- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Exeter’s main museum and gallery, with collections on local history, archaeology, natural history and world cultures. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$135
Fastest journey
4 h 19 m
Average duration
4 h 32 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 $135 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
Of the 18 trains that leave Manchester for Exeter on Fri, Jun 12, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 12 the direct trains cover the 319 km distance in an average of 4 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 19 m .
On Fri, Jun 12 the slowest trains will take 4 h 56 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.
G38868+
G15187
G38866+
G01138+
Y80257 · G15043
G38868+
Y80263 · G15187
G38868+
G01140+
G15008 · C48018
G38866+
G01135+
G15006 · C48013
G01005 · G01140
G01003 · G01135
G01138
W33950+
G01133
G01003 · G01135+
Y80251Omio 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 $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 56m. 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 $23, and a flight costs an average of $91.
Distance: 198 miles (319 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$103 Average price | $36 Average price Cheapest | $148 Average price | $87 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 9m Average total duration 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 56m Average total duration 6h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 56m Average total duration Fastest 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Manchester to Exeter:
A bus is $67 (€54) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Exeter costing on average $103 (€84).
A bus is $112 (€91) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Exeter costing on average $148 (€121).
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 39m.
Bus takes on average 6h 26m.
Tickets start at around $103 (€84) compared to roughly $87 (€71) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.94 (€-12.97). The journey takes 4h 39m versus 4h 26m 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 Exeter trains for today, Thursday, June 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G01022 · G01148+ C48033 | On time 12:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h43 | 5:08 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G01022 · G01148 | On time 12:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h19 | 4:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G01024 · W29884+ C48037 | On time 1:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h37 | 6:02 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G01024 · W29884 | On time 1:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h21 | 5:46 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G01150 | On time 2:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h06 | 6:09 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01150+ C48039 | On time 2:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h30 | 6:33 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G01027 · G01153+ G15471 | On time 2:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h40 | 7:05 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G01027 · G01153 | On time 2:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h18 | 6:43 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G38882+ W35025+ G01154+ C48048 | On time 2:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 6h03 | 8:33 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 transfers | |
G38882+ W35198+ G01154 | On time 2:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h20 | 7:50 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 transfers | |
G38882+ W35025+ G01154 | On time 2:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h20 | 7:50 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 transfers | |
G38882+ W35198+ G01154+ C48048 | On time 2:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 6h03 | 8:33 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 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 Exeter run on average 17 times per day, taking around 4h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 (€29) but you can travel from only $23 (€18) 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 21m.
Distance 198 miles (319 km) |
Average train duration 4h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€29) |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 21m |
First train 12:42 AM |
Last train 11:09 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.
Exeter’s main museum and gallery, with collections on local history, archaeology, natural history and world cultures. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
A specialist museum at the University of Exeter with remarkable collections on the history of cinema, optics and moving images. A local favourite for film and media enthusiasts.
An established contemporary visual arts venue in Exeter known for changing exhibitions and experimental programming. Popular with local arts audiences.
A lively waterfront area with historic warehouses, riverside walks and photogenic views. Especially popular for relaxed strolling and social-media-friendly scenery.
The open space around Exeter Cathedral, ideal for appreciating the city’s main landmark and surrounding historic streetscape. A classic Exeter viewpoint.
One of England’s oldest public open spaces, with mature planting, monuments and elevated views near the castle area. A pleasant central retreat.
Freshly baked scones served with strawberry jam and thick Devon clotted cream, traditionally spread jam first in Devon. It is one of the county's most famous treats.
Light yeast buns, often served split and filled with jam and clotted cream. A classic West Country tea-time bake associated with Devon.
A rich, creamy blue cow's milk cheese made in Devon. It is a notable regional product often served on cheeseboards or in local dishes.
Well-regarded independent restaurant and wine bar offering refined seasonal cooking and a relaxed, smart atmosphere near the cathedral.
Long-running independent restaurant in central Exeter known for polished modern British cooking and a cosy, intimate atmosphere.
Established city-centre favourite serving broad European and British dishes in a lively brasserie setting, popular with both locals and visitors.
Generally cheaper than London. Dining and coffee are fairly priced, but central hotels and peak-season stays can raise daily costs.
Service is often included only at some restaurants. If not, tip about 10% for good service. Rounding up is fine in taxis. Tipping is not usually expected for pubs or counter service.
Official public transport app
Exeter St Davids -> Exeter City Centre
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.

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