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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC)
Cheapest price
$79
Average price
$131
Fastest journey
1 h 48 m
Average duration
2 h 1 m
Trains per day
37
Distance
87 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) will cost around $131 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
Of the 37 trains that leave Cardiff Central (CDF) for Exeter Central (EXC) on Fri, Jun 19, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 87 km distance in an average of 2 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 48 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 2 h 10 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.
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8:00 AM2h31Cardiff Central (CDF)10:31 AMExeter Central (EXC)$791One-way0 transfers- 9:00 AM2h32Cardiff Central (CDF)11:32 AMExeter Central (EXC)$791One-way0 transfers
- 10:00 AM2h32Cardiff Central (CDF)12:32 PMExeter Central (EXC)$791One-way0 transfers
- 11:00 AM2h31Cardiff Central (CDF)1:31 PMExeter Central (EXC)$791One-way0 transfers
- 12:00 PM2h32Cardiff Central (CDF)2:32 PMExeter Central (EXC)$791One-way0 transfers
- 4:21 PM1h48Cardiff Central (CDF)6:09 PMExeter Central (EXC)$1651One-way1 transfer
- 7:49 AM1h56Cardiff Central (CDF)9:45 AMExeter Central (EXC)$1651One-way1 transfer
- 8:38 AM2h05Cardiff Central (CDF)10:43 AMExeter Central (EXC)$1651One-way1 transfer
- 10:19 AM2h06Cardiff Central (CDF)12:25 PMExeter Central (EXC)$1651One-way1 transfer
- 6:57 AM2h10Cardiff Central (CDF)9:07 AMExeter Central (EXC)$1561One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a train costs an average of $28.
Distance: 54 miles (87 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$49 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 43m Average total duration Fastest 2h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration 3h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC):
A bus is $22 (€18) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) costing on average $49 (€40).
Other travel options to Exeter Central (EXC) take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 46m.
You'll arrive about 2m sooner (2h 13m by train vs 2h 15m by car). Tickets start at around $49 (€40) compared to roughly $40 (€33) 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 Great Western Railway (GWR).
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
Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h16 | 8:44 AM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 6:57 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h10 | 9:07 AM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 7:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h56 | 9:45 AM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 8:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h31 | 10:31 AM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 8:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h31 | 10:31 AM Exeter Central (EXC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h05 | 10:43 AM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 9:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 11:32 AM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 9:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 11:32 AM Exeter Central (EXC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h15 | 11:43 AM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 10:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 12:32 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h06 | 12:25 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 10:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h13 | 12:43 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 11:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h31 | 1:31 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 11:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h31 | 1:31 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h14 | 1:44 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 12:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 2:32 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 12:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 2:32 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h14 | 2:44 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 1:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 3:32 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 1:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 3:32 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h13 | 3:43 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 2:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h21 | 4:21 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 2:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h21 | 4:21 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h13 | 4:43 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 3:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h16 | 5:46 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 4:21 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h48 | 6:09 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 4:27 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h15 | 6:42 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 5:27 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h23 | 7:50 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 5:58 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h31 | 8:29 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h17 | 8:47 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
| 7:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h25 | 9:25 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:28 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h17 | 9:45 PM Exeter Central (EXC) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) by train or bus
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.
Jun 19
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Jun 25
Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC).
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC).
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC).
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:27, the last at 17:27. The fastest train covers the 54 miles (87 km) distance in 2h 30m.
Distance 54 miles (87 km) |
Average train duration 2h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 30m |
First train 7:27 AM |
Last train 5:27 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Exeter Central (EXC) from $23 (€19). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) 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 Central (EXC), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC)
Most Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) trains use the Cardiff Central to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Cardiff Central (CDF) and Exeter Central (EXC) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central 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, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Heath High Level from Cardiff city centre
Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Heath High Level train station facilities and services
Heath High Level has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Heath High Level.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heath High Level: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Heath High Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heath High Level: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Exeter Central from Exeter city centre
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 Cardiff Central (CDF)
More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Exeter Central (EXC) and Cardiff Central (CDF)
Most popular train connections to Exeter Central (EXC)
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