- 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
$42
Average price
$60
Fastest journey
2 h 48 m
Average duration
2 h 50 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
181 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basingstoke to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basingstoke to Exeter will cost around $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Of the 2 trains that leave Basingstoke 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 trains cover the 181 km distance in an average of 2 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 48 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 51 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basingstoke to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 31m. 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 $17, and a flight costs an average of $431.
Distance: 112 miles (181 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$51 Average price | $23 Average price Cheapest | $521 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 1m Average total duration Fastest 2h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration 3h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 15m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Basingstoke to Exeter:
A bus is $28 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basingstoke to Exeter costing on average $51 (€42).
A bus is $499 (€409) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basingstoke to Exeter costing on average $521 (€427).
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 41m.
Flight takes on average 6h 15m.
You'll arrive about 7m sooner (2h 31m by train vs 2h 38m by car). Tickets start at around $51 (€42) compared to roughly $45 (€37) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with South Western Railway.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Basingstoke to Exeter trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:00 AM Basingstoke | 2h43 | 10:43 AM Exeter | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Trains from Basingstoke to Exeter run on average 17 times per day, taking around 2h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 22:58. The fastest train covers the 112 miles (181 km) distance in 2h 34m.
Distance 112 miles (181 km) |
Average train duration 2h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 34m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 10:58 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 4 days |
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 St Davids, Exeter -> Exeter City Centre, Exeter
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basingstoke 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.

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