The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Exeter
Cheapest price
€61
Average price
€72
Fastest journey
2 h 7 m
Average duration
2 h 18 m
Trains per day
18
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 €72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €61.
Of the 18 trains that leave Cardiff for Exeter on Wed, Nov 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 05 the direct trains cover the 88 km distance in an average of 2 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 7 m .
On Wed, Nov 05 the slowest trains will take 2 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
P08478+
C23735+
P09762
P08478+
C23735
P08478+
C23735+
P09003
P08910 · P09762
P08911
P08478+
C23735
P08385+
C03775
P08478+
C23735+
P09003
P08387+
C23745+
P09009
P08912+
C23742Travel 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 prices starting from €11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €11, and a train costs an average of €30.
Distance: 88 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€71 Average price | €17 Average price Cheapest |
2h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 37m Average total duration 3h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cardiff to Exeter train times
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P08910 · P09762 | On time 8:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
P08910 | On time 8:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h31 | 10:31 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P08910 · P09721 | On time 8:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h45 | 10:45 AM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
P08478+ C23735+ P09762 | On time 8:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h55 | 11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
P08478+ C23735 | On time 8:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h07 | 10:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
P08478+ C23735+ P09003 | On time 8:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h17 | 10:54 AM Exeter Central (EXC) | 2 transfers | |
P08911 | On time 9:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 11:32 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P08911 · P09722 | On time 9:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h45 | 11:45 AM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
P08911 · P09766 | On time 9:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
P08385+ C03775 | On time 9:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h16 | 11:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
P08385+ C03775+ P09006 | On time 9:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h26 | 11:54 AM Exeter Central (EXC) | 2 transfers | |
P08385+ C03775+ P09766 | On time 9:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h04 | 12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
P08912 · P09725 | On time 10:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h45 | 12:45 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
P08912 · P09770 | On time 10:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h31 | 1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
P08912+ C23742 | On time 10:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h25 | 12:25 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
P08912 | On time 10:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 12:32 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P08387+ C23745+ P09770 | On time 10:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h01 | 1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
P08387+ C23745+ P09009 | On time 10:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h23 | 12:53 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Exeter by train or bus
Nov 05
Nov 06
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Exeter
Distance 88 km |
Average train duration 2h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price €30 |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 7m |
First train 05:07 |
Last train 22:32 |
Train companies: Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, first_great_western from Cardiff to Exeter trainsGreat Western Rail, CrossCountry, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Exeter from €11. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
first_great_western
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Exeter

Passengers board the train most frequently from Cardiff Central, which is located around 1.1 miles (1.8 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Exeter St Davids, located 1.9 miles (3 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Exeter
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: There is a bus stop outside the station.
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stop close to the station entrance on Bute Street
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Travelodge
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B. Step free access to the platform from Heath Halt Road.
- Accessible public telephones: Low level/text public phones.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step free Category A - Step free access is available to the platform via a ramp & Bridge from the station car park. 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 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: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: From the station forecourt over the footbridge
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:50 - 18:15 Saturday 07:50 - 18:15 Sunday 09:30 - 16:30
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Taxi: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 2. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Both platforms
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop at the front of the station on Queens Street
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:40 Saturday 06:15 - 20:00 Sunday 07:30 - 20:40 Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Weekdays (Mon-Fri) 08:45 - 19:40, Saturday 08:45 - 18:30 Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
- Type of shops available: WHSmith
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 5. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1 and adjacent entrance
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Bottom of stairs leading to platform 1.
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Exeter St Davids: Cowick Street bus stop by shopping precint. To Newton Abbot: Cowick Street bus stop outside the station
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - There is step-free access to both platforms. Interchange via level crossing outside station.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pinn Lane, outside station entrance
- Car Park: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement buses depart from Widgery Road bus stops on Pinhoe Road. Taxis depart from the front of the station.
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 Station - This station has a degree of step free access to the platforms, however the Exeter bound platform cannot be accessed step free and the Exmouth bound platform can be accessed step free but only via a very steep ramp.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus Stops on the Old Tiverton Road (Nearest to St James Road)
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