Cardiff to Exeter train with CrossCountry

Tue, Oct 20
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Exeter

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 20

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

  • Great Western RailwayG15042+CrossCountryG01133
    8:38 AM2h06
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    10:44 AMExeter St Davids (EXD)
    $761One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayG15042+CrossCountryG01133+Great Western RailwayC48004
    8:38 AM2h54
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    11:32 AMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
    $761One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayG15042+CrossCountryG01133+Great Western RailwayY80244
    8:38 AM2h43
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    11:21 AMSt James' Park (SJP)
    $761One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayG15186 · Y80257
    10:00 AM3h20
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    1:20 PMSt James' Park (SJP)
    $771One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayG15188
    12:00 PM2h32
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    2:32 PMExeter St Davids (EXD)
    $771One-way
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains 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.

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 $11 (€9)
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
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 $11 (€9)

Live departures

Cardiff to Exeter train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayW35161+CrossCountryG01130+Great Western RailwayY418705:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h29
9:22 AM St James' Park (SJP)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35161+CrossCountryG011305:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h15
9:08 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayW35161+CrossCountryG01130+Great Western RailwayC479955:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h42
9:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15001 · G149776:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h16
8:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15178+CrossCountryG01130+Great Western RailwayY418706:57 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h25
9:22 AM St James' Park (SJP)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15178+CrossCountryG011306:57 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h11
9:08 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15178+CrossCountryG01130+Great Western RailwayC479956:57 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h38
9:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15003+CrossCountryG01131+Great Western RailwayC480007:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h06
10:33 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15003+CrossCountryG011317:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h19
9:46 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15003+CrossCountryG01131+Great Western RailwayG152297:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h54
10:21 AM St James' Park (SJP)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG151848:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h31
10:31 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayG15184 · C480048:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h32
11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15184 · Y802448:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h21
11:21 AM St James' Park (SJP)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayW34974+CrossCountryG01133+Great Western RailwayC480048:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h05
11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW34974+CrossCountryG01133+Great Western RailwayY802448:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h54
11:21 AM St James' Park (SJP)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW34974+CrossCountryG011338:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h17
10:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15042+CrossCountryG011338:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h06
10:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15042+CrossCountryG01133+Great Western RailwayC480048:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h54
11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15042+CrossCountryG01133+Great Western RailwayY802448:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h43
11:21 AM St James' Park (SJP)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15185 · C480109:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h32
12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15185 · Y802519:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h21
12:21 PM St James' Park (SJP)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG151859:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h32
11:32 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayG15006+CrossCountryG011359:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h16
11:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15006+CrossCountryG01135+Great Western RailwayY802519:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h53
12:21 PM St James' Park (SJP)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15006+CrossCountryG01135+Great Western RailwayC480109:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h04
12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG1518610:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h32
12:32 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayG15186 · C4801510:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h31
1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15186 · Y8025710:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h20
1:20 PM St James' Park (SJP)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15186+CrossCountryG0113810:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h25
12:25 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15008+CrossCountryG01140+Great Western RailwayY8025710:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h50
1:20 PM St James' Park (SJP)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15008+CrossCountryG0114010:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h14
12:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15008+CrossCountryG01140+Great Western RailwayC4801510:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h01
1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15187 · C4802111:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h31
2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15187 · Y8026311:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h21
2:21 PM St James' Park (SJP)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG1518711:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h31
1:31 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayG15010+CrossCountryW29862+Great Western RailwayY8026311:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h51
2:21 PM St James' Park (SJP)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15010+CrossCountryW29862+Great Western RailwayC4802111:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h01
2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15010+CrossCountryW2986211:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h14
1:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG1518812:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h32
2:32 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayG15188 · Y8026912:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h21
3:21 PM St James' Park (SJP)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15188 · C4802512:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h32
3:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15012+CrossCountryW29868+Great Western RailwayC4802512:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h02
3:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15012+CrossCountryW2986812:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h14
2:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15012+CrossCountryW29868+Great Western RailwayY8026912:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h51
3:21 PM St James' Park (SJP)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayY41669 · C480281:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h00
4:00 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayY41669 · Y80272 · C480301:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h20
4:20 PM St James' Park (SJP)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayY416691:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h32
3:32 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayY41669 · Y802741:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h22
4:22 PM St James' Park (SJP)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG15013+CrossCountryW29873+Great Western RailwayC480281:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h30
4:00 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15013+CrossCountryW29873+Great Western RailwayY80272 · C480301:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h50
4:20 PM St James' Park (SJP)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15189 · C480302:00 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

Why should you book Cardiff to Exeter trains with Omio?

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

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 to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Exeter.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Exeter trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff and Exeter from $11 (€9). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
1h 43m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
$36 (€30)
CrossCountry frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

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 Great Western Railway Duration
1h 48m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$46 (€38)
Great Western Railway frequency
8 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.

  • 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 Cardiff to Exeter

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Cardiff to Exeter can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $36 (€30), while the average price is around $78 (€65).
The train from Cardiff to Exeter takes 1h 43m and runs 17 per day.
The distance by train from Cardiff to Exeter is 54 miles (88 km).
The first train from Cardiff to Exeter leaves at 5:07 AM.
The last train from Cardiff to Exeter leaves at 10:32 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Cardiff to Exeter.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cardiff to Exeter. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway.
Yes, there is a night train from Cardiff to Exeter.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Exeter is Cardiff Central (CDF), which connects to Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The train journey from Cardiff to Exeter offers scenic views, particularly of the coast and countryside, including glimpses of the Severn Estuary and rolling hills of Somerset and Devon.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Exeter.
Popular day trips by train from Exeter include Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstaple, Exmouth, Bath.
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 Cardiff to Exeter

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.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Exeter
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · $3 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

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.

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

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