- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Canterbury to Exeter
Showing times and prices for Aug 13
Cheapest price
€75
Average price
€77
Fastest journey
3 h 49 m
Average duration
3 h 51 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
328 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Canterbury to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Canterbury to Exeter will cost around €77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €75.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Canterbury for Exeter on Thu, Aug 13, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 13 the direct trains cover the 328 km distance in an average of 3 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 49 m .
On Thu, Aug 13 the slowest trains will take 3 h 52 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.
9:21 AM3h51Canterbury1:12 PMExeter€751One-way0 transfers- 10:23 AM3h49Canterbury2:12 PMExeter€761One-way0 transfers
- 1:23 PM3h52Canterbury5:15 PMExeter€811One-way0 transfers
- 10:23 AM3h49Canterbury2:12 PMExeter€761One-way0 transfers
- 9:21 AM3h51Canterbury1:12 PMExeter€751One-way0 transfers
- 1:23 PM3h52Canterbury5:15 PMExeter€811One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Canterbury to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €34. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €34, and a flight costs an average of €272.
Distance: 203 miles (328 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€77 Average price | €43 Average price Cheapest | €369 Average price | €69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 54m Average total duration Fastest 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 23m Average total duration 6h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 33m Average total duration 6h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Canterbury to Exeter is a bus with an average price of €43.
This is compared to other travel options from Canterbury to Exeter:
A bus is €34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Canterbury to Exeter costing on average €77.
A bus is €326 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Canterbury to Exeter costing on average €369.
The fastest way to travel from Canterbury to Exeter is by train with an average journey time of 3h 24m.
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Flight takes on average 6h 33m.
Bus takes on average 6h 53m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Canterbury and Exeter including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Canterbury to Exeter among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 1h 7m sooner (3h 24m by train vs 4h 31m by car). Tickets start at around €77 compared to roughly €69 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.
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.
Live departures
Canterbury to Exeter train times
The table below shows live departures for Canterbury to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Thursday, August 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:21 AM Canterbury | 3h51 | 1:12 PM Exeter | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:23 AM Canterbury | 3h49 | 2:12 PM Exeter | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:23 PM Canterbury | 3h52 | 5:15 PM Exeter | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Canterbury 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.
Thu
Aug 13
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Why should you book Canterbury to Exeter trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Canterbury to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Canterbury to Exeter.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- 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 Canterbury to Exeter.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Canterbury to Exeter.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Canterbury to Exeter
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Canterbury to Exeter run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €70 but you can travel from only €34 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:09. The fastest train covers the 203 miles (328 km) distance in 3h 49m.
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 €34
Distance 203 miles (328 km) |
Average train duration 3h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price €70 |
Trains per day 14 |
Fastest train 3h 49m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:09 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 €34
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Canterbury to Exeter trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Canterbury and Exeter from €34. 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
3h 49m
Cheapest Price
€70
Great Western Railway frequency
15 a day
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
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.
- 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.
- Must visit
Northernhay Gardens
Medieval city wall segment and gardens offering one of Exeter’s best walks, with lawns, ruins, and broad urban views.
- Must visit
Exeter Quayside
Historic quay lined with warehouses, canal heritage, walks, and waterside activity; one of Exeter’s most characterful areas.
- Recommended
Cathedral Green
Attractive urban park beside the cathedral, ideal for relaxing and appreciating surrounding historic buildings in the city centre.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Clotted Cream
A rich Devon cream made from slowly heated milk. It is a county staple, famously served on scones in a Devon cream tea.
- Vegetarian
Devon Cream Tea
Traditional Devon cream tea pairs scones with jam and clotted cream, with cream spread before jam in the local style.
- Gluten-free
Devonshire Junket Pie
A hearty baked pudding of layers of potato, onion, and lamb or beef. It is a long-standing Devon farmhouse dish.
Lympstone Manor
Fine dining restaurant known for refined modern British tasting menus and polished service in central Exeter.
Rendezvous Wine Bar
Popular modern eatery with seasonal small plates, brunch, and a lively casual atmosphere near the city centre.
The Old Firehouse
Historic quayside pub serving local ales and British classics in a characterful former warehouse by the water.
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.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city center
Exeter St Davids -> Exeter Central Station
- Distance
- 1.3 km
- Travel time
- 6 min
- Contactless card and mobile payment are accepted on most Stagecoach buses in Exeter. Ask the driver for the cheapest valid fare if unsure.
- For the city centre from Exeter St Davids, the train to Exeter Central is usually the quickest option. Local buses also connect both stations and the city centre.
FAQs: Trains from Canterbury to Exeter
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canterbury 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.
Train ticket prices from Canterbury to Exeter can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €70, while the average price is around €77.
The train from Canterbury to Exeter takes 3h 49m and runs 14 per day.
The first train from Canterbury to Exeter leaves at 12:02 AM.
The distance by train from Canterbury to Exeter is 203 miles (328 km).
The last train from Canterbury to Exeter leaves at 11:09 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Canterbury to Exeter.
There is no direct train service currently available from Canterbury to Exeter.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Canterbury to Exeter.
The train station in Canterbury that goes to Exeter is Canterbury West (CBW), which connects to Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The cheapest way to get from Canterbury to Exeter is by bus, with a cost of around €34.
The train journey from Canterbury to Exeter offers a mix of scenic views, including picturesque countryside, charming towns, and glimpses of the coastline, especially as the route nears Exeter.
A day trip from Canterbury to Exeter is not feasible, as the journey duration is 3h 49m. However, there are 14 train trips available per day. The distance is 203 miles (328 km).
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 Canterbury to Exeter.
Since neither Canterbury 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 Canterbury 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 Canterbury to Exeter
Most Canterbury to Exeter trains use the Canterbury West to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Canterbury and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Canterbury
Arrival train stations in Exeter
Which Canterbury station do trains to Exeter leave from?
Trains from Canterbury to Exeter leave from Canterbury West. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Canterbury city centre at Canterbury West station, Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8AN.
Canterbury WestCanterbury West station, Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8AN+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury West from Canterbury city centre
Bus21, 400, 401, Uni1, Uni2 · 14m · €3 · every ~22 min
Canterbury West train station facilities and services
Canterbury West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Canterbury West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury West. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury West: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Canterbury West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: two within concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Canterbury EastCanterbury East station, Station Road East, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2RB+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury East from Canterbury city centre
Bus649 · 9m
Canterbury East train station facilities and services
Canterbury East has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Canterbury East.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Canterbury East.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury East. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury East: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Canterbury East: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury East: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The Ticket Vending Machines's can only be accessed when the station building is open as they are in the booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Exeter station do trains from Canterbury arrive at?
Trains from Canterbury to Exeter most often arrive at Exeter St Davids. Some services arrive at Exeter St Thomas, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Exeter arrival station.
Exeter St DavidsExeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus355, 6A, 5B, 4A, 4, 66 · 6m · €2 · every ~20 min
4, 4A, Uni, K · 8m · €2 · every ~19 min
Exeter St Davids train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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 ThomasExeter St Thomas station, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1AJ
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainExmouth - Paignton · 21m · €1 · every ~2 min
BusA, B, C, E, P · 9m · €2 · every ~44 min
Exeter St Thomas train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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 CentralExeter Central station, Queen Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3SB+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter Central from Exeter city centre
BusH, K, Uni, 4A, 4 · 3m · €2 · every ~27 min
Exeter Central train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Canterbury
More options for your journey from Canterbury to Exeter
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Exeter and Canterbury
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