- Must visit
National Railway Museum
Major national museum with iconic locomotives, royal trains, and interactive railway history exhibits. One of York’s signature attractions.
Cheapest price
$163
Average price
$166
Fastest journey
5 h
Average duration
5 h 13 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
396 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to York is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to York will cost around $166 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $163.
Of the 4 trains that leave Exeter for York on Fri, Jun 12, 4 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 396 km distance in an average of 5 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h .
On Fri, Jun 12 the slowest trains will take 5 h 32 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter to York among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 42m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, and a train costs an average of $49.
Distance: 246 miles (396 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$137 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $103 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 12m Average total duration Fastest 4h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 7m Average total duration 8h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg 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 York:
A bus is $89 (€72) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to York costing on average $137 (€111).
Other travel options to York take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 37m.
You'll arrive about 37m sooner (4h 42m by train vs 5h 19m by car). Tickets start at around $137 (€111) compared to roughly $103 (€84) 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.
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to York 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:16 AM Exeter | 5h00 | 1:16 PM York | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:16 AM Exeter | 5h00 | 2:16 PM York | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:27 AM Exeter | 5h05 | 2:32 PM York | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:27 AM Exeter | 5h05 | 4:32 PM York | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 York run on average 17 times per day, taking around 4h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) but you can travel from only $30 (€25) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 22:41. The fastest train covers the 246 miles (396 km) distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 246 miles (396 km) |
Average train duration 4h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 55m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 10:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of York — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect York trip today.
Major national museum with iconic locomotives, royal trains, and interactive railway history exhibits. One of York’s signature attractions.
Popular social-history museum inside the former prison complex, known for recreated Victorian streets and everyday life collections.
Immersive museum experience focused on Viking-age York, famous for reconstructed scenes and archaeological discoveries.
Iconic narrow medieval street lined with timber-framed buildings and one of York’s busiest pedestrian areas.
Popular riverside gardens with abbey ruins, lawns, and one of the best central green spaces for a scenic walk.
Historic shopping street linking the Minster area to the center, admired for architecture and classic York atmosphere.
A baked batter pudding traditionally served with roast beef and gravy. It is one of Yorkshire's best-known regional foods and a classic thing to try in York.
The iconic Sunday roast of the region, with roasted beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. It is strongly associated with Yorkshire hospitality.
Cured, lightly smoked ham traditionally linked with the city. It is often served cold with salad or eggs and is a classic local meat specialty.
Popular, long-established restaurant and bar known for steaks, cocktails, and a cosy but upscale setting near the city walls.
Well-known riverside restaurant in York serving polished Yorkshire-focused British cooking in an elegant setting.
Established brasserie-style restaurant popular for all-day dining, classic British dishes, and a stylish atmosphere in central York.
Generally moderate by UK standards: pubs and cafes are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up in taxis. No tip expected for pubs or counter service.
Official public transport app
York Railway Station, York -> York Minster, York
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to York 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 York, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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