- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Exeter’s main museum and gallery, with collections on local history, archaeology, natural history and world cultures. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
Cheapest price
$153
Average price
$270
Fastest journey
7 h 12 m
Average duration
7 h 21 m
Trains per day
21
Distance
582 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Exeter will cost around $270 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $153.
Of the 21 trains that leave Edinburgh for Exeter on Fri, Jun 12, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 12 the direct trains cover the 582 km distance in an average of 7 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 12 m .
On Fri, Jun 12 the slowest trains will take 7 h 33 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.
G80073+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
G14987
G80067+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
W34837
G80067+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
W34837 · C48048
G80073+
C48052+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
G14987
G80061+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
W34831
G80067+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
W34837
G80073+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
G14987
G80061+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
W34831
G08170+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
G14979
G80067+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
W34837 · C48048Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $45. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, and a flight costs an average of $160.
Distance: 361 miles (582 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$177 Average price | $69 Average price Cheapest | $232 Average price | $204 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 4m Average total duration 7h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 46m Average total duration 14h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Exeter:
A bus is $108 (€88) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Exeter costing on average $177 (€144).
A bus is $164 (€133) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Exeter costing on average $232 (€189).
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 34m.
Bus takes on average 14h 16m.
The journey is about 33m faster (7h 34m by train vs 8h 7m by car) and roughly $27 (€22) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($177 (€144) vs $204 (€166)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with CrossCountry, Cross Country.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Exeter trains for today, Thursday, June 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G08170+ G14979 · C48015+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington | On time 5:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h54 | 1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 transfers | |
G08170+ G14979 · Y80257+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington | On time 5:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h43 | 1:20 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 3 transfers | |
G08170+ G14979+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington | On time 5:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h30 | 1:07 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 transfers | |
C01968+ W29862 | On time 5:50 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h54 | 1:44 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
C01968+ W29862+ C48021 | On time 5:50 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 8h41 | 2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
C01968+ W29862+ Y80263 | On time 5:50 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 8h31 | 2:21 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 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 Edinburgh to Exeter run on average 14 times per day, taking around 7h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $56 (€45) but you can travel from only $45 (€36) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 361 miles (582 km) distance in 7h 12m.
Distance 361 miles (582 km) |
Average train duration 7h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $56 (€45) |
Trains per day 14 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 7h 12m |
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 Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 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, with collections on local history, archaeology, natural history and world cultures. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
A specialist museum at the University of Exeter with remarkable collections on the history of cinema, optics and moving images. A local favourite for film and media enthusiasts.
An established contemporary visual arts venue in Exeter known for changing exhibitions and experimental programming. Popular with local arts audiences.
A lively waterfront area with historic warehouses, riverside walks and photogenic views. Especially popular for relaxed strolling and social-media-friendly scenery.
The open space around Exeter Cathedral, ideal for appreciating the city’s main landmark and surrounding historic streetscape. A classic Exeter viewpoint.
One of England’s oldest public open spaces, with mature planting, monuments and elevated views near the castle area. A pleasant central retreat.
Freshly baked scones served with strawberry jam and thick Devon clotted cream, traditionally spread jam first in Devon. It is one of the county's most famous treats.
Light yeast buns, often served split and filled with jam and clotted cream. A classic West Country tea-time bake associated with Devon.
A rich, creamy blue cow's milk cheese made in Devon. It is a notable regional product often served on cheeseboards or in local dishes.
Well-regarded independent restaurant and wine bar offering refined seasonal cooking and a relaxed, smart atmosphere near the cathedral.
Long-running independent restaurant in central Exeter known for polished modern British cooking and a cosy, intimate atmosphere.
Established city-centre favourite serving broad European and British dishes in a lively brasserie setting, popular with both locals and visitors.
Generally cheaper than London. Dining and coffee are fairly priced, but central hotels and peak-season stays can raise daily costs.
Service is often included only at some restaurants. If not, tip about 10% for good service. Rounding up is fine in taxis. Tipping is not usually expected for pubs or counter service.
Official public transport app
Exeter St Davids -> Exeter City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.

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