitions, film, and performances. Worth visiting for changing visual art shows in central Barnstaple.
Maritime museum in a historic signal station at nearby Instow. Displays explain local seafaring and estuary links relevant to North Devon.
Traffic-free trail along the old railway, linking Barnstaple with coast and countryside. Excellent for walking or cycling with estuary scenery.
Historic shopping street lined with characterful buildings. Ideal for appreciating Barnstaple's commercial heritage and everyday town-centre atmosphere.
Green riverside park popular for walks, sports, and family time. It offers open views and a relaxed break close to the town centre.
A rich North Devon cream made by slowly heating milk. Served with scones and jam, it is a defining regional treat across Devon tea rooms.
Traditional Devon split scones filled with jam and clotted cream. The Devon style puts cream before jam and is a proud local custom.
A classic West Country cider from nearby orchards. Dry or sparkling styles are widely drunk in North Devon pubs and with local food.
Smart modern restaurant in Barnstaple known for seasonal British cooking, tasting menus, and polished service in an intimate setting.
Established Italian restaurant with a loyal local following, serving pasta, pizza, and seafood in a relaxed riverside area.
Historic pub and restaurant in the town centre, popular for cask ales, classic British dishes, and a traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and meals are usually lower than major cities, while local buses and everyday dining stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Barnstaple Railway Station -> The Square, 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.

Most Manchester to Barnstaple trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Barnstaple station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Barnstaple train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are 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.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: 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.
Barnstaple has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food options include: Station Masters Cafe
Ticket office support is available at Barnstaple.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Barnstaple: Parking, WC.
Available at Barnstaple: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barnstaple: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - step free access available to the 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 car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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 toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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