- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Excellent city museum and gallery with archaeology, natural history, and world cultures; the best all-round museum in Exeter.
Cheapest price
$21
Average price
$56
Fastest journey
56 m
Average duration
58 m
Trains per day
36
Distance
104 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Exeter will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.
Of the 36 trains that leave Bristol for Exeter on Sat, Aug 01, 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 01 the direct trains cover the 104 km distance in an average of 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 56 m .
On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest trains will take 59 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.
G01129
G00670
C42438 · C42215 · C42479
G01137
G01141
C04999
G01129
C42188
G01141
W29867Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 14m. 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 $8, and a train costs an average of $10.
Distance: 64 miles (104 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$23 Average price | $13 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 44m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 28m Average total duration 1h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Bristol to Exeter:
A bus is $10 (€8) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Exeter costing on average $23 (€18).
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 58m.
The journey is about 22m faster (1h 14m by train vs 1h 36m by car) and roughly $19 (€16) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($23 (€18) vs $42 (€34)). 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, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR).
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 Bristol to Exeter trains for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15183 | On time 11:48 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h29 | 1:17 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15183 · W34770 · C47973 | On time 11:48 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 5h14 | 5:02 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, August 1 | |||||
C00111 · Y41859 | 5:35 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h48 | 7:23 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
C00111 · C47987 | 5:35 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h58 | 7:33 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C00111 | 5:35 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h24 | 6:59 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00670+ Y41862 | 6:34 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h18 | 7:52 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G00670 | 6:34 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h06 | 7:40 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00670+ C47989 | 6:34 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h36 | 8:10 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C42433 | 6:42 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h22 | 8:04 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42433 · Y41865 | 6:42 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h41 | 8:23 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
C42434 | 7:15 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h37 | 8:52 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C04999 · C47992 | 7:35 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h05 | 8:40 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C04999 | 7:35 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h56 | 8:31 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C04999 · Y41868 | 7:35 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h16 | 8:51 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
C42435 | 7:55 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h36 | 9:31 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01129+ C47996 | 8:14 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h18 | 9:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G01129 | 8:14 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h57 | 9:11 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01132 | 8:45 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h00 | 9:45 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42436 · C48001 | 8:55 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h38 | 10:33 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C42436 | 8:55 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h27 | 10:22 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01134 | 9:45 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h00 | 10:45 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01134+ C42679 · C42477 | 9:45 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h45 | 11:30 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
C42437 | 9:55 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h27 | 11:22 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42437 · C48005 | 9:55 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h37 | 11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G01137 | 10:45 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h01 | 11:46 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42438 · C42215 · C42479 | 10:55 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 2h35 | 1:30 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G01139+ C48011 | 11:15 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h17 | 12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G01139 | 11:15 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h09 | 12:24 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01141 | 11:45 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 12:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01141+ C42215 · C42479 | 11:45 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h45 | 1:30 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
C42188 | 12:07 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 1:06 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42188 · C48016 | 12:07 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h31 | 1:38 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G01146 | 12:45 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h01 | 1:46 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01146+ C48022 | 12:45 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h46 | 2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
W29867 | 1:45 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 2:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42442 · Y80273 | 1:54 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h57 | 3:51 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
C42442 · C48026 | 1:54 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h37 | 3:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
W29872+ C42683 | 2:45 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h22 | 4:07 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 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.
Trains from Bristol to Exeter run on average 21 times per day, taking around 1h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $10 (€8) but you can travel from only $8 (€7) by bus.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:52, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 64 miles (104 km) distance in 57m.
Distance 64 miles (104 km) |
Average train duration 1h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $10 (€8) |
Trains per day 21 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 57m |
First train 3:52 AM |
Last train 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.
Excellent city museum and gallery with archaeology, natural history, and world cultures; the best all-round museum in Exeter.
Interactive museum inside a working paper mill where visitors learn traditional papermaking and local industrial heritage.
Small independent museum in a Tudor merchant’s house, showing Topsham’s river trade, local stories, and period interiors.
Medieval city wall segment and gardens offering one of Exeter’s best walks, with lawns, ruins, and broad urban views.
Historic quay lined with warehouses, canal heritage, walks, and waterside activity; one of Exeter’s most characterful areas.
Attractive urban park beside the cathedral, ideal for relaxing and appreciating surrounding historic buildings in the city centre.
A rich Devon cream made from slowly heated milk. It is a county staple, famously served on scones in a Devon cream tea.
Traditional Devon cream tea pairs scones with jam and clotted cream, with cream spread before jam in the local style.
A hearty baked pudding of layers of potato, onion, and lamb or beef. It is a long-standing Devon farmhouse dish.
Fine dining restaurant known for refined modern British tasting menus and polished service in central Exeter.
Popular modern eatery with seasonal small plates, brunch, and a lively casual atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic quayside pub serving local ales and British classics in a characterful former warehouse by the water.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are mid-priced, buses are reasonable, and attractions are often low-cost versus larger UK tourist cities.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, small change appreciated.
Official public transport app
Exeter St Davids -> Exeter Central Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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.

Most Bristol to Exeter trains use the Bristol Temple Meads to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bristol Temple Meads has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.
Bristol, Airport is 11 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
Bristol, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Dexters, Brunel Bar & Kitchen
Free. ATMs are available in the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, Airport. Information desks are located in the main terminal.
Luggage storage is available at Bristol, Airport. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bristol, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bristol, Airport: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport, Holiday Inn Bristol Airport, Winford Manor Hotel.
Montpelier is 1 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
Montpelier has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Montpelier.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Montpelier: Parking.
Available at Montpelier: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Montpelier: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to the platform, Accessible taxis: No, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Davids: 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.
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: 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.
Exeter Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter Central: 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.
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