Exeter to Reading train with Great Western Railway

Thu, Sep 17
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Reading

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 17

Cheapest price on Sep 17

$76

Average ticket price on Sep 17

$77

Fastest journey on Sep 17

1 h 57 m

Average journey duration on Sep 17

2 h 7 m

Trains on Sep 17

3

Distance

196 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Exeter to Reading will cost around $77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $76.

Fast trains

On Thu, Sep 17, we found 3 trains from Exeter to Reading, including 3 direct services.

On Thu, Sep 17 the direct trains cover the 196 km distance in an average of 2 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 57 m .

On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest trains will take 2 h 23 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 Railway
    9:38 AM2h02
    Exeter
    11:40 AMReading
    $761One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    8:43 AM1h57
    Exeter
    10:40 AMReading
    $761One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    9:36 AM2h23
    Exeter
    11:59 AMReading
    $781One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Exeter to Reading

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $82 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 28m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $82, while a flight costs an average of $530.

Distance: 121 miles (196 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus
Driving

$82

Average price

Cheapest

$530

Average price

$97

Average price

$50

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 28m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 56m

Average total duration

2h 56m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

5h 42m

Average total duration

5h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 50m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

Loganair

Most popular airline

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

The cheapest way to travel from Exeter to Reading is a train with an average price of $82 (€67).

This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Reading:

A train is $15 (€12) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Exeter to Reading costing on average $97 (€80).

A train is $449 (€367) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Exeter to Reading costing on average $530 (€434).

The fastest way to travel from Exeter to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 1h 58m.

Other travel options to Reading take longer:

Flight takes on average 2h 56m.

Bus takes on average 5h 12m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Exeter and Reading including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Exeter to Reading among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 52m sooner (1h 58m by train vs 2h 50m by car). Tickets start at around $82 (€67) compared to roughly $50 (€41) 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 Great Western Railway (GWR).

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 Reading train times

The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Reading trains for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western Railway8:43 AM Exeter
1h57
10:40 AM Reading0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway9:36 AM Exeter
2h23
11:59 AM Reading0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway9:38 AM Exeter
2h02
11:40 AM Reading0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Reading by train, bus, or flight

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.

Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23

Why should you book Exeter to Reading trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Exeter to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Exeter to Reading.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to Reading.
  • 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 Railway with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Exeter to Reading.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to Reading.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to Reading.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Exeter to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Exeter to Reading run on average 15 times per day, taking around 1h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $46 (€37) if you book in advance.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 121 miles (196 km) distance in 1h 37m.

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
Distance
121 miles (196 km)
Average train duration
1h 58m
Cheapest ticket price
$46 (€37)
Trains per day
15
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
1h 37m
First train
12:02 AM
Last train
11:44 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
28 days
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

Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry from Exeter to Reading trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Exeter and Reading from $82 (€68). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

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 Great Western Railway Duration
1h 37m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$46 (€37)
Great Western Railway frequency
11 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 CrossCountry Duration
2h 2m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
$78 (€64)
CrossCountry frequency
4 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

Complete guide to Reading

Things to do in Reading

Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.

  • Must visit

Reading Museum

Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.

  • Must visit

The Museum of English Rural Life

Modern art gallery in the civic centre showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists in a central, accessible space.

  • Must visit

The Museum of English Rural Life

University museum with strong agriculture, countryside, and design collections. Popular for families and one of Reading's standout visits.

Pound sterling (£)

Reading is pricier than many UK towns. Hotels and dining are above average, but rail and local buses are manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafes usually do not require tipping.

FAQs: Trains from Exeter to Reading

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Exeter to Reading can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $46 (€37), while the average price is around $82 (€67).
The train from Exeter to Reading takes 1h 37m and runs 15 per day.
The distance by train from Exeter to Reading is 121 miles (196 km).
The first train from Exeter to Reading leaves at 12:02 AM.
The last train from Exeter to Reading leaves at 11:44 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Exeter to Reading.
Yes, there is a direct train from Exeter to Reading. This service operates 5 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway (GWR).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Exeter to Reading.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Reading is Exeter St Davids (EXD), which connects to Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Reading is by bus, with a cost of around $82 (€68).
The train journey from Exeter to Reading offers picturesque views of the English countryside, including rolling hills, charming villages, and occasionally glimpses of the River Exe and surrounding landscapes.
A day trip from Exeter to Reading is not feasible as the journey takes 1h 37m. However, trains run frequently with 15 trips per day. The distance is 121 miles (196 km).
Two to three days are typically sufficient to explore the main attractions and experience the cultural highlights of Reading.
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter to Reading.
Since neither Exeter nor Reading are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Reading include London, Oxford, Bracknell, Slough, Maidenhead.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Exeter to Reading among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Reading, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. Common scams include overcharging by taxis and unofficial tour guides. Staying vigilant in busy spots and using licensed services helps ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Exeter to Reading

Most Exeter to Reading trains use the Exeter St Davids to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Exeter
Arrival train stations in Reading

Which Exeter station do trains to Reading leave from?

Trains from Exeter to Reading leave from Exeter St Davids. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Exeter city centre at Exeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT.
Exeter St DavidsExeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT+44 3451652030WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre

Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus355, 6A, 5B, 4A, 4, 66 · 6m · $2 · every ~20 min
4, 4A, Uni, K · 8m · $2 · every ~19 min

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.

Exeter St ThomasExeter St Thomas station, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1AJWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre

Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainExmouth - Paignton · 21m · $1 · every ~2 min
BusA, B, C, E, P · 9m · $2 · every ~44 min

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.

St James' ParkSt James Park (Exeter) station, Well Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 6QBParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to St James' Park from Exeter city centre

BusTg001 · 12m
G · 18m · every ~1 min

St James' Park train station facilities and services

St James' Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at St James' Park.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at St James' Park: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at St James' Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at St James' Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 Station - This station has a degree of step free access to the platforms, however the Exeter bound platform cannot be accessed step free and the Exmouth bound platform can be accessed step free but only via a very steep ramp, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

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