Exeter to Cardiff train with Great Western Rail

Wed, Nov 12
+ Add return
Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
Cross Country
first_great_western
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
Cross Country
first_great_western
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Nov 13

Cheapest price

€25

Average price

€52

Fastest journey

2 h 32 m

Average duration

2 h 52 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

88 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Exeter to Cardiff will cost around €52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €25.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Exeter for Cardiff on Thu, Nov 13, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 13 the direct trains cover the 88 km distance in an average of 2 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 32 m .

On Thu, Nov 13 the slowest trains will take 3 h 23 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.

CrossCountry
07:34PM3h23
Exeter
10:57PMCardiff
251One-way
0 transfers
CrossCountry
05:16AM2h32
Exeter
07:48AMCardiff
551One-way
0 transfers
Great Western Rail
09:42AM2h40
Exeter
12:22PMCardiff
771One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Exeter to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 10m. 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 €10, and a train costs an average of €21.

Distance: 88 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus

€68

Average price

€16

Average price

Cheapest

2h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 44m

Average total duration

3h 14m

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

Exeter to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Cardiff trains for today, Wednesday, November 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:40 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
great_westernP09740+cross_countryC23652+great_westernP08378
On time
6:16 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h32
8:48 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
great_westernP09740+cross_countryC23652+great_westernP08233
On time
6:16 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h23
8:39 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
cross_countryC23652+great_westernP08233
On time
6:25 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h14
8:39 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
cross_countryC23652+great_westernP08378
On time
6:25 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h23
8:48 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
south_west_trainsL47631+great_westernP09866
On time
6:34 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h47
9:21 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP09743+cross_countryC23655+great_westernP08235
On time
6:42 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h53
9:35 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
great_westernP09866
On time
6:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h37
9:21 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 transfersDirect
great_westernP08995+cross_countryC23655+great_westernP08235
On time
7:07 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2h28
9:35 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
cross_countryC23655+great_westernP08235
On time
7:20 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h15
9:35 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP09745 · P08434 · P09867
On time
7:24 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h52
10:16 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
great_westernP08996 · P08209 · P09867
On time
7:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2h41
10:16 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
great_westernP08209 · P09867
On time
7:52 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h24
10:16 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP08841+cross_countryC23658+great_westernP08237
On time
8:04 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h33
10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
great_westernP08997+cross_countryC23658+great_westernP08237
On time
8:09 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2h28
10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
cross_countryC23658+great_westernP08237
On time
8:27 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h10
10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP08998 · P09868
On time
8:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2h44
11:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP08999 · P09869
On time
9:05 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3h11
12:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP08999+cross_countryC23661+great_westernP08239
On time
9:05 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2h35
11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Cardiff 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.

Thu
Nov 13
Fri
Nov 14
Sat
Nov 15
Sun
Nov 16
Mon
Nov 17
Tue
Nov 18
Wed
Nov 19
Thu
Nov 20
Fri
Nov 21
Sat
Nov 22
Sun
Nov 23
Mon
Nov 24
Tue
Nov 25
Wed
Nov 26

Journey information

Overview: Train from Exeter to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Exeter to Cardiff run on average 17 times per day, taking around 2h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €21 but you can travel from only €10 by bus.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:04, the last at 22:44. The fastest train covers the 88 km distance in 2h 7m.

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 €10
Distance
88 km
Average train duration
2h 10m
Cheapest ticket price
€21
Trains per day
17
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
2h 7m
First train
05:04
Last train
22:44
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 €10

Train companies: Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western from Exeter to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Exeter and Cardiff from €10. 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 7m
Cheapest Price
€41
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 14m
Cheapest Price
€25
CrossCountry frequency
10 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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 49m
Cheapest Price
€130
Cross Country frequency
10 a day

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 58m
Cheapest Price
€68
first_great_western frequency
14 a day

FAQs: Trains from Exeter to Cardiff

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
On average the Exeter to Cardiff train time is 2 h 19 min   covering the 87 km long journey, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Exeter to Cardiff leaves at 08: 20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Exeter to Cardiff leaves at 18: 21.
There are 30 trains a day from Exeter to Cardiff which require at least one change with CrossCountry or Great Western Rail. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Exeter to Cardiff, you can count on CrossCountry or Great Western Rail for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible train providers who offer a service to Cardiff from 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 18: 21.

When departing from Exeter, you have various train station options to start your journey from including Exeter St Davids, Exeter Central and Exeter St Thomas. When arriving in Cardiff, you can end your route in train stations like Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Exeter St Davids, which is located around 1.9 miles (3 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cardiff Central, located 1.1 miles (1.8 km) away from the city centre.

The cheapest month to travel from Exeter to Cardiff by train is April.
Yes, you can take a coach between Exeter and Cardiff.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Exeter to Cardiff

Exeter
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Exeter is Digby & Sowton. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Digby & Sowton for your trip from Exeter to Cardiff.
Digby & SowtonWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
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: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Digby & Sowton
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: From the station forecourt over the footbridge
Exeter CentralWifiShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:50 - 18:15 Saturday 07:50 - 18:15 Sunday 09:30 - 16:30
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Yes
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Both platforms
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Exeter Central
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop at the front of the station on Queens Street
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: WHSmith
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Platform 1 and adjacent entrance
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Exeter St Davids
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
Exeter St ThomasWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
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: 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Bottom of stairs leading to platform 1.
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Exeter St Thomas
  • 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
PinhoeWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
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: 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Platform 1
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Pinhoe
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pinn Lane, outside station entrance
Polsloe BridgeWifiParkingDiningLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Public transit options for Polsloe Bridge
  • 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.
St James' ParkParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for St James' Park
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus Stops on the Old Tiverton Road (Nearest to St James Road)
NewcourtParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Step Free Category A station - This station has step free access to the platform
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transit options for Newcourt
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stops by the Community Centre

Most popular train connections from Exeter

More options for your journey from Exeter to Cardiff

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