Cardiff to Exeter train with Great Western Rail

Wed, Nov 05
+ Add return
Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
first_great_western
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
first_great_western
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Exeter

Showing times and prices for Nov 05

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

Great Western RailP08478+CrossCountryC23735+Great Western RailP09762
08:37AM2h55
Cardiff Central (CDF)
11:32AMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
611One-way
2 transfers
Great Western RailP08478+CrossCountryC23735
08:37AM2h07
Cardiff Central (CDF)
10:44AMExeter St Davids (EXD)
611One-way
1 transfer
Great Western RailP08478+CrossCountryC23735+Great Western RailP09003
08:37AM2h17
Cardiff Central (CDF)
10:54AMExeter Central (EXC)
611One-way
2 transfers
Great Western RailP08910 · P09762
08:00AM3h32
Cardiff Central (CDF)
11:32AMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
741One-way
1 transfer
Great Western RailP08911
09:00AM2h32
Cardiff Central (CDF)
11:32AMExeter St Davids (EXD)
741One-way
0 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 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

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

National Express

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

Showing trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 5
Last updated at 8:22 PM
Last updated at 8:22 PM

ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
great_westernP08910 · P09762
On time
8:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h32
11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 transfer
great_westernP08910
On time
8:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h31
10:31 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 transfersDirect
great_westernP08910 · P09721
On time
8:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h45
10:45 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
1 transfer
great_westernP08478+cross_countryC23735+great_westernP09762
On time
8:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h55
11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2 transfers
great_westernP08478+cross_countryC23735
On time
8:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h07
10:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1 transfer
great_westernP08478+cross_countryC23735+great_westernP09003
On time
8:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h17
10:54 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2 transfers
great_westernP08911
On time
9:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h32
11:32 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 transfersDirect
great_westernP08911 · P09722
On time
9:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h45
11:45 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
1 transfer
great_westernP08911 · P09766
On time
9:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h32
12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 transfer
great_westernP08385+cross_countryC03775
On time
9:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h16
11:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1 transfer
great_westernP08385+cross_countryC03775+great_westernP09006
On time
9:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h26
11:54 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2 transfers
great_westernP08385+cross_countryC03775+great_westernP09766
On time
9:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h04
12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2 transfers
great_westernP08912 · P09725
On time
10:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h45
12:45 PM Exeter Central (EXC)
1 transfer
great_westernP08912 · P09770
On time
10:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h31
1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 transfer
great_westernP08912+cross_countryC23742
On time
10:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h25
12:25 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1 transfer
great_westernP08912
On time
10:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h32
12:32 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 transfersDirect
great_westernP08387+cross_countryC23745+great_westernP09770
On time
10:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h01
1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2 transfers
great_westernP08387+cross_countryC23745+great_westernP09009
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

Wed
Nov 05
Thu
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train
Trains from Cardiff to Exeter run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €30 but you can travel from only €11 by bus.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €11
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
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €11

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

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 21m
Cheapest Price
€38
Great Western Rail frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 7m
Cheapest Price
€30
CrossCountry frequency
11 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 48m
Cheapest Price
€68
first_great_western frequency
25 a day

FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Exeter

FAQs: Travel by train from Cardiff to Exeter easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Cardiff to Exeter.
FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Exeter can start from as little as €40 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cardiff to Exeter is €65; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Cardiff to Exeter is 2 h 4 min   to travel the 87 km long trip, with around there are 19 trains per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cardiff to Exeter leaves at 05: 06. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Cardiff to Exeter leaves at 22: 30.
There are 19 trains a day from Cardiff to Exeter which require at least one change with Great Western Rail, CrossCountry or first_great_western. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Cardiff to Exeter, you can count on Great Western Rail, CrossCountry or first_great_western for the best way to get you to Exeter. You can also check all possible train providers who offer a service from Cardiff to Exeter and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 22: 30.

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.

A trip to Exeter from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 4 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Cardiff to Exeter by train is August.
You have options as you can travel between Cardiff and Exeter 2 different ways: train or coach.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cardiff to Exeter

Cardiff
Exeter
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Bay. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Bay for your trip from Cardiff to Exeter.
Cardiff BayParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Bay
  • 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
CathaysParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Hotel
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cathays
  • 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
Cardiff Queen StreetParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 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.
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • 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
Hotel
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: to the right of the station front
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cardiff Queen Street
  • 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.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
Dining
  • Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
  • Pret a Manger
  • Tesco Express
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
WC
  • 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
Hotel
Hotel
  • Clayton Hotel Cardiff
  • Cardiff Marriott Hotel
  • Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 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
Public transit options for Cardiff Central
  • 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)
Heath High LevelParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Public transit options for Heath High Level
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
Heath Low LevelParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Public transit options for Heath Low Level
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Exeter

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HomeTrainsTrain Times to ExeterCardiff to Exeter train

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