Manchester to Exeter train with CrossCountry

Wed, Mar 11
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Exeter

Showing times and prices for Mar 12

Cheapest price

$89

Average price

$144

Fastest journey

4 h 19 m

Average duration

4 h 38 m

Trains per day

12

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 $144 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $89.

Fast trains

Of the 12 trains that leave Manchester for Exeter on Thu, Mar 12, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Mar 12 the direct trains cover the 319 km distance in an average of 4 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 19 m .

On Thu, Mar 12 the slowest trains will take 5 h 6 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.

TransPennine ExpressL36558+Transport for WalesL64722+Great Western RailP22731+CrossCountryC75084
09:09AM5h35
Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
02:44PMExeter St Davids (EXD)
$891One-way
3 transfers
Transport for WalesL64720+Great Western RailP22801+CrossCountryC75082
08:30AM5h14
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
01:44PMExeter St Davids (EXD)
$891One-way
2 transfers
Transport for WalesL64722+Great Western RailP22731+CrossCountryC75084+Great Western RailP33381
09:30AM6h02
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
03:32PMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
$931One-way
3 transfers
Transport for WalesL64720+Great Western RailP22729+CrossCountryC75082+Great Western RailP33374
08:30AM6h01
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
02:31PMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
$931One-way
3 transfers
Transport for WalesL64720+Great Western RailP22801+CrossCountryC75082+Great Western RailP33374
08:30AM6h01
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
02:31PMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
$931One-way
3 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight 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 $18. 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 $18, and a flight costs an average of $91.

Distance: 198 miles (319 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

$107

Average price

$36

Average price

Cheapest

$147

Average price

5h 6m

Average total duration

4h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 56m

Average total duration

6h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 0m

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, Wednesday, March 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:59 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
cross_countryC72656
On time
8:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h22
12:25 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 transfersDirect
cross_countryC72656+great_westernP33366
On time
8:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
5h28
1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 transfer
cross_countryC72475 · C75192
On time
8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h19
12:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1 transfer
cross_countryC72475 · C75192+great_westernP33366
On time
8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
5h06
1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2 transfers
transport_for_walesL64720+great_westernP22986
On time
8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
6h02
2:32 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1 transfer
transport_for_walesL64720+great_westernP22801+cross_countryC75082
On time
8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
5h14
1:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2 transfers
transport_for_walesL64720+great_westernP22729+cross_countryC75082+great_westernP33374
On time
8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
6h01
2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3 transfers
transport_for_walesL64720+great_westernP22801+cross_countryC75082+great_westernP33374
On time
8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
6h01
2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3 transfers
transpennine_expressL36558+transport_for_walesL64722+great_westernP22731+cross_countryC75084
On time
9:09 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
5h35
2:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
3 transfers
cross_countryC72478 · C75082
On time
9:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h19
1:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1 transfer
cross_countryC72478 · C75082+great_westernP33374
On time
9:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
5h06
2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2 transfers
transport_for_walesL64722+great_westernP22731+cross_countryC75084+great_westernP33381
On time
9:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
6h02
3:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3 transfers

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, 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.

Thu
Mar 12
Fri
Mar 13
Sat
Mar 14
Sun
Mar 15
Mon
Mar 16
Tue
Mar 17
Wed
Mar 18

Why should you book Manchester to Exeter trains with Omio?

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

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 Exeter.
  • 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 Exeter.

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 Exeter.
  • 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 Exeter.

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 17 times per day, taking around 4h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $18 (€14) 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 198 miles (319 km) distance in 4h 20m.

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 $18 (€14)
Distance
198 miles (319 km)
Average train duration
4h 36m
Cheapest ticket price
$32 (€26)
Trains per day
17
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
4h 20m
First train
00:42
Last train
23:09
Cheapest month
Jan
Cheapest day
Thu
High season
Jul - Sep
Low season
Jan - Mar
Busiest day
Mon
Least busy day
Sat
Best day to book ahead
42 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
Bus from $18 (€14)

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast from Manchester to Exeter trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Manchester and Exeter from $18 (€14). 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 20m
Cheapest Price
$32 (€26)
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 13m
Cheapest Price
$57 (€46)
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
4h 19m
Cheapest Price
$371 (€299)
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 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
$347 (€280)
Cross Country frequency
11 a day

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
Train ticket prices from Manchester to Exeter can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $32 (€26), while the average price is around $107 (€87).
The train from Manchester to Exeter takes 4h 20m and runs 17 per day.
The distance by train from Manchester to Exeter is 198 miles (319 km).
The first train from Manchester to Exeter leaves at 12:42 AM.
The last train from Manchester to Exeter leaves at 11:09 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Manchester to Exeter.
Yes, there is a direct train from Manchester to Exeter. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Manchester to Exeter.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Exeter is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), which connects to Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Exeter is by bus, with a cost of around $18 (€14).
The train journey from Manchester to Exeter offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, featuring industrial landscapes, rolling countryside, and glimpses of the Peak District and Exmoor National Park.
A day trip from Manchester to Exeter is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 20m, covering a distance of 198 miles (319 km). Trains run 15 times per day.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Exeter allows visitors to explore the city's historic sites, such as Exeter Cathedral, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, and the Quayside, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Exeter.

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)

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