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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Exeter
Showing times and prices for 20 Dec
Cheapest price
$93
Average price
$94
Fastest journey
2 h 14 m
Average duration
2 h 18 m
Trains per day
15
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Exeter will cost around $94 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $93.
Fast trains
Of the 15 trains that leave Cardiff for Exeter every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These 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 14 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 22 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.
L2327008:00AM2h22
Cardiff Central (CDF)10:22AMExeter St Davids (EXD)
$931One-way
0 changes
L23271 · P3335309:00AM2h32
Cardiff Central (CDF)11:32AMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
$931One-way
1 change
L23273 · P3337611:00AM3h31
Cardiff Central (CDF)02:31PMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
$931One-way
1 change
L23271 · L2351209:00AM2h44
Cardiff Central (CDF)11:44AMExeter Central (EXC)
$931One-way
1 change
L2327109:00AM2h22
Cardiff Central (CDF)11:22AMExeter St Davids (EXD)
$931One-way
0 changes
L23124+
C7519310:30AM2h14
Cardiff Central (CDF)12:44PMExeter St Davids (EXD)
$941One-way
1 change
L23122+C7546009:30AM2h16
Cardiff Central (CDF)11:46AMExeter St Davids (EXD)
$941One-way
1 change
L23120+C7513408:27AM2h17
Cardiff Central (CDF)10:44AMExeter St Davids (EXD)
$941One-way
1 change
L2327008:00AM2h22
Cardiff Central (CDF)10:22AMExeter St Davids (EXD)
$931One-way
0 changes
L2327109:00AM2h22
Cardiff Central (CDF)11:22AMExeter St Davids (EXD)
$931One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $14. 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 coach costs an average of $14, and a train costs an average of $38.
Distance: 88 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
$88 Average Price | $21 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
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Saturday, 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 10:23 pm
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L23270 | On time 8:00 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h22 | 10:22 am Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L23270 · L23515 | On time 8:00 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h33 | 10:33 am Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
| L23270 · P33276 | On time 8:00 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h46 | 10:46 am Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 change | |
| L23120+C75134+P31602 | On time 8:27 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h28 | 10:55 am Exeter Central (EXC) | 2 changes | |
| L23120+C75134 | On time 8:27 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h17 | 10:44 am Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
| L23271 · P33353 | On time 9:00 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 11:32 am Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
| L23271 · L23512 | On time 9:00 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h44 | 11:44 am Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 change | |
| L23271 | On time 9:00 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h22 | 11:22 am Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L23122+C75460+P33361 | On time 9:30 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h02 | 12:32 pm Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
| L23122+C75460+L23312 | On time 9:30 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h25 | 11:55 am Exeter Central (EXC) | 2 changes | |
| L23122+C75460 | On time 9:30 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h16 | 11:46 am Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
| L23124+C75193 | On time 10:30 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h14 | 12:44 pm Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
| L23124+C75193+P31616 | On time 10:30 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h25 | 12:55 pm Exeter Central (EXC) | 2 changes | |
| L23273 · P33376 | On time 11:00 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h31 | 2:31 pm Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
| L23273 · L23067 · P33368 | On time 11:00 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h38 | 1:38 pm Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Exeter by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Sat
20 Dec
20 Dec
Sun
21 Dec
21 Dec
Mon
22 Dec
22 Dec
Tue
23 Dec
23 Dec
Wed
24 Dec
24 Dec
Thu
25 Dec
25 Dec
Fri
26 Dec
26 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Exeter
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Exeter run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 but you can travel from only $14 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 22:32. 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
Coach from $14
Distance 88 km |
Average train duration 2h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 |
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
Coach from $14
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 $14. 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
$47
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
$37
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
$85
first_great_western frequency
25 a day
FAQs: Cardiff to Exeter train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.
Cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Exeter can start from as little as $41 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cardiff to Exeter is $106; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time between Cardiff and Exeter is on average 2 h 6 min for the 87 km long journey, but the time it takes to go to Exeter from Cardiff by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cardiff to Exeter leaves at 5: 07am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last train from Cardiff to Exeter leaves at 10: 31pm.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Cardiff to Exeter without having to change trains with first_great_western. There is 1 direct train from Cardiff to Exeter each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
Take the Cardiff to Exeter train with Great Western Rail, CrossCountry or first_great_western. However, it's always good to check out all possible train providers for the route between Cardiff and Exeter as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Cardiff Central, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Exeter St Davids, located 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 6 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cardiff to Exeter is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Cardiff to Exeter including taking a train or coach.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Exeter
Cardiff
Exeter
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to Exeter.
Cardiff Central
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
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
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
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 transport 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)
Cardiff Queen Street
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
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
- Car Park: No
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
- 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
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport 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.
Cathays
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
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
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport 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
The major train station for arrivals in Exeter is Exeter St Davids. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Exeter St Davids for your journey to Exeter from Cardiff.
Exeter St Davids
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
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
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: WHSmith
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1 and adjacent entrance
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Exeter St Davids
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
Exeter Central
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:50 - 18:15 Saturday 07:50 - 18:15 Sunday 09:30 - 16:30
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
- Taxi: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Both platforms
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Exeter Central
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop at the front of the station on Queens Street
Exeter St Thomas
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Bottom of stairs leading to platform 1.
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport 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
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Exeter
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Exeter and Cardiff
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