London to Exeter train with South Western Railway

Sat, Dec 13
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South Western Railway
Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
first_great_western
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
South Western Railway
Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
first_great_western
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London to Exeter

Showing times and prices for Dec 15

Cheapest price

€61

Average price

€107

Fastest journey

2 h

Average duration

2 h 9 m

Trains per day

18

Distance

253 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from London to Exeter will cost around €107 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 London for Exeter on Mon, Dec 15, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Dec 15 the direct trains cover the 253 km distance in an average of 2 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h .

On Mon, Dec 15 the slowest trains will take 2 h 15 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.

South Western RailwayP61149
09:20AM3h18
London Waterloo (WAT)
12:38PMExeter Central (EXC)
€611One-way
0 transfers
South Western RailwayP61149
09:20AM3h22
London Waterloo (WAT)
12:42PMExeter St Davids (EXD)
€611One-way
0 transfers
South Western RailwayP61149+Great Western RailP33366
09:20AM4h11
London Waterloo (WAT)
01:31PMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
€661One-way
1 transfer
South Western RailwayP61159+Great Western RailP33374
10:20AM4h11
London Waterloo (WAT)
02:31PMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
€661One-way
1 transfer
South Western RailwayP61138
08:20AM3h23
London Waterloo (WAT)
11:43AMExeter St Davids (EXD)
€911One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for London to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 47m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €13, and a train costs an average of €38.

Distance: 253 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€64

Average price

€26

Average price

Cheapest

3h 17m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 47m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 25m

Average total duration

4h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

South Western Railway

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

London to Exeter train times

The table below shows live departures for London to Exeter trains for today, Sunday, December 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 9:09 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
south_west_trainsP61148+great_westernP33362
On time
9:15 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
4h17
1:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)		1 transfer
south_west_trainsP61148
On time
9:15 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
3h23
12:38 PM Exeter Central (EXC)		0 transfersDirect
south_west_trainsP61148
On time
9:15 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
3h28
12:43 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernV37512 · P33354
On time
9:36 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h56
12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)		1 transfer
great_westernV37512
On time
9:36 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h34
12:10 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernV37512 · P31589
On time
9:36 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h43
12:19 PM Exeter Central (EXC)		1 transfer
south_west_trainsP61158
On time
10:15 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
3h28
1:43 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)		0 transfersDirect
south_west_trainsP61158
On time
10:15 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
3h23
1:38 PM Exeter Central (EXC)		0 transfersDirect
south_west_trainsP61158+great_westernP33369
On time
10:15 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
4h15
2:30 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)		1 transfer
great_westernV63819 · P33362
On time
10:36 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h56
1:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)		1 transfer
great_westernP22661
On time
8:03 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h05
10:08 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernP22661 · P33344
On time
8:03 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h30
10:33 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)		1 transfer
great_westernP22661 · P31597
On time
8:03 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h15
10:18 AM Exeter Central (EXC)		1 transfer
south_west_trainsP61138+great_westernP33359
On time
8:20 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
4h12
12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)		1 transfer
south_west_trainsP61138
On time
8:20 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
3h23
11:43 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)		0 transfersDirect
south_west_trainsP61138
On time
8:20 AM London Waterloo (WAT)
3h19
11:39 AM Exeter Central (EXC)		0 transfersDirect
great_westernP22662 · P33351
On time
9:03 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h29
11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)		1 transfer
great_westernP22662+south_west_trainsP61210
On time
9:03 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h25
11:28 AM Exeter Central (EXC)		1 transfer
great_westernP22662
On time
9:03 AM London Paddington (PAD)
2h10
11:13 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)		0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London 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.

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from London to Exeter?

The best time to book your train from London to Exeter is 77 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the London to Exeter route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from London to Exeter per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from London to Exeter.

Journey information

Overview: Train from London to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from London to Exeter run on average 26 times per day, taking around 2h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €38 but you can travel from only €13 by bus.

There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 253 km distance in 2h 8m.

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 €13
Distance
253 km
Average train duration
2h 47m
Cheapest ticket price
€38
Trains per day
26
Direct trains
11
Fastest train
2h 8m
First train
00:01
Last train
23:57
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 €13

Train companies: South Western Railway, Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, first_great_western from London to Exeter trainsSouth Western Railway, Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, first_great_western trains will get you between London and Exeter from €13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 18m
Cheapest Price
€35
South Western Railway frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone
Learn more about South Western Railway

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 8m
Cheapest Price
€79
Great Western Rail frequency
15 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
Learn more about Great Western Rail

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
CrossCountry frequency
1 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
Learn more about CrossCountry

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 57m
Cheapest Price
€173
first_great_western frequency
16 a day

FAQs: Trains from London to Exeter

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from London to Exeter can start from as little as €16 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for London to Exeter is €48; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the London to Exeter train travel time is 2 h 4 min   for the 252 km long journey, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from London to Exeter leaves at 00: 02. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from London to Exeter leaves at 23: 57.
Yes, it is possible to travel from London to Exeter without having to change trains with South Western Railway, Great Western Rail or first_great_western. There are 4 direct trains from London to Exeter each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the journey from London to Exeter you can take a train with South Western Railway, Great Western Rail or first_great_western. Be sure to check out all possible train providers that offer services to Exeter from London on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 57.

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

Passengers board the train most frequently from London Waterloo, which is located around 1.2 miles (2 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 London 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 for a train from London to Exeter is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London and Exeter including taking a coach or train.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from London to Exeter

London
Exeter
The major train station for departures in London is Acton Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Acton Central for your trip from London to Exeter.
Acton CentralDiningATMAccessibilityWCBike Parking
Amenities at train station
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
address
Address
Churchfield Rd, London W3 6BS, UK
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
9 km
Acton Main LineParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Acton Main Line station, Horn Lane, Acton, Greater London, W3 9EH
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:40 - 10:40 Saturday 08:00 - 15:15 Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
9 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Accessibility Category A. This station has step-free access to all platforms. Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 3&4.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located in the stations ticket hall.
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train.
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: On the paid side of the barrier in the stations ticket hall.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: An accessible toilet is located in the ticket hall on the paid side of the barrier. This toilet is operated with a radar key.
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transit options for Acton Main Line
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: No rail replacement bus services operate from this station.
Alexandra PalaceWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
address
Address
Alexandra Palace station, Station Road, Alexandra Park, Greater London, N22 7ST
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:15 - 13:0015:15 - 19:20 Saturday 08:45 - 15:45 Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
9 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: YES
  • Accessible taxis: Yes
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: This is a Category C station: This station does not have step-free access. Assistance Meeting Point is in the Ticket Hall next to the taxi office.
  • Accessible taxis: Yes
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: All Great Northern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself 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
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: A heated waiting room is available on platforms 3 & 4
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage location: Inside booking office, and opposite booking office
  • Storage CCTV: Yes

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