The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Cheltenham
Cheapest price
$52
Average price
$72
Fastest journey
1 h 44 m
Average duration
1 h 44 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
165 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Cheltenham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Cheltenham will cost around $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
Of the 3 trains that leave Exeter for Cheltenham on Fri, Jul 03, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 03 the direct trains cover the 165 km distance in an average of 1 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 44 m .
On Fri, Jul 03 the slowest trains will take 1 h 45 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.
8:27 AM1h44Exeter10:11 AMCheltenham$521One-way0 transfers
5:25 AM1h45Exeter7:10 AMCheltenham$531One-way0 transfers
10:27 AM1h44Exeter12:11 PMCheltenham$1101One-way0 transfers
8:27 AM1h44Exeter10:11 AMCheltenham$521One-way0 transfers
10:27 AM1h44Exeter12:11 PMCheltenham$1101One-way0 transfers
5:25 AM1h45Exeter7:10 AMCheltenham$531One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Exeter to Cheltenham
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Cheltenham 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 1h 44m. 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 $20.
Distance: 102 miles (165 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$49 Average price | $19 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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 Cheltenham:
A bus is $30 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Cheltenham costing on average $49 (€40).
Other travel options to Cheltenham take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 27m.
You'll arrive about 21m sooner (1h 44m by train vs 2h 5m by car). Tickets start at around $49 (€40) compared to roughly $42 (€34) 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.
Direct services run with CrossCountry, Cross Country.
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 to Cheltenham train times
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Cheltenham trains for today, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:27 AM Exeter | 2h19 | 11:46 AM Cheltenham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:42 PM Exeter | 2h28 | 3:10 PM Cheltenham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:27 PM Exeter | 1h43 | 9:10 PM Cheltenham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 3 | |||||
![]() | 5:25 AM Exeter | 1h45 | 7:10 AM Cheltenham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:27 AM Exeter | 1h44 | 10:11 AM Cheltenham | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Cheltenham by bus or train
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.
Jul 03
Jul 04
Jul 05
Jul 06
Jul 07
Jul 08
Jul 09
Why should you book Exeter to Cheltenham trains with Omio?
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 Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to Cheltenham.
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Exeter to Cheltenham.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to Cheltenham.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Exeter to Cheltenham
Trains from Exeter to Cheltenham run on average 16 times per day, taking around 1h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) but you can travel from only $10 (€8) by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:38, the last at 22:52. The fastest train covers the 102 miles (165 km) distance in 1h 43m.
Distance 102 miles (165 km) |
Average train duration 1h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 43m |
First train 5:38 AM |
Last train 10:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Exeter to Cheltenham trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Exeter and Cheltenham from $10 (€8). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
FAQs: Trains from Exeter to Cheltenham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Exeter to Cheltenham
Most Exeter to Cheltenham trains use the Exeter St Davids to Cheltenham Spa station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Cheltenham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Exeter station do trains to Cheltenham leave from?
Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Davids train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Thomas train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to Exeter Central from Exeter city centre
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.
Which Cheltenham station do trains from Exeter arrive at?
Getting to Cheltenham Spa from Cheltenham city centre
Cheltenham Spa is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:
Cheltenham Spa train station facilities and services
Cheltenham Spa has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Railway Inn, The Coconut Tree
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham Spa. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Cheltenham Spa. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham Spa: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Queens Hotel Cheltenham, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham.
Most popular train connections from Exeter
More options for your journey from Exeter to Cheltenham
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