How to travel from Manchester to Barnstaple, United Kingdom

The distance between Manchester and Barnstaple is around 414km (257 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 4h 20m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Manchester to Barnstaple by train, bus, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out BarnstapleManchester if you're planning a return trip.

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plane
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train
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train
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Plane and Train

Fly from Manchester (MAN) to Bristol (BRS) then take the train to Exeter St Davids and then to Barnstaple.

  • Duration4h 40m
  • Flight time1h 55m
  • Typical cost
    £170($200)
Operated by

Multiple operators

2
3 x train
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Train

Take the train to Birmingham New Street then Exeter St Davids and then to Barnstaple.

  • Duration5hrs
  • Departsevery 2 hours
  • Typical cost
    £145($170)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

💰 Cheapest
3
bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Barnstaple Bus Station.

  • Duration7h 25m
  • Departs4 times a week
  • Typical cost
    £24($28)
🚀 Fastest
4
car
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Drive

Drive to Barnstaple.

  • Duration4h 20m
  • Distance414km (257 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Manchester and Barnstaple

There are several options for getting from Manchester to Barnstaple by train, bus, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around £24 ($28) and will take around 7h 25m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 4h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £72 ($85).

The distance between Manchester and Barnstaple is around 414km (257 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 294km (183 miles)

It takes around 5hrs to get from Manchester and Barnstaple by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 4h 20m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Manchester to Barnstaple is to drive which takes around 4h 20m and will set you back approx £72 ($85).

The cheapest way to travel between Manchester and Barnstaple, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around £24 ($28) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Manchester and Barnstaple. It typically takes around 5hrs and departs every 2 hours.

There are no direct train services that runs from Manchester to Barnstaple. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Birmingham New Street and Exeter St Davids. These services run every 2 hours and will take a minimum of 5hrs.

CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and Great Western Railway run train services between Manchester and Barnstaple. Trains depart every 2 hours and will take around 5hrs, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Manchester and Barnstaple. It typically takes around 7h 25m and departs 4 times a week.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Manchester and Barnstaple with no changeovers required. The bus runs 4 times a week and takes 7h 25m.

Megabus UK run regular bus services between Manchester and Barnstaple. Buses run 4 times a week and take around 7h 25m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Manchester to Barnstaple. We recommend that you fly from Manchester (MAN) to Bristol (BRS) then take the train to Exeter St Davids and then to Barnstaple. instead which will take 4h 40m.

The closest major airport to Barnstaple is Exeter Airport (EXT) (EXT) which is approximately 60km (37 miles) from Barnstaple. Cardiff Airport (CWL) (CWL) and Newquay Cornwall Airport (NQY) (NQY) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Manchester and Barnstaple. The distance is around 414km (257 miles) by road and it will take around 4h 20m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Manchester to Barnstaple is to take the train which takes, on average, 5hrs and will usually cost around £145 ($170).

How do I get from Manchester to Barnstaple

Compare travel optionsbetween Manchester and Barnstaple

Transport options from Manchester to Barnstaple
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Plane and Train
4h 40m
£170($200)
hourly806km (501 miles)
Train
5hrs
£145($170)
every 2 hours458km (285 miles)
Bus
7h 25m
£24($28)
4 times a week446km (277 miles)
Drive
4h 20m
£72($85)
on demand414km (257 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Manchester and Barnstaple

Airlines

Bus companies

Airports near Barnstaple

The following major airports near Barnstaple offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.

EXT
Exeter Airport (EXT)
International Airport
Distance
60km (37 miles) from Barnstaple
CWL
Cardiff Airport (CWL)
Domestic Airport
Distance
61km (38 miles) from Barnstaple
NQY
Newquay Cornwall Airport (NQY)
Domestic Airport
Distance
97km (60 miles) from Barnstaple