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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Exeter
Cheapest price on Sep 17
€77
Average ticket price on Sep 17
€77
Fastest journey on Sep 17
3 h 1 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
3 h 23 m
Trains on Sep 17
5
Distance
88 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Exeter will cost around €77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €77.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Exeter without transferring at least once.
W35161+
G011305:53 AM3h15Cardiff Central (CDF)9:08 AMExeter St Davids (EXD)€771One-way1 transfer- W35431 · Y41565 · G151805:07 AM3h01Cardiff Central (CDF)8:08 AMExeter St Davids (EXD)€771One-way2 transfers
- W35431 · Y41565 · G15180 · C479915:07 AM3h28Cardiff Central (CDF)8:35 AMExeter St Thomas (EXT)€771One-way3 transfers
- W35161+G01130+C479955:53 AM3h42Cardiff Central (CDF)9:35 AMExeter St Thomas (EXT)€771One-way2 transfers
- W35161+G01130+Y418705:53 AM3h29Cardiff Central (CDF)9:22 AMSt James' Park (SJP)€771One-way2 transfers
- W35431 · Y41565 · G151805:07 AM3h01Cardiff Central (CDF)8:08 AMExeter St Davids (EXD)€771One-way2 transfers
- W35161+G011305:53 AM3h15Cardiff Central (CDF)9:08 AMExeter St Davids (EXD)€771One-way1 transfer
- W35431 · Y41565 · G15180 · C479915:07 AM3h28Cardiff Central (CDF)8:35 AMExeter St Thomas (EXT)€771One-way3 transfers
- W35161+G01130+Y418705:53 AM3h29Cardiff Central (CDF)9:22 AMSt James' Park (SJP)€771One-way2 transfers
- W35161+G01130+C479955:53 AM3h42Cardiff Central (CDF)9:35 AMExeter St Thomas (EXT)€771One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €15 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 39m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €15, while a train costs an average of €44.
Distance: 88 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€44 Average price | €15 Average price Cheapest | €33 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration 3h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Cardiff to Exeter:
A bus is €29 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Exeter costing on average €44.
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 33m.
Live departures
Cardiff to Exeter train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W35431 · Y41565 · G15180 | 5:07 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h01 | 8:08 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 transfers | |
| W35431 · Y41565 · G15180 · C47991 | 5:07 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h28 | 8:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 transfers | |
| W35161+G01130 | 5:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h15 | 9:08 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
| W35161+G01130+C47995 | 5:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h42 | 9:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
| W35161+G01130+Y41870 | 5:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h29 | 9:22 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Exeter by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Sep 17
Sep 18
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Why should you book Cardiff to Exeter trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Exeter.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Exeter.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Exeter.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Exeter.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Exeter
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Exeter run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €26 but you can travel from only €10 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 22:32. The fastest train covers the 88 km distance in 2h 6m.
Distance 88 km |
Average train duration 2h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price €26 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 6m |
First train 5:07 AM |
Last train 10:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Exeter trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Exeter from €10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Exeter
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Exeter
Most Cardiff to Exeter trains use the Cardiff Central to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Which Exeter station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Davids train station facilities and services
Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Davids: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - All platforms can be accessed via Lifts from the sole main station entrance. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Thomas train station facilities and services
Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Exeter Central from Exeter city centre
Exeter Central train station facilities and services
Exeter Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - Both platforms can be accessed via lifts from the main station entrance, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Exeter
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Exeter and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Exeter
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