Exeter to Manchester?

pioneer31

Does anyone know of a way to get cheap fares on this journey?

I am aware of the trick of breaking up the journey but does anyone do this and at which stations?

pioneer31

anybody..........?

tonys_3

Apparently not.And train websites are absolute crap-I don't think there is one that is anywhere close to being crystal clear on how their timetables and fares work and most importantly,which stations each Line covers.
However if you look down at the posts beneath yours you will find one called "train fares"which if you follow several of the embedded urls will steer you in the right direction.

Alternatively you can go by Megabus for £19 one way via London

sockospice

The quickest route would be via Birmingham new Street, so you could try splitting the journey at any of the intermediate stations, eg cheltenham, gloucester, Stafford, stoke etc.

It would help if you gave a bit more information, ie what days you want to travel.

The direct route is operated by Virgin Cross Country so you may be able to get one of their advance purchase fares.

Alternatively, you may be able to get a cheap ticket on the scenic Arriva Trains Wales from Cardiff to Manchester (it takes hours though), or it may work out cheaper to go via london (although I'd doubt it)

pioneer31

Hi sockospice

Basically the journey would be

Exeter - Manchester on a Friday evening

and then

Manchester to Exeter on a Sunday afternoon.

sockospice

Right, well you're travelling at peak times both ways so availability of discounted tickets will be less. However, they are available if you book far enough in advance (I'd give it at least 6 weeks)

It looks like time will be a premium so that rules out going via wales (and london too really). If you can't get an advance purchase ticket try break of journey at BNS, or Stafford.

Are you entitled to any railcard (ie under 26 for a young persons, etc), as this would allow you to buy a discounted saver ticket which does give you flexibility.

Other than that, flybe fly from manchester to exeter, could be worth checking them out.

sockospice

When available, the cheapest advance purchase ticket is 14.50 each way. If you want to travel friday afternoon/sunday you'll need to book a long way in advance, as those tickets are usually the first to go. A saver return (flexible) is £85, so if you could get a railcard you'd get a third off that.

Alternatively, you could use flybe to go exeter to liverpool, then there's a coach from liverpool airport to liverpool city centre and then a train from liverpool to manchester. Again, if you can pick up cheap fares that may be worth doing.