The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Exeter
Cheapest price
$104
Average price
$215
Fastest journey
5 h 18 m
Average duration
5 h 20 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
319 km
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 $215 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $104.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Exeter without transferring at least once.
L64705+
L16808+
C75194+
V49359
L64705+
L16808+
C75194
L64749+
L16810+
C75195
L64705+
L16808+
C75194+
GW436000
L64749+
L16810+
C75195+
P33389
L64705+
L16808+
C75194
L64749+
L16810+
C75195
C75162 · C75136
C75164 · C75194
C75167 · C75195Travel Information
Compare train and bus 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 €15. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 4m. 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 €15, and a flight costs an average of €77.
Distance: 198 miles (319 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€91 Average price | €35 Average price Cheapest | €92 Average price |
5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 26m Average total duration 6h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 1h 4m 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 tomorrow, Sunday, January 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C75160 · C75135 | On time 8:26 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h24 | 1:50 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
C75160 · C75135+ V49361 | On time 8:26 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h44 | 2:10 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
C75160 · C75135+ GW436800 | On time 8:26 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h41 | 2:07 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 2 transfers | |
C75162 · C75136+ V49360 | On time 9:27 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h42 | 3:09 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
C75162 · C75136 | On time 9:27 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h19 | 2:46 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
C75162 · C75136+ GW436400 | On time 9:27 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h40 | 3:07 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 2 transfers | |
C75164 · C75194 | On time 10:26 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h22 | 3:48 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
C75164 · C75194+ V49359 | On time 10:26 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h40 | 4:06 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
C75164 · C75194+ GW436000 | On time 10:26 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h41 | 4:07 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 2 transfers | |
L64705+ L16808+ C75194+ V49359 | On time 10:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h36 | 4:06 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 transfers | |
L64705+ L16808+ C75194 | On time 10:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h18 | 3:48 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 transfers | |
L64705+ L16808+ C75194+ GW436000 | On time 10:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h37 | 4:07 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 3 transfers | |
C75167 · C75195 | On time 11:24 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h24 | 4:48 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
C75167 · C75195+ P33389 | On time 11:24 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h32 | 4:56 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
C75167 · C75195+ GW435600 | On time 11:24 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h43 | 5:07 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 2 transfers | |
L64749+ L16810+ C75195 | On time 11:29 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h19 | 4:48 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 transfers | |
L64749+ L16810+ C75195+ P33389 | On time 11:29 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h27 | 4:56 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 transfers | |
L64749+ L16810+ C75195+ GW435600 | On time 11:29 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h38 | 5:07 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 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 or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Jan 25
Jan 26
Jan 27
Jan 28
Jan 29
Jan 30
Jan 31
Why should you book Manchester to Exeter trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail and Cross Country 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, Great Western Rail and Cross Country 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Exeter.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While CrossCountry tickets can be bought on CrossCountry's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail and Cross Country to help you choose the right option for your journey from Manchester to Exeter.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Exeter.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Exeter?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Exeter
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Manchester to Exeter start from as low as $51 (€40) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $114 (€91) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 15 daily trains from Manchester to Exeter with 1 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 4h 18m but the average duration is 4h 55m
Train Operators
- Travel from Manchester to Exeter with CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, and Avanti West Coast
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is CrossCountry.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and arrive in Exeter St Davids (EXD)
- First train typically departs at 12:42 AM and the last at 11:09 PM
Distance 198 miles (319 km) |
Average train duration 4h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 (€40) |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 18m |
First train 00:42 |
Last train 23:09 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast from Manchester to Exeter trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Manchester and Exeter from $19 (€15). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Manchester to Exeter
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- 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.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Platform 4/5
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- 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)
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:40 Saturday 06:15 - 20:00 Sunday 07:30 - 20:40 Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Weekdays (Mon-Fri) 08:45 - 19:40, Saturday 08:45 - 18:30 Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
- Type of shops available: WHSmith
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step free Category A station - All platforms can be accessed via Lifts from the sole main station entrance. 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 may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- 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 ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 5. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1 and adjacent entrance
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any 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 taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Bottom of stairs leading to platform 1.
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Exeter St Davids: Cowick Street bus stop by shopping precint. To Newton Abbot: Cowick Street bus stop outside the station
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:50 - 18:15 Saturday 07:50 - 18:15 Sunday 09:30 - 16:30
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Taxi: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step free Category A station - Both platforms can be accessed via lifts from the main station entrance
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- 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: No
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 2. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Both platforms
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop at the front of the station on Queens Street
Most popular train connections from Manchester
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