Exeter to Cardiff train with Great Western Rail

Sat, Dec 20
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Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
Cross Country
first_great_western
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
Cross Country
first_great_western
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Dec 22

Cheapest price

$93

Average price

$93

Fastest journey

2 h 10 m

Average duration

2 h 16 m

Trains per day

18

Distance

88 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Exeter to Cardiff will cost around $93 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $93.

Fast trains

Of the 18 trains that leave Exeter for Cardiff on Mon, Dec 22, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Dec 22 the direct trains cover the 88 km distance in an average of 2 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 10 m .

On Mon, Dec 22 the slowest trains will take 2 h 26 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 RailP23220
09:50AM2h27
Exeter St Davids (EXD)
12:17PMCardiff Central (CDF)
$931One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP31597 · P23221
10:06AM3h16
Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
01:22PMCardiff Central (CDF)
$931One-way
1 transfer
Great Western RailP31590 · P23220
09:05AM3h12
Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
12:17PMCardiff Central (CDF)
$931One-way
1 transfer
Great Western RailP23066 · P23219
08:34AM2h44
Exeter Central (EXC)
11:18AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$931One-way
1 transfer
Great Western RailP23219
08:48AM2h30
Exeter St Davids (EXD)
11:18AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$931One-way
0 transfers

Exeter - CardiffCompare Great Western Rail, CrossCountry

great_western
$52
2h 7m
8 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
cross_country
$31
2h 14m
10 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Seat reservations available for additional fee

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Exeter to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 10m. 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 €10, and a train costs an average of €21.

Distance: 54 miles (88 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus

€68

Average price

€16

Average price

Cheapest

2h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 44m

Average total duration

3h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Exeter to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Cardiff trains for today, Sunday, December 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:08 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
great_westernL17093 · L17232
On time
11:33 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h33
2:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP31586+cross_countryC75340+great_westernP33440 · L17233
On time
11:45 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3h17
3:02 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3 transfers
great_westernP31586+cross_countryC75340+great_westernL16764
On time
11:45 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2h50
2:35 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
great_westernL17232
On time
11:47 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h19
2:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 transfersDirect
great_westernP31444+cross_countryC75340+great_westernL16764
On time
11:51 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h44
2:35 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
great_westernP31223+cross_countryC75330+great_westernP22620
On time
8:04 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h33
10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
great_westernP31584+cross_countryC75330+great_westernP22620
On time
8:09 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2h28
10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
cross_countryC75330+great_westernP22620
On time
8:27 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h10
10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP23066 · P23219
On time
8:34 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h44
11:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP31587 · P23219
On time
8:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2h43
11:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP23219
On time
8:48 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h30
11:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 transfersDirect
great_westernP31590 · P23220
On time
9:05 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3h12
12:17 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP31590+cross_countryC75323_C75008+great_westernP22622
On time
9:05 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2h35
11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
great_westernP22937+cross_countryC75323_C75008+great_westernP22622
On time
9:14 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h26
11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
cross_countryC75323_C75008+great_westernP22622
On time
9:27 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h13
11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP23067 · P23220
On time
9:34 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h43
12:17 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP23220
On time
9:50 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h27
12:17 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 transfersDirect
great_westernP31597 · P23221
On time
10:06 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3h16
1:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP31597+cross_countryC75334+great_westernP22624
On time
10:06 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2h31
12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
great_westernP31233+cross_countryC75334+great_westernP22624
On time
10:14 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h23
12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
cross_countryC75334+great_westernP22624
On time
10:27 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h10
12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP23068 · P23221
On time
10:32 AM Exeter Central (EXC)
2h50
1:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
great_westernP23221
On time
10:42 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h40
1:22 PM 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 to Cardiff 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.

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

Why should you book Exeter to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Great Western Rail as well as CrossCountry, Cross Country and first_great_western offer trains services from Exeter to Cardiff. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Exeter to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Rail?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country and first_great_western to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to Cardiff.
  • 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 Great Western Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Exeter to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Multiple travel company options: While Great Western Rail tickets can be bought on Great Western Rail's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country and first_great_western to help you choose the right option for your journey from Exeter to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Exeter to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Exeter to Cardiff run on average 17 times per day, taking around 2h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) but you can travel from only $13 (€10) by bus.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:04, the last at 22:44. The fastest train covers the 54 miles (88 km) distance in 2h 7m.

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 $13 (€10)
Distance
54 miles (88 km)
Average train duration
2h 10m
Cheapest ticket price
$26 (€21)
Trains per day
17
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
2h 7m
First train
05:04
Last train
22:44
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 $13 (€10)

Train companies: Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western from Exeter to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Exeter and Cardiff from $13 (€10). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Rail

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 7m
Cheapest Price
$52 (€41)
Great Western Rail frequency
8 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 Duration
2h 14m
Cheapest Price
$31 (€25)
CrossCountry frequency
10 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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 49m
Cheapest Price
$162 (€130)
Cross Country frequency
10 a day

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 58m
Cheapest Price
$85 (€68)
first_great_western frequency
14 a day

FAQs: Trains from Exeter to Cardiff

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

FAQs
The distance by train from Exeter to Cardiff is 54 miles (88 km).
A visit of 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient to explore Cardiff's main attractions, such as Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay, while allowing time for leisure and dining experiences.
The train from Exeter to Cardiff takes 2h 7m and runs 17 per day.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy a variety of activities and sights. Attend performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city center, or take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay. For adventure, visit Cardiff International White Water for rafting and kayaking. Shop and dine at Cardiff Market. Discover history at Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore art and culture at the National Museum Cardiff, and relax in Bute Park. Cardiff Bay also offers dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Cardiff is Exeter St Davids (EXD), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The last train from Exeter to Cardiff leaves at 10:44 PM.
A day trip from Exeter to Cardiff is not feasible due to the travel duration of 2h 7m. However, there are 17 train trips available per day for this route. The distance is 54 miles (88 km).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Exeter to Cardiff.
Yes, the train journey from Exeter to Cardiff is scenic, offering views of the rolling countryside, picturesque villages, and stretches along the coastline, particularly between Exeter and Taunton.
There is no high speed train available from Exeter to Cardiff.
Train ticket prices from Exeter to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $26 (€21), while the average price is around $85 (€68).
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $13 (€10).
The first train from Exeter to Cardiff leaves at 5:04 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train from Exeter to Cardiff. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, first_great_western.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Exeter to Cardiff

Exeter
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Exeter is Exeter St Davids. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Exeter St Davids for your trip from Exeter to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:40 Saturday 06:15 - 20:00 Sunday 07:30 - 20:40 Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Weekdays (Mon-Fri) 08:45 - 19:40, Saturday 08:45 - 18:30 Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: WHSmith
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 5. 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Platform 1 and adjacent entrance
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Exeter St Davids
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:50 - 18:15 Saturday 07:50 - 18:15 Sunday 09:30 - 16:30
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Yes
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Both platforms
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Exeter Central
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop at the front of the station on Queens Street
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Bottom of stairs leading to platform 1.
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Exeter St Thomas
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Exeter St Davids: Cowick Street bus stop by shopping precint. To Newton Abbot: Cowick Street bus stop outside the station

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