Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train with Great Western Railway

Sun, Sep 20
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CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €28 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €28, while a train costs an average of €66.

Distance: 54 miles (87 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Driving

€66

Average price

€28

Average price

Cheapest

€33

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 38m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 47m

Average total duration

3h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 18m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is a bus with an average price of €28.

This is compared to other travel options from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF):

A bus is €38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) costing on average €66.

The fastest way to travel from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by train with an average journey time of 2h 8m.

Other travel options to Cardiff Central (CDF) take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 17m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Exeter Central (EXC) and Cardiff Central (CDF) including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 10m sooner (2h 8m by train vs 2h 18m by car). Tickets start at around €66 compared to roughly €33 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.

Live departures

Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train times

The table below shows live departures for Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western Railway (GWR)5:42 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h28
8:10 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
Great Western Railway (GWR)5:42 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h28
8:10 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Cross Country6:27 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h09
8:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
Cross Country7:27 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h09
9:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26

Why should you book Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains with Omio?

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

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 Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
  • 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 Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

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 Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

Journey information

Overview: Train from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €59 but you can travel from only €17 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 10:14, the last at 10:14. The fastest train covers the 54 miles (87 km) distance in 1h 47m.

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 €17
Distance
54 miles (87 km)
Average train duration
2h 8m
Cheapest ticket price
€59
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
1h 47m
First train
10:14 AM
Last train
10:14 AM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sat
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 €17

Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Exeter Central (EXC) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from €17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
2h 11m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
€64
Great Western Railway frequency
3 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

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 47m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
€59
CrossCountry frequency
3 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

FAQs: Trains from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Cardiff Central (CDF), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €59, while the average price is around €66.
The train from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) takes 1h 47m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is 54 miles (87 km).
The first train from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 10:14 AM.
The last train from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 10:14 AM.
There is no high speed train available from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
There is no direct train service currently available from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by bus, with a cost of around €17.
The train journey from Exeter Central to Cardiff Central is considered scenic as it passes through the picturesque Devon countryside, offering views of rolling hills and coastal landscapes, especially along the stretch near the River Exe and the Somerset Levels.
A day trip from Exeter Central to Cardiff Central is not feasible as the journey takes 1h 47m. Trains run 11 times per day over a distance of 54 miles (87 km).
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Since neither Exeter Central (EXC) nor Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Cardiff Central (CDF) include Swansea, London, Newport, Bridgend, Swindon.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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.
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 Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Most Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains use the Exeter St Davids to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter Central (EXC) and Cardiff Central (CDF) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Exeter
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Exeter CentralExeter Central station, Queen Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3SB+44 3451652030WifiShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Exeter Central from Exeter city centre

BusH, K, Uni, 4A, 4 · 3m · €2 · every ~27 min

Exeter Central train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

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.

More options for your journey from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Cardiff Central (CDF) and Exeter Central (EXC)

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomExeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train

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