- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Exeter’s main museum and gallery, known for collections on Devon history, world cultures, fine art, and natural history. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
Cheapest price
$12
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
3 h 45 m
Average duration
4 h 43 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
165 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cheltenham to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cheltenham to Exeter will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Of the 3 buses that leave Cheltenham for Exeter on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 165 km distance in an average of 4 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 45 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 6 h 35 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX100 · NX101
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX100 · NX101Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 52m. 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 $12, and a train costs an average of $23.
Distance: 102 miles (165 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$17 Average price Cheapest | $48 Average price | $42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 53m Average total duration 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Cheltenham to Exeter:
A bus is $31 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cheltenham to Exeter costing on average $48 (€39).
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 23m.
Tickets start at around $17 (€14) compared to roughly $42 (€34) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $25 (€20). The journey takes 3h 23m versus 2h 5m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by National Express.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Exeter buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX100 · NX101 | On time 6:15 AM Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station | 6h35 | 12:50 PM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:20 AM Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub | 3h50 | 1:10 PM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:50 PM Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub | 3h45 | 10:35 PM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Cheltenham to Exeter run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:10, the last at 22:52. The fastest bus covers the 102 miles (165 km) distance in 3h 15m.
Distance 102 miles (165 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 3h 15m |
First bus 1:10 AM |
Last bus 10:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.
Exeter’s main museum and gallery, known for collections on Devon history, world cultures, fine art, and natural history. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
A specialist museum at the University of Exeter with remarkable collections on the history of moving images, cinema, and visual media.
Contemporary visual arts gallery in Exeter with changing exhibitions by regional and national artists. A local favorite for independent art programming.
One of the city’s most popular walking areas, combining waterside views, heritage buildings, and a lively atmosphere.
Broad open space beside the cathedral, ideal for appreciating Exeter’s historic core and one of the city’s most photographed spots.
Characterful central lane known for independent shops and medieval atmosphere. Popular with visitors seeking a picturesque old-city feel.
Fresh scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, traditionally done the Devon way with cream first. A classic county treat strongly associated with Devon.
A soft enriched bread roll, often filled with jam and clotted cream. It is a traditional Devon bakery item and a local teatime favourite.
A traditional West Country fruit cake made with flour, butter, sugar and dried fruit. Though more strongly linked with the wider South West, it is familiar in Devon tearooms and bakeries.
A long-established independent restaurant in central Exeter known for polished modern British cooking, attentive service and a smart but relaxed atmosphere.
A well-regarded city-centre restaurant and wine bar serving Mediterranean-influenced dishes, seafood and steaks in an intimate cellar-style setting.
A busy and established Exeter favourite with a broad menu of comfort food, grills and local staples, popular for its lively and casual atmosphere.
Costs are moderate by UK standards. Pubs and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more in peak periods.
Service is often included only at some restaurants. If not added, tip about 10% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping is not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Exeter, Sidwell Street, Exeter -> Exeter St Davids Station, Exeter
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham to Exeter by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Exeter, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cheltenham to Exeter buses use the Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane) to Exeter, Bampfylde Street (Express Coach Stop 34) station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter, Honiton Road. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and Exeter bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Royal Well (in the station), The Coffee House (0.2 km), The Brewery Quarter (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station.
Available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Exeter, Honiton Road is 3 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter, Honiton Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café in the station (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter, Honiton Road.
Available at Exeter, Honiton Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter, Honiton Road: Ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need