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Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from Exeter to Manchester. Traveling by train from Exeter to Manchester usually takes around 4 hours and 38 minutes, but the fastest CrossCountry train can make the trip in 4 hours and 36 minutes.
| Distance | 199 mi (320 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 36m |
| Lowest price | £88.95 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | CrossCountry |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Exeter to Manchester?
CrossCountry is the one and only train line which connects Exeter to Manchester. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry | 2 | 4h 38m | £88.95 |
CrossCountry operates an extensive rail network in the U.K., centered in Birmingham. In standard class, passengers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Trains also contain a small café or a trolley that passes through the carriages. An upgrade to first-class gives passengers more legroom and complimentary food. The journey from Exeter to Manchester usually takes about 4 hours and 38 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 2 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Exeter and Manchester is approximately 199 miles, or 320 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 38 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 36 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Exeter to Manchester are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Exeter at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 15:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Exeter twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Manchester with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Manchester to Exeter.
City Information
Exeter
Located on the River Exe in the southwest of England, Exeter is one of England's most historically-varied towns. It's easy to forget what year it is while walking down the cobbled streets surrounded by Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and Georgian facades interspersed with modern glass buildings and contemporary bars.
One of the greatest examples of this town's historical architecture is Exeter Cathedral. The 12th-century building took around 300 years to complete, but every moment was worth it for the exterior's extremely detailed stonework. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is another unmissable building, housing a wide range of attractions from antiquities to zoology.
Take a walk along Exeter's historic quayside for some of the most spectacular scenery in the city, as well as some of Exeter's best bars and restaurants. If you're looking for something to entertain the children, Crealy Great Adventure Park is the place to be. The park contains over 60 rides and an Animal Barn showcasing farm and exotic animals.
Exeter can be easily reached from London via the Great Western Railway, with trains leaving roughly every hour from the city. Trains arrive at Exeter St. David's station, only a short walk away from the city center. In addition, National Express and Megabus provide coach services to the town from various locations across the country.
Manchester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Most recognizable for its world-famous football team, Manchester is a modern, vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that will appeal to explorers of all kinds. Often referred to as "The Capital of the North," Manchester is also known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Visitors can relive this booming era by taking a trip to the Science and Industry Museum to see how this previously small town changed the world's ideas of industry and manufacturing forever. These days, Manchester is famous for its music and art scene, with it being the birthplace of bands like The Smiths and Oasis.
Art and music-lovers may want to visit Afflecks, a vast and eclectic emporium of all things indie and grunge, to purchase records, artwork, and memorabilia, among many other things. Manchester is also home to 15 parks and gardens, with Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens among the most popular. This park provides a beautiful setting for picnics and scenic walks, perfect for when you need an escape from the bustling city.
And if you really are only here for Man U, both Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are stops on our itinerary to visit every premier league stadium in England.
With three large train stations—Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria—Manchester is easily accessible via rail. National Express and Megabus coaches also allow access from all over the country. In addition, Manchester Airport houses three large terminals, which provide global entry to the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Exeter?
Image credit: dksesh
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Exeter St David's
St David's Train Station is the principal railway station that serves Exeter. Great Western Railway and CrossCountry operate several routes through this station, the most popular being the line to London Paddington. The station is a 15-minute walk from the city centre, but frequent local bus services also connect to the rest of Exeter. Inside the station, you'll find a bookshop and cafe along with amenities like restrooms and notice boards with train information. Several local shops, a Premier Inn Hotel, and a car hire agency all await right outside of the station.
All train stations in Exeter:
Exeter St David's
Where is the train station in Manchester?
Main arrival station: Manchester Piccadilly Station
Manchester has one train station.
Train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Piccadilly Station
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Need a return trip from Manchester to Exeter?
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