- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Exeter’s main museum and gallery, known for collections on Devon history, world cultures, fine art, and natural history. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
Cheapest price
$247
Average price
$247
Fastest journey
3 h 39 m
Average duration
3 h 40 m
Trains per day
17
Distance
334 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Colchester to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Exeter will cost around $247 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $247.
It's difficult to get from Colchester to Exeter without transferring at least 2 times.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $59. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 34m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $59, and a flight costs an average of $252.
Distance: 207 miles (334 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$87 Average price | $79 Average price Cheapest | $434 Average price | $83 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 30m Average total duration 7h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 29m Average total duration 6h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Exeter:
A bus is $8 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Exeter costing on average $87 (€71).
A bus is $355 (€290) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Colchester to Exeter costing on average $434 (€355).
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Flight takes on average 6h 29m.
Bus takes on average 7h 0m.
You'll arrive about 1h 6m sooner (3h 34m by train vs 4h 40m by car). Tickets start at around $87 (€71) compared to roughly $83 (€68) 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.
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:56 AM Colchester | 4h09 | 11:05 AM Exeter | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 8:30 AM Colchester | 3h40 | 12:10 PM Exeter | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 9:06 AM Colchester | 3h54 | 1:00 PM Exeter | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 9:30 AM Colchester | 3h41 | 1:11 PM Exeter | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 10:30 AM Colchester | 3h39 | 2:09 PM Exeter | 2 transfers |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Trains from Colchester to Exeter run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $61 (€50) but you can travel from only $59 (€48) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 207 miles (334 km) distance in 3h 59m.
Distance 207 miles (334 km) |
Average train duration 3h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€50) |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 3h 59m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.
Exeter’s main museum and gallery, known for collections on Devon history, world cultures, fine art, and natural history. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
A specialist museum at the University of Exeter with remarkable collections on the history of moving images, cinema, and visual media.
Contemporary visual arts gallery in Exeter with changing exhibitions by regional and national artists. A local favorite for independent art programming.
One of the city’s most popular walking areas, combining waterside views, heritage buildings, and a lively atmosphere.
Broad open space beside the cathedral, ideal for appreciating Exeter’s historic core and one of the city’s most photographed spots.
Characterful central lane known for independent shops and medieval atmosphere. Popular with visitors seeking a picturesque old-city feel.
Fresh scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, traditionally done the Devon way with cream first. A classic county treat strongly associated with Devon.
A soft enriched bread roll, often filled with jam and clotted cream. It is a traditional Devon bakery item and a local teatime favourite.
A traditional West Country fruit cake made with flour, butter, sugar and dried fruit. Though more strongly linked with the wider South West, it is familiar in Devon tearooms and bakeries.
A long-established independent restaurant in central Exeter known for polished modern British cooking, attentive service and a smart but relaxed atmosphere.
A well-regarded city-centre restaurant and wine bar serving Mediterranean-influenced dishes, seafood and steaks in an intimate cellar-style setting.
A busy and established Exeter favourite with a broad menu of comfort food, grills and local staples, popular for its lively and casual atmosphere.
Costs are moderate by UK standards. Pubs and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more in peak periods.
Service is often included only at some restaurants. If not added, tip about 10% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping is not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Exeter St Davids, Exeter -> Exeter City Centre, Exeter
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester 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 Colchester to Exeter trains use the Colchester to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Colchester is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Colchester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Colchester.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester. ATMs are available at Colchester.
Ticket office support is available at Colchester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Colchester: Parking, WC.
Available at Colchester: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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.
Colchester Town has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Colchester Town.
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester Town.
Ticket office support is available at Colchester Town. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Colchester Town: Parking, WC.
Available at Colchester Town: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester Town: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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.
Hythe (Essex) is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Hythe (Essex) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hythe (Essex): Parking.
Available at Hythe (Essex): Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hythe (Essex): Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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 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.
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