Cambridge to Exeter train with Great Western Railway

Sun, Jul 19
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
South Western Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
South Western Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cambridge to Exeter

Showing times and prices for Jul 19

Cheapest price

$84

Average price

$91

Fastest journey

4 h 12 m

Average duration

5 h 12 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

301 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cambridge to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cambridge to Exeter will cost around $91 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $84.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Cambridge for Exeter on Sun, Jul 19, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Jul 19 the direct trains cover the 301 km distance in an average of 5 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 12 m .

On Sun, Jul 19 the slowest trains will take 6 h 11 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.

  • South Western Railway
    9:31 AM6h11
    Cambridge
    3:42 PMExeter
    $841One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    7:57 AM4h12
    Cambridge
    12:09 PMExeter
    $991One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Cambridge to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $35, and a flight costs an average of $250.

Distance: 187 miles (301 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

$81

Average price

$66

Average price

Cheapest

$405

Average price

$82

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 39m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 9m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 57m

Average total duration

6h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 14m

Average total duration

7h 14m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

4h 31m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Cambridge to Exeter is a bus with an average price of $66 (€55).

This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to Exeter:

A bus is $14 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge to Exeter costing on average $81 (€66).

A bus is $339 (€278) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cambridge to Exeter costing on average $405 (€333).

The fastest way to travel from Cambridge to Exeter is by train with an average journey time of 4h 9m.

Other travel options to Exeter take longer:

Bus takes on average 6h 27m.

Flight takes on average 7h 14m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cambridge and Exeter including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cambridge to Exeter among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 22m faster (4h 9m by train vs 4h 31m by car) and roughly $0.93 (€0.76) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($81 (€66) vs $82 (€67)). 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.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Cambridge to Exeter train times

The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Sunday, July 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western Railway7:57 AM Cambridge
4h12
12:09 PM Exeter0 transfersDirect
South Western Railway9:31 AM Cambridge
6h11
3:42 PM Exeter0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Exeter by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

Sun
Jul 19
Mon
Jul 20
Tue
Jul 21
Wed
Jul 22
Thu
Jul 23
Fri
Jul 24
Sat
Jul 25

Why should you book Cambridge to Exeter trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as South Western Railway offer trains services from Cambridge to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cambridge to Exeter.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Exeter.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to Exeter.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Exeter.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to Exeter.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cambridge to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cambridge to Exeter run on average 19 times per day, taking around 4h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $60 (€49) but you can travel from only $35 (€28) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:09. The fastest train covers the 187 miles (301 km) distance in 4h 12m.

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
Bus from $35 (€28)
Distance
187 miles (301 km)
Average train duration
4h 9m
Cheapest ticket price
$60 (€49)
Trains per day
19
Fastest train
4h 12m
First train
12:02 AM
Last train
11:09 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
4 days
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
Bus from $35 (€28)

Train companies: Great Western Railway, South Western Railway from Cambridge to Exeter trainsGreat Western Railway, South Western Railway trains will get you between Cambridge and Exeter from $35 (€28). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

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
4h 12m
Cheapest Price
$90 (€74)
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

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 21m
Cheapest Price
$60 (€49)
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Exeter

Things to do in Exeter

Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.

  • 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.

  • Recommended

Topsham Museum and Paper Mill

Interactive museum inside a working paper mill where visitors learn traditional papermaking and local industrial heritage.

  • Recommended

Topsham Museum

Small independent museum in a Tudor merchant’s house, showing Topsham’s river trade, local stories, and period interiors.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are mid-priced, buses are reasonable, and attractions are often low-cost versus larger UK tourist cities.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, small change appreciated.

FAQs: Trains from Cambridge to Exeter

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Cambridge to Exeter can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $60 (€49), while the average price is around $81 (€66).
The train from Cambridge to Exeter takes 4h 12m and runs 19 per day.
The first train from Cambridge to Exeter leaves at 12:02 AM.
The distance by train from Cambridge to Exeter is 187 miles (301 km).
The last train from Cambridge to Exeter leaves at 11:09 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Cambridge to Exeter.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cambridge to Exeter.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cambridge to Exeter.
The train station in Cambridge that goes to Exeter is Cambridge station (CBG), which connects to Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The cheapest way to get from Cambridge to Exeter is by bus, with a cost of around $35 (€28).
The train journey from Cambridge to Exeter offers scenic views, especially as it travels through the picturesque countryside of southern England, including rolling hills and charming villages.
A day trip from Cambridge to Exeter is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 12m each way. However, there are 16 trains available per day.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Exeter allows visitors to explore the city's historic sites, such as Exeter Cathedral, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, and the Quayside, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Cambridge to Exeter.
Since neither Cambridge nor Exeter are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Exeter include Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstaple, Exmouth, Bath.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cambridge to Exeter among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Exeter, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and near popular attractions. Be wary of unofficial taxi services and always use licensed providers to avoid scams. Additionally, travelers should protect personal belongings on public transport and stay alert to common fraud attempts such as overcharging or counterfeit tickets.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cambridge to Exeter

Most Cambridge to Exeter trains use the Cambridge to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cambridge
Arrival train stations in Exeter

Which Cambridge station do trains to Exeter leave from?

Trains from Cambridge to Exeter leave from Cambridge. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Cambridge city centre at Cambridge station, Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JW.
CambridgeCambridge station, Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JW+44 8450507080WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cambridge from Cambridge city centre

Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:

BusU1, U2 · 11m · every ~11 min
Tour · 13m · $2
75 · 15m
A · 15m · $2 · every ~11 min

Cambridge train station facilities and services

Cambridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cambridge.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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.

Cambridge NorthCambridge North Station, Cowley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0WZ+44 8450507080WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cambridge North from Cambridge city centre

Cambridge North is 3 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLondon Liverpool Street - Cambridge North, Stansted Airport - Norwich, Cambridge - Norwich, London Liverpool Street - Ely, Stansted Airport - Lowestoft, Cambridge - Cambridge North, Bishops Stortford - Cambridge North, Audley End - Cambridge North, Audley End - Norwich · 3m · $2 · every ~6 min
BusB · 12m · $2 · every ~8 min
114 · 18m
2, B · 23m · $2 · every ~19 min

Cambridge North train station facilities and services

Cambridge North has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cambridge North.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge North.

Tickets and information

Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cambridge North: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cambridge North: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge North: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of the nearest taxi will be supplied by station staff, 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: Yes.

Cambridge SouthTrumpington, Cambridge CB2 9FQ, UK

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