- Must visit
The British Museum
World-famous museum with major collections spanning ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Asia. A top choice for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$57
Average price
$98
Fastest journey
2 h 2 m
Average duration
2 h 7 m
Trains per day
113
Distance
253 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to London will cost around $98 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.
Of the 113 trains that leave Exeter for London on Fri, Jun 12, 42 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 12 the direct trains cover the 253 km distance in an average of 2 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 2 m .
On Fri, Jun 12 the slowest trains will take 2 h 9 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.
L79493
C48048+
L79493
L79476
L79486
G15470+
L79486
W34555
W34598
W34553
W34593
W34589Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a flight costs an average of $266.
Distance: 157 miles (253 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$76 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $465 Average price | $80 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 3h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration 4h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 24m Average total duration 6h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 London:
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to London costing on average $76 (€62).
A bus is $436 (€355) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Exeter to London costing on average $465 (€378).
Other travel options to London take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 5m.
Flight takes on average 6h 24m.
The journey is about 15m faster (3h 32m by train vs 3h 47m by car) and roughly $4 (€3) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($76 (€62) vs $80 (€65)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with South Western Railway, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to London trains for today, Thursday, June 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Y41858+ L79358 | Delayed 6:08 AM 7:07 AMExeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h42 | 10:49 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 1 transfer | |
L79358 | On time 7:25 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h24 | 10:49 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y41861 · W34555 | On time 7:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h19 | 9:54 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
G15036 | On time 7:44 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h45 | 10:29 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34555 | On time 7:52 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h02 | 9:54 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y41864+ G01064+ W35432 | On time 8:09 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h11 | 11:20 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
Y41864+ L79369 | On time 8:09 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h40 | 11:49 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 1 transfer | |
Y41864+ L79369 · L80068 | On time 8:09 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h38 | 11:47 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2 transfers | |
L79369 | On time 8:24 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h25 | 11:49 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L79369 · L80068 | On time 8:24 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h23 | 11:47 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 1 transfer | |
G01064+ W35432 | On time 8:27 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h53 | 11:20 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
Y41870+ G00869_G01067+ W35178 | On time 9:05 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h06 | 12:11 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
Y41870 · G14921 | On time 9:05 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h24 | 11:29 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
Y41870+ L79380 | On time 9:05 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h44 | 12:49 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 1 transfer | |
G14921 | On time 9:16 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h13 | 11:29 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L79380 | On time 9:25 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h24 | 12:49 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34559 | On time 9:43 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h23 | 12:06 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15229+ G01069+ G15045 | On time 10:06 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h04 | 1:10 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
G15229+ L79392 | On time 10:06 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h43 | 1:49 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 1 transfer | |
W34562 | On time 10:15 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h14 | 12:29 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L79392 | On time 10:25 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h24 | 1:49 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01069+ G15045 | On time 10:27 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h43 | 1:10 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
Y80241 · W34566 | On time 10:39 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h50 | 1:29 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
Y80241+ L79403 | On time 10:39 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h10 | 2:49 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 1 transfer | |
W34566 | On time 11:15 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h14 | 1:29 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L79403 | On time 11:25 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h24 | 2:49 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01073+ G15046 | On time 11:27 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h45 | 2:12 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
Y80248 · W34572 | On time 11:42 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h47 | 2:29 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
Y80248+ L79414 | On time 11:42 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h07 | 3:49 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 1 transfer | |
G14922 | On time 11:43 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h34 | 2:17 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y80254 · W34577 | On time 12:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h48 | 3:30 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
Y80254+ L79425 | On time 12:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h03 | 4:45 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, June 12 | |||||
Y41760 · G14917 | On time 12:42 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h22 | 5:04 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
Y41757 · G14917 | On time 12:44 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 4h20 | 5:04 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
G14917 | 1:07 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h57 | 5:04 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L79336 | 5:10 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h33 | 8:43 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34552 | 5:52 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h43 | 8:35 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15035 | 6:39 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h42 | 9:21 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C47985 · W34553 | 6:40 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 2h19 | 8:59 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
L79353 | 6:40 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h40 | 10:20 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34553 | 6:52 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h07 | 8:59 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 London run on average 53 times per day, taking around 3h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by bus.
There are 20 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 157 miles (253 km) distance in 2h 12m.
Distance 157 miles (253 km) |
Average train duration 3h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Trains per day 53 |
Direct trains 20 |
Fastest train 2h 12m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
World-famous museum with major collections spanning ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Asia. A top choice for first-time visitors.
Major art museum on Trafalgar Square with masterpieces by Van Gogh, Turner, Monet, and da Vinci. Essential for European painting.
Leading modern and contemporary art gallery in a former power station on the Thames. Popular for its collection and river views.
Lively district known for historic piazza spaces, street performers, boutique shopping, and easy access to theatres and museums.
Riverside walking area with major views of the Thames, bridges, landmarks, and a busy cultural atmosphere.
One of London's great royal parks, ideal for walking, boating, open green space, and access to Kensington Gardens.
Battered white fish with thick-cut chips, traditionally served with mushy peas and tartar sauce. It is one of London’s most iconic comfort foods.
A classic East London dish of meat pie with mashed potatoes and parsley liquor. It is a long-standing working-class staple tied closely to the city’s food history.
Roast meat served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, gravy, and often Yorkshire pudding. A traditional pub and family meal strongly associated with London weekends.
A renowned fine dining restaurant in Notting Hill known for refined modern European cooking and polished service.
A very popular all-day restaurant inspired by old Bombay cafes, loved for breakfast, curries, and lively atmosphere.
London’s oldest restaurant, famous for classic British dishes, game, pies, and traditional dining rooms with historic atmosphere.
London is expensive by UK standards. Hotels, transport, and dining add up quickly, though budget eats and free museums help control costs.
Service is often included in restaurants as a 12.5% charge. If not, tip 10-12%. No tip needed in pubs for drinks. Round up taxi fares or add about 10%.
Official public transport app
London Waterloo -> Charing Cross, London
The train connection between Exeter and London is well-served by several providers, including South Western Railway, Great Western Railway, and Cross Country. With frequent services throughout the day, travelers can enjoy a comfortable journey that typically takes around 2 to 3 hours. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, these trains offer convenient access to both cities' vibrant attractions and rich culture.
The train connection from Exeter to London takes approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes. There are up to 24 connections available each day, all of which are direct services. The departure stations include Exeter St Davids, Pinhoe, and Exeter Central, while the arrival stations in London are Clapham Junction, London Waterloo, and London Paddington.
The first daily train from Exeter to London departs at 05:14, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the capital. The last journey of the day leaves at 22:49, allowing late-night arrivals into one of Europe's most vibrant cities.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Exeter to London is €34. The average ticket price tends to be around €63, providing travelers with a range of options depending on their booking preferences and timing.
The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has stood for over 1,000 years as a royal palace, fortress, and prison. Its significance lies in its role as the home of the Crown Jewels and its storied past involving infamous figures like Anne Boleyn and Richard III. Unique features include the iconic White Tower at its center and the Yeoman Warders—also known as Beefeaters—who provide fascinating insights into this historic site.
Buckingham Palace serves not only as the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen but also symbolizes British monarchy's enduring legacy. This grand structure is significant for hosting state occasions and ceremonies that reflect Britain's rich history. One unique feature is the Changing of the Guard ceremony—a colorful spectacle that draws visitors from around the world to witness this time-honored tradition.
The British Museum houses an unparalleled collection spanning thousands of years from cultures across every continent; it’s truly a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. Its significance stems from being one of the first public museums in existence, dedicated to sharing knowledge with all people regardless of background or wealth. Among its unique features are artifacts like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies that offer glimpses into ancient civilizations' lives while sparking curiosity about our shared human heritage.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to London 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 London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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