Cardiff to Exeter train with CrossCountry

Wed, Jul 22
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Exeter

Showing times and prices for Jul 22

Cheapest price

$94

Average price

$94

Fastest journey

2 h 11 m

Average duration

2 h 18 m

Trains per day

18

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 $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.

Fast trains

Of the 18 trains that leave Cardiff for Exeter on Wed, Jul 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Jul 22 the direct trains cover the 88 km distance in an average of 2 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 11 m .

On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest trains will take 2 h 25 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 RailwayG15185 · Y80251
    9:00 AM3h21
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:21 PMSt James' Park (SJP)
    $941One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayG15185 · C48010
    9:00 AM3h32
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:32 PMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
    $941One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayG15184 · Y80244
    8:00 AM3h21
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    11:21 AMSt James' Park (SJP)
    $941One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayG15184 · C48004
    8:00 AM3h32
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    11:32 AMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
    $941One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayG15001 · G14977
    6:28 AM2h16
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    8:44 AMExeter St Davids (EXD)
    $951One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Cardiff to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $28.

Distance: 54 miles (88 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Driving

$67

Average price

$20

Average price

Cheapest

$40

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 39m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 9m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 0m

Average total duration

3h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 6m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

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 Cardiff to Exeter is a bus with an average price of $20 (€17).

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

A bus is $46 (€38) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Exeter costing on average $67 (€55).

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Exeter is by train with an average journey time of 2h 9m.

Other travel options to Exeter take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 30m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Exeter including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Exeter among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $67 (€55) compared to roughly $40 (€33) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-27.02 (€-22.21). The journey takes 2h 9m versus 2h 6m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Cardiff to Exeter train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayG15001 · G149776:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h16
8:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 transfer
CrossCountryG01130+Great Western RailwayG151786:57 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h11
9:08 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 transfer
CrossCountryG01130+Great Western RailwayC47995 · G151786:57 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h38
9:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15178+CrossCountryG01130+Great Western RailwayY418706:57 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h25
9:22 AM St James' Park (SJP)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15003+CrossCountryG01131+Great Western RailwayC480007:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h06
10:33 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 transfers
CrossCountryG01131+Great Western RailwayG150037:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h19
9:46 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 transfer
CrossCountryG01131+Great Western RailwayG15003 · G152297:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h54
10:21 AM St James' Park (SJP)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15184 · C480048:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h32
11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayG151848:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h31
10:31 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayG15184 · Y802448:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h21
11:21 AM St James' Park (SJP)1 transfer
CrossCountryG01133+Great Western RailwayC48004 · W349748:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h05
11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 transfers
CrossCountryG01133+Great Western RailwayW349748:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h17
10:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 transfer
CrossCountryG01133+Great Western RailwayW34974 · Y802448:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h54
11:21 AM St James' Park (SJP)2 transfers
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 RailwayG15185 · C480109:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h32
12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 transfer
CrossCountryG01135+Great Western RailwayC48010 · G150069:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h04
12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 transfers
CrossCountryG01135+Great Western RailwayY80251 · G150069:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h53
12:21 PM St James' Park (SJP)2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Exeter by bus or train

Compare bus and train 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.

Wed
Jul 22
Thu
Jul 23
Fri
Jul 24
Sat
Jul 25
Sun
Jul 26
Mon
Jul 27
Tue
Jul 28

Why should you book Cardiff to Exeter trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) 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 or Great Western Railway (GWR) 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 bus and train 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 or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Exeter.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Exeter.

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 19 times per day, taking around 2h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.

There are 2 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 53m.

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 $12 (€10)
Distance
54 miles (88 km)
Average train duration
2h 9m
Cheapest ticket price
$28 (€23)
Trains per day
19
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
1h 53m
First train
5:07 AM
Last train
10:32 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
35 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 $12 (€10)

Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Exeter trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Exeter from $12 (€10). 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 Duration
1h 53m
Cheapest Price
$28 (€23)
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 Duration
2h 22m
Cheapest Price
$36 (€30)
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

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 48m
Cheapest Price
$79 (€65)
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
25 a day

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 $28 (€23), while the average price is around $67 (€55).
The train from Cardiff to Exeter takes 1h 53m and runs 19 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.
There is no high speed train available from Cardiff to Exeter.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cardiff to Exeter. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available 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 cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Exeter is by bus, with a cost of around $12 (€10).
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.
A day trip from Cardiff to Exeter is not feasible as the journey takes 1h 53m. However, trains run 18 times per day over the 54 miles (88 km) km route.
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 Cardiff to Exeter.
Since neither Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 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 · $2 · 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.

CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LUParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · $1 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min

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.

Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EYParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre

Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · $2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services

Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, 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.

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