Portsmouth to Exeter train with Great Western Railway

Wed, Sep 23
+ Add return
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Portsmouth to Exeter

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 23

Cheapest price on Sep 23

€42

Average ticket price on Sep 23

€61

Fastest journey on Sep 23

3 h 14 m

Average journey duration on Sep 23

3 h 15 m

Trains on Sep 23

6

Distance

172 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Portsmouth to Exeter will cost around €61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €42.

Fast trains

On Wed, Sep 23, we found 6 trains from Portsmouth to Exeter, including 6 direct services.

On Wed, Sep 23 the direct trains cover the 172 km distance in an average of 3 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 14 m .

On Wed, Sep 23 the slowest trains will take 3 h 16 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 Railway
    10:27 AM3h15
    Portsmouth
    1:42 PMExeter
    421One-way
    0 transfers
  • South Western Railway
    8:00 AM4h38
    Portsmouth
    12:38 PMExeter
    531One-way
    0 transfers
  • South Western Railway
    4:29 PM3h14
    Portsmouth
    7:43 PMExeter
    681One-way
    0 transfers
  • South Western Railway
    12:27 PM3h15
    Portsmouth
    3:42 PMExeter
    681One-way
    0 transfers
  • South Western Railway
    11:27 AM3h16
    Portsmouth
    2:43 PMExeter
    681One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Portsmouth to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €66 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 50m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €66, while a train costs an average of €97.

Distance: 172 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

€97

Average price

€66

Average price

Cheapest

€38

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 50m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 13m

Average total duration

5h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 7m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Portsmouth to Exeter is a bus with an average price of €66.

This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to Exeter:

A bus is €30 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Exeter costing on average €97.

The fastest way to travel from Portsmouth to Exeter is by train with an average journey time of 3h 20m.

Other travel options to Exeter take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 43m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Exeter including taking a train and bus.

Live departures

Portsmouth to Exeter train times

The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
South Western Railway8:00 AM Portsmouth
4h38
12:38 PM Exeter0 transfersDirect
South Western Railway10:27 AM Portsmouth
3h15
1:42 PM Exeter0 transfersDirect
South Western Railway11:27 AM Portsmouth
3h16
2:43 PM Exeter0 transfersDirect
South Western Railway12:27 PM Portsmouth
3h15
3:42 PM Exeter0 transfersDirect
South Western Railway1:27 PM Portsmouth
3h15
4:42 PM Exeter0 transfersDirect
South Western Railway4:29 PM Portsmouth
3h14
7:43 PM Exeter0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth 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.

Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26
Sun
Sep 27
Mon
Sep 28
Tue
Sep 29

Why should you book Portsmouth to Exeter trains with Omio?

South Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway offer trains services from Portsmouth to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Portsmouth to Exeter.

Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for South Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Portsmouth 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 South Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Portsmouth 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 to find the best option for your trip from Portsmouth to Exeter.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Portsmouth to Exeter.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Portsmouth to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Portsmouth to Exeter run on average 16 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €25 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 172 km distance in 2h 48m.

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
Distance
172 km
Average train duration
3h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
€25
Trains per day
16
Fastest train
2h 48m
First train
12:02 AM
Last train
11:48 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
28 days
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

Train companies: Great Western Railway, South Western Railway from Portsmouth to Exeter trainsGreat Western Railway, South Western Railway trains will get you between Portsmouth and Exeter from €25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

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 Great Western Railway Duration
2h 48m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
€68
Great Western Railway frequency
9 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

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 South Western Railway Duration
3h 0m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
€25
South Western Railway frequency
7 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

FAQs: Trains from Portsmouth to Exeter

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Exeter can start from as little as €25 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Portsmouth to Exeter is €97; 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 Portsmouth to Exeter is 2h 48m to travel the 172 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Portsmouth to Exeter leaves at 12:02 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Portsmouth to Exeter leaves at 11:48 PM.
There are 16 trains a day from Portsmouth to Exeter which require at least one change with South Western Railway, Great Western Railway. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Portsmouth to Exeter, you can count on South Western Railway, Great Western Railway for the best way to get you to Exeter. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Portsmouth and Exeter and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Exeter from Portsmouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 48m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Portsmouth to Exeter is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Exeter including taking a train and bus.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Portsmouth to Exeter

Most Portsmouth to Exeter trains use the Portsmouth & Southsea to Exeter St Thomas station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Davids. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Portsmouth
Arrival train stations in Exeter

Which Portsmouth station do trains to Exeter leave from?

Trains from Portsmouth to Exeter leave from Portsmouth & Southsea. The station is from Portsmouth city centre at Portsmouth & Southsea station, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 1EQ.
Portsmouth & SouthseaPortsmouth & Southsea station, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 1EQWifiParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Portsmouth & Southsea from Portsmouth city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation Street bus stop at side of Railway Station near Matalan car park.

Portsmouth & Southsea train station facilities and services

Portsmouth & Southsea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, 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 Portsmouth & Southsea.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth & Southsea. ATMs are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth & Southsea.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, 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, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Portsmouth HarbourPortsmouth Harbour station, The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3PAWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Portsmouth Harbour from Portsmouth city centre

Portsmouth Harbour is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLondon Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour, Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour, Littlehampton - Portsmouth Harbour, Three Bridges - Portsmouth Harbour, Barnham - Portsmouth Harbour, Gatwick Airport - Portsmouth Harbour, Havant - Portsmouth Harbour, Bognor Regis - Portsmouth Harbour · 3m · €1 · every ~4 min
Bus1, 2, 8, 3, 7, X4, H1, X5, Pr1 · 6m · €2 · every ~214 min

Portsmouth Harbour train station facilities and services

Portsmouth Harbour has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth Harbour.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth Harbour. ATMs are available at Portsmouth Harbour.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth Harbour.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth Harbour: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Steps or 20m ramp (approx. 1:11 gradient) to main entrance, or steps to side entrance. 32m ramp (gradient up to 1:8) from Wightlink IoW ferry terminal. Level access to all platforms. Stepped footbridge between platforms is also available. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, 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, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

FrattonFratton station, Selbourne Terrace, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 5AWWifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Fratton from Portsmouth city centre

Fratton is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainPortsmouth Harbour - London Waterloo, Portsmouth Harbour - Eastleigh, Portsmouth Harbour - Southampton Central, Portsmouth & Southsea - Southampton Central, Portsmouth Harbour - Woking, Portsmouth & Southsea - London Waterloo, Portsmouth Harbour - Guildford, Portsmouth Harbour - Winchester, Portsmouth Harbour - Basingstoke, Portsmouth & Southsea - Woking, Portsmouth Harbour - Woolston, Portsmouth & Southsea - Woolston, Portsmouth Harbour - Petersfield, Portsmouth Harbour - Fareham · 3m · €1 · every ~10 min
Bus1 · 4m · every ~30 min
13 · 6m · €2 · every ~6 min

Fratton train station facilities and services

Fratton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Fratton.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Fratton.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Fratton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Fratton: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Fratton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Fratton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms, 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, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Exeter

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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