- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Exeter’s main museum and gallery, with collections on local history, archaeology, natural history and world cultures. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
2 h 28 m
Average duration
2 h 31 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
225 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Exeter will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 9 trains that leave Birmingham for Exeter on Fri, Jun 12, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 12 the direct trains cover the 225 km distance in an average of 2 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 28 m .
On Fri, Jun 12 the slowest trains will take 2 h 32 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 35m. 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 $14, and a train costs an average of $22.
Distance: 139 miles (225 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$69 Average price | $23 Average price Cheapest | $70 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 11m Average total duration 4h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Exeter:
A bus is $45 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Exeter costing on average $69 (€56).
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 41m.
The journey is about 20m faster (2h 35m by train vs 2h 55m by car) and roughly $2 (€1) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($69 (€56) vs $70 (€57)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with CrossCountry, Cross Country.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Exeter trains for today, Thursday, June 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G01140 | On time 10:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h32 | 12:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01140+ C48015 | On time 10:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3h19 | 1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G01140+ Y80257 | On time 10:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3h08 | 1:20 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
W29862 | On time 11:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h32 | 1:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29862+ Y80263 | On time 11:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3h09 | 2:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
W29862+ C48021 | On time 11:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3h19 | 2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
W29868 | On time 12:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h32 | 2:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29868+ C48025 | On time 12:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3h20 | 3:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
W29868+ Y80269 | On time 12:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3h09 | 3:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
W29873 | On time 1:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h32 | 3:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29873+ C48028 | On time 1:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h48 | 4:00 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
W29873+ C48030 · Y80272 | On time 1:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3h08 | 4:20 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
W29873+ Y80274 | On time 1:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3h10 | 4:22 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G01148 | On time 2:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h32 | 4:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01148+ C48033 | On time 2:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h56 | 5:08 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G01148+ Y80279 | On time 2:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3h09 | 5:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
W29884 | On time 3:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h34 | 5:46 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29884+ C48037 | On time 3:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h50 | 6:02 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Birmingham to Exeter run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) but you can travel from only $14 (€11) by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:34, the last at 22:12. The fastest train covers the 139 miles (225 km) distance in 2h 22m.
Distance 139 miles (225 km) |
Average train duration 2h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 22m |
First train 5:34 AM |
Last train 10:12 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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, with collections on local history, archaeology, natural history and world cultures. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
A specialist museum at the University of Exeter with remarkable collections on the history of cinema, optics and moving images. A local favourite for film and media enthusiasts.
An established contemporary visual arts venue in Exeter known for changing exhibitions and experimental programming. Popular with local arts audiences.
A lively waterfront area with historic warehouses, riverside walks and photogenic views. Especially popular for relaxed strolling and social-media-friendly scenery.
The open space around Exeter Cathedral, ideal for appreciating the city’s main landmark and surrounding historic streetscape. A classic Exeter viewpoint.
One of England’s oldest public open spaces, with mature planting, monuments and elevated views near the castle area. A pleasant central retreat.
Freshly baked scones served with strawberry jam and thick Devon clotted cream, traditionally spread jam first in Devon. It is one of the county's most famous treats.
Light yeast buns, often served split and filled with jam and clotted cream. A classic West Country tea-time bake associated with Devon.
A rich, creamy blue cow's milk cheese made in Devon. It is a notable regional product often served on cheeseboards or in local dishes.
Well-regarded independent restaurant and wine bar offering refined seasonal cooking and a relaxed, smart atmosphere near the cathedral.
Long-running independent restaurant in central Exeter known for polished modern British cooking and a cosy, intimate atmosphere.
Established city-centre favourite serving broad European and British dishes in a lively brasserie setting, popular with both locals and visitors.
Generally cheaper than London. Dining and coffee are fairly priced, but central hotels and peak-season stays can raise daily costs.
Service is often included only at some restaurants. If not, tip about 10% for good service. Rounding up is fine in taxis. Tipping is not usually expected for pubs or counter service.
Official public transport app
Exeter St Davids -> Exeter City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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.

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