- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Cheapest price
$94
Average price
$94
Fastest journey
2 h 28 m
Average duration
2 h 34 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
88 km
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 $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.
Of the 16 trains that leave Exeter for Cardiff on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 88 km distance in an average of 2 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 28 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 2 h 42 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.
W34552 · G15494
Y41867 · G15495
C47986 · G15036 · C48821
C47991 · G15495
G15493
Y41864+
G01064+
G14936
Y41858+
G01062+
G14934
G15493
Y41858+
G01062+
G15002
Y41861 · W34555 · C48821Omio 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 $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 6m. 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 $13, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 54 miles (88 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$72 Average price | $18 Average price Cheapest | $39 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 58m Average total duration 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Exeter to Cardiff:
A bus is $54 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Cardiff costing on average $72.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 28m.
Tickets start at around $72 compared to roughly $39 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-32.67. The journey takes 2h 6m versus 2h 6m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Cardiff trains for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15233+ G00735+ G15021 | On time 6:09 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h38 | 8:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G15233+ G00735+ G14944 | On time 6:09 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h28 | 8:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C48039 · G15034 · G15505 | On time 6:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2h48 | 9:09 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C48039 · G15034 · W34646 | On time 6:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2h41 | 9:02 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G00735+ G15021 | On time 6:27 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h20 | 8:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G00735+ G14944 | On time 6:27 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h10 | 8:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G15234 · G15034 · G15505 | On time 6:39 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h30 | 9:09 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G15234 · G15034 · W34646 | On time 6:39 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h23 | 9:02 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G15471 · G15506 | On time 6:51 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 3h26 | 10:17 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G15471+ G00928+ G15023 | On time 6:51 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2h54 | 9:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G15471+ G00928+ W34648 | On time 6:51 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2h47 | 9:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G15234 · C48044 · G14913 · G15506 | On time 6:53 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 3h24 | 10:17 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G15034 · G15505 | On time 6:59 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h10 | 9:09 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G15034 · W34646 | On time 6:59 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h03 | 9:02 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G00928+ W34648 | On time 7:28 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h10 | 9:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G00928+ G15023 | On time 7:28 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h17 | 9:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G15506 | On time 7:40 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h37 | 10:17 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y80296+ G66469+ G15507 | On time 8:34 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h58 | 11:32 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
G15493 | 5:47 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h32 | 8:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34552 · G15494 | 5:52 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h30 | 9:22 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W34552+ G01060+ G15000 | 5:52 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h56 | 8:48 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W34552+ G01060+ W35415 | 5:52 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h47 | 8:39 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C47985+ G01062+ G14934 | 6:40 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 2h56 | 9:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C47985+ G01062+ G15002 | 6:40 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 3h06 | 9:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
Y41858+ G01062+ G14934 | 7:07 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h29 | 9:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
Y41858+ G01062+ G15002 | 7:07 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h39 | 9:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C47986 · G15036 · C48821 | 7:20 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 2h57 | 10:17 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
Y41861 · W34555 · C48821 | 7:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h42 | 10:17 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C47988+ G01064+ G15004 | 7:50 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 3h02 | 10:52 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C47988+ G01064+ G14936 | 7:50 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 2h47 | 10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
Y41864+ G01064+ G15004 | 8:09 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h43 | 10:52 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
Y41864+ G01064+ G14936 | 8:09 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h28 | 10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C47991 · G15495 | 8:21 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 2h58 | 11:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
Y41867 · G15495 | 8:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h44 | 11:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Exeter to Cardiff run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 but you can travel from only $13 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 22:44. The fastest train covers the 54 miles (88 km) distance in 1h 58m.
Distance 54 miles (88 km) |
Average train duration 2h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 58m |
First train 5:07 AM |
Last train 10:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.
Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.
Revitalised waterfront district with basin views, modern landmarks, trails, and easy access to culture, public art, and waterside walks.
Large central park behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, arboretum views, sculptures, and quick escapes from the busy centre.
Victorian shopping arcade packed with independent boutiques and period detail, representing Cardiff’s famous arcade culture at its best.
A Welsh breakfast staple of seaweed cooked into a savoury puree, often served with oats or alongside bacon and cockles. It is a classic taste of Welsh coastal cooking.
Cockles gathered from the Welsh coast, commonly eaten with laverbread. They are a long-standing local delicacy linked to South Wales seaside food culture.
A traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables, and leeks. It is hearty, homely, and closely associated with Welsh family cooking.
Refined modern British dining with tasting menus in an elegant city-centre setting. It is one of Cardiff’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants.
A stylish venue known for seasonal Welsh ingredients, creative small plates, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic indoor market ideal for casual local food, Welsh cakes, fresh produce, and traditional snacks. It offers a lively everyday taste of Cardiff.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10%. Taxi tips are optional, often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tipping, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, 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.

Most Exeter to Cardiff trains use the Exeter St Davids to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cathays. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need