- 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 on Oct 20
$76
Average ticket price on Oct 20
$90
Fastest journey on Oct 20
2 h 6 m
Average journey duration on Oct 20
2 h 12 m
Trains on Oct 20
51
Distance
88 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Exeter will cost around $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $76.
On Tue, Oct 20, we found 51 trains from Cardiff to Exeter, including 6 direct services.
On Tue, Oct 20 the direct trains cover the 88 km distance in an average of 2 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 6 m .
On Tue, Oct 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 14 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.
G15042+
G01133
G15042+
G01133+
C48004
G15042+
G01133+
Y80244
G15186 · Y80257
G15188
G15042+
G01133
G15178+
G01130
G15010+
W29862
G15012+
W29868
G15008+
G01140Trains from Cardiff to Exeter run on average 17 times per day, taking around 2h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€30) but you can travel from only $11 (€9) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 22:32. The fastest train covers the 54 miles (88 km) distance in 1h 43m.
Distance 54 miles (88 km) |
Average train duration 2h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€30) |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 43m |
First train 5:07 AM |
Last train 10:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W35161+ G01130+ Y41870 | 5:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h29 | 9:22 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
W35161+ G01130 | 5:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h15 | 9:08 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
W35161+ G01130+ C47995 | 5:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h42 | 9:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G15001 · G14977 | 6:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h16 | 8:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G15178+ G01130+ Y41870 | 6:57 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h25 | 9:22 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
G15178+ G01130 | 6:57 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h11 | 9:08 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G15178+ G01130+ C47995 | 6:57 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h38 | 9:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G15003+ G01131+ C48000 | 7:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h06 | 10:33 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G15003+ G01131 | 7:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h19 | 9:46 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G15003+ G01131+ G15229 | 7:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h54 | 10:21 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
G15184 | 8:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h31 | 10:31 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15184 · C48004 | 8:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G15184 · Y80244 | 8:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h21 | 11:21 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
W34974+ G01133+ C48004 | 8:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h05 | 11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
W34974+ G01133+ Y80244 | 8:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h54 | 11:21 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
W34974+ G01133 | 8:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h17 | 10:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G15042+ G01133 | 8:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h06 | 10:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G15042+ G01133+ C48004 | 8:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h54 | 11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G15042+ G01133+ Y80244 | 8:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h43 | 11:21 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
G15185 · C48010 | 9:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G15185 · Y80251 | 9:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h21 | 12:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G15185 | 9:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 11:32 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15006+ G01135 | 9:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h16 | 11:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G15006+ G01135+ Y80251 | 9:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h53 | 12:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
G15006+ G01135+ C48010 | 9:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h04 | 12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G15186 | 10:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 12:32 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15186 · C48015 | 10:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h31 | 1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G15186 · Y80257 | 10:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 1:20 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G15186+ G01138 | 10:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h25 | 12:25 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G15008+ G01140+ Y80257 | 10:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h50 | 1:20 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
G15008+ G01140 | 10:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h14 | 12:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G15008+ G01140+ C48015 | 10:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h01 | 1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G15187 · C48021 | 11:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h31 | 2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G15187 · Y80263 | 11:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h21 | 2:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G15187 | 11:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h31 | 1:31 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15010+ W29862+ Y80263 | 11:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h51 | 2:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
G15010+ W29862+ C48021 | 11:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h01 | 2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G15010+ W29862 | 11:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h14 | 1:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G15188 | 12:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 2:32 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15188 · Y80269 | 12:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h21 | 3:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G15188 · C48025 | 12:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 3:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G15012+ W29868+ C48025 | 12:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h02 | 3:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G15012+ W29868 | 12:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h14 | 2:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
G15012+ W29868+ Y80269 | 12:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h51 | 3:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
Y41669 · C48028 | 1:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h00 | 4:00 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
Y41669 · Y80272 · C48030 | 1:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 4:20 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
Y41669 | 1:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 3:32 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y41669 · Y80274 | 1:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h22 | 4:22 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G15013+ W29873+ C48028 | 1:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h30 | 4:00 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G15013+ W29873+ Y80272 · C48030 | 1:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h50 | 4:20 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 3 transfers | |
G15189 · C48030 | 2:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h33 | 4:33 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Exeter 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 and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need