The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Cheapest price
$55
Average price
$55
Fastest journey
2 h 33 m
Average duration
2 h 33 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
87 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $55.
Of the 1 trains that leave Exeter Central (EXC) for Cardiff Central (CDF) on Thu, Nov 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 06 the direct trains cover the 87 km distance in an average of 2 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 33 m .
On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest trains will take 2 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.


Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Omio recommends booking the train 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 prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €14, and a train costs an average of €49.
Distance: 54 miles (87 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€59 Average price | €15 Average price Cheapest |
2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
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 tomorrow, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:04 AM Exeter Central (EXC) | 2h33 | 9:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
Nov 06
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Journey information
Overview: Train from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Trains from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $59 (€49) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:34, the last at 10:33. The fastest train covers the 54 miles (87 km) distance in 2h 32m.
Distance 54 miles (87 km) |
Average train duration 2h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $59 (€49) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 2h 32m |
First train 07:34 |
Last train 10:33 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, first_great_western from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Exeter Central (EXC) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from $17 (€14). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Great Western Rail
Cross Country
first_great_western
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:50 - 18:15 Saturday 07:50 - 18:15 Sunday 09:30 - 16:30
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Taxi: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 2. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Both platforms
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop at the front of the station on Queens Street
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Most popular train connections from Exeter Central (EXC)
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