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Exeter to Manchester from $32: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Exeter, United Kingdom
to
Manchester, United Kingdom

How to Get from Exeter to Manchester: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$32 by busBest price
320.8 kmDistance
4h 4m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Exeter to Manchester with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Various
Train
Average Duration
4h  20m
Estimated price
$130-405
Recommended
Company
FlixBus / Megabus
Bus
Average Duration
7h  15m
Estimated price
$32-45
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 320.8 km
Duration: 4h 4m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
4h  4m
Estimated price
$75-120
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  38m
Estimated price
$81-298
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  31m
Estimated price
$97-321
Company
Various
Train
Average Duration
4h  36m
Estimated price
$130-400
Company
Various
Train
Average Duration
6h  34m
Estimated price
$139-266
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  58m
Estimated price
$168-506

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $27 $16 $25 $24 $22 $23 $23

Traveling From Exeter to Manchester

Traveling from Exeter to Manchester takes you from the picturesque charm of Devon’s countryside to the vibrant energy of a bustling northern city.

Best Neighbourhoods in Manchester

Manchester boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinctive vibe.

Northern Quarter
• Trendy cafes and vintage shops abound.
• Known for vibrant street art and music scene.
Deansgate
• Home to historic pubs and restaurants.
• Offers great shopping and entertainment options.
Ancoats
• Celebrated for its culinary scene and eateries.
• Features a mix of modern flats and historic architecture.

Best Times To Visit Manchester's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your experience at Manchester's attractions.

Manchester Museum
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
The Lowry
Weekday afternoons often have smaller audiences for exhibits.
Old Trafford
Book your tour during off-peak days to enjoy a quieter experience.

Manchester Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Manchester experiences a mild, maritime climate with frequent rainfall, making it essential to prepare for variable weather throughout the year; late spring and early autumn are particularly pleasant for visiting. Understanding the weather patterns can impact your sightseeing plans, so consider packing layers and waterproof gear for your adventures.

Dining in Manchester: A Flavorful Contrast

Experience the lively atmosphere at Dishoom, where you can indulge in their delicious house special, the Black Daal, bringing a vibrant twist to your palate unlike Exeter’s traditional fare. The diverse use of spices and the bustling energy of this Bombay-style café creates a dining experience that highlights Manchester’s rich culinary tapestry.

Exeter - Manchester operators

Explore transport companies operating between Exeter and Manchester, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
0344 736 9123
Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/

Train from Exeter St Davids to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration
2h 28m
Estimated price
$95-270

Train from Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$55-140

Train from Exeter St Davids to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
4h 36m
Estimated price
$130-400
Contact phone
03333 211 202
Website
https://tfw.wales/

Train from Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
2h 58m
Estimated price
$35-55

Train from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
3h 22m
Estimated price
$70-120
Contact phone
+44 3457 000 125
Website
https://www.gwr.com/

Train from Exeter St Davids to Cardiff Central

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$65-150

Train from Exeter St Davids to Paddington

Average Duration
2h 13m
Estimated price
$100-220
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Exeter to Bristol

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
$13-18
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Bristol Bond St to Manchester Shudehill Interchange

Average Duration
4h 25m
Estimated price
$19-27
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.britishairways.com

Plane from Exeter (EXT) to Manchester (MAN)

Average Duration
3h 50m
Estimated price
$130-460
Website
https://www.aerlingus.com

Plane from Exeter (EXT) to Manchester (MAN)

Average Duration
3h 50m
Estimated price
$130-460
Website
https://www.easyjet.com

Plane from Exeter (EXT) to Liverpool (LPL)

Average Duration
4h 20m
Estimated price
$200-750
Website
https://www.ryanair.com

Plane from Exeter (EXT) to Liverpool (LPL)

Average Duration
3h 45m
Estimated price
$200-750

Exeter to Manchester: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Exeter and Manchester offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a picturesque journey from Exeter to Manchester, covering a driving distance of 387.9 km in approximately 4 hours and 4 minutes. 💷 Enjoy flexibility in your budget with car travel costs ranging from £59 to £95 for a trip filled with scenic views and delightful pit stops along the way.
Average price
£58 - £93
🕰️ Services operate twice daily, offering flexibility for travelers looking to make the trip. The journey typically takes around 4 hours and 36 minutes, allowing passengers to relax and unwind during the commute. 💰 Ticket prices for the Exeter to Manchester train range from £103 to £320, offering options for different budgets.
Departure Point
Exeter St Davids station
Arrival Point
Manchester Piccadilly station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Exeter to Manchester, you’ll primarily travel with Great Western Railway (GWR) or TransPennine Express. GWR offers a catering service that includes a selection of snacks and beverages. You can order food and drinks directly from your seat via the onboard service or in the café car.
• The seating options vary between First Class and Standard Class on these trains. First Class seats provide more space, complimentary refreshments, and quieter carriages. Standard Class is more economical and still comfortable, with reserved and unreserved seating available. Be sure to choose the class that best suits your preferences and budget.
• When you arrive at Manchester Piccadilly, you can easily leave luggage at the left luggage office located near the main concourse. The station offers accessible restrooms, and there are no showers available. To quickly reach the city center from the station, take the Metrolink tram – the '2' line towards Altrincham or the '3' line towards Ashton-under-Lyne will get you there in about 5-10 minutes.
🛫 Despite there being no direct flight from Exeter Airport to Manchester Airport, Aer Lingus provides convenient one-stop flights that take around 3 hours and 50 minutes. ✈️ The journey from Exeter to Manchester by plane takes approximately 5 hours and 38 minutes, providing a smooth and efficient way to travel between the two cities. 🎫 Ticket prices for flights between Manchester and Exeter range from £64 to £235, allowing for flexibility in choosing the best option for your budget and schedule.
Departure Point
Exeter Airport
Arrival Point
Manchester Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 50m and has one stopover
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Since there are no direct flights from Exeter to Manchester, plan your stopover wisely; Aer Lingus often operates with a layover in Dublin, so check the layover duration to avoid long waits.
• Upon arrival at Manchester Airport, follow the clearly marked signs to the train station located within the airport; it's convenient and gives you access to frequent trains to the city center—a great way to avoid taxi queues.
• If you prefer taking a taxi from Manchester Airport to the city center, expect to pay around £25-£35, and you can use the 'Gett' app for easy booking; alternatively, you can check local transport schedules on the Manchester Airport website for more options.
🚌 The journey from Exeter to Manchester by bus requires a transfer at Bristol Bond St and takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes. 💸 Tickets for the bus trip between Manchester and Exeter typically range in price from £25 to £36, offering an affordable travel option for those looking to explore different cities in the UK.
Departure Point
Exeter station
Arrival Point
Manchester Shudehill Interchange station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Start your journey at Exeter Bus Station, where you can find FlixBus and Megabus services; check their schedules to choose the best option based on your departure time: FlixBus (flixbus.co.uk) and Megabus (megabus.com).
• During your transfer at Bristol Bond St, look for the on-site cafes where you can grab a quick snack or coffee to recharge before continuing your journey; this is a great opportunity to stretch your legs.
• Upon arriving at Manchester Shudehill Interchange, familiarize yourself with the layout using the station map available at Transport for Greater Manchester's website to efficiently navigate onward travel options or find stops for local attractions nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Exeter to Manchester.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Exeter and Manchester is approximately 320.3 km by road. By train, it takes around 4 hours and 5 minutes to reach Manchester from Exeter. Alternatively, taking a train to Newquay and then flying to Manchester would take approximately 5 hours and 21 minutes. Another option is to fly directly from Exeter to Manchester, which typically takes about 5 hours and 38 minutes. Driving from Manchester to Exeter by car would take around 4 hours and 4 minutes, while taking a bus would take approximately 6 hours and 55 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Exeter to Manchester is by bus, with prices ranging from £28 to £43. However, this option also takes the longest, with a travel time of 6 hours and 55 minutes. For a quicker option, driving is the best choice, taking approximately 4 hours and 4 minutes, but it is slightly more expensive, with costs ranging from £59 to £94.
The prices for traveling from Exeter to Manchester by train range from £102 to £322, depending on the type of ticket and time of travel. Taking a bus from Manchester to Exeter can cost between £28 and £41, with variations in prices based on the bus company and travel date.
To get from Exeter to Manchester without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 387.9 km, and the driving time is around 4 hours and 4 minutes. The cost of driving can vary depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls, but it typically ranges from £59 to £94.
The best way to travel from Exeter to Manchester without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 5 minutes and the ticket prices range from £102 to £322. Another option is to take a bus, which takes around 6 hours and 55 minutes and costs between £28 and £43. Lastly, you can choose to fly, with a flight duration of 5 hours and 38 minutes and ticket prices ranging from £71 to £252.
Yes, there is a direct train link between Exeter and Manchester. The train services, operated by CrossCountry, depart from Exeter St Davids station and arrive at Manchester Piccadilly station. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 5 minutes. However, there is no direct bus route between the two cities, but there are bus services that require a transfer in Bristol and take approximately 6 hours and 55 minutes.
The flight between Exeter and Manchester typically takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes, including one stopover. However, there is no direct flight available between Exeter Airport and Manchester Airport. The prices for a flight between Manchester and Exeter can vary, ranging from £72 to £249.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Manchester. With over 1539 hotels available, travelers can find a range of choices to suit their budget and preferences. Prices start at £23, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Trips to Manchester