- Must visit
National Railway Museum
Major railway museum with iconic locomotives, royal trains, and engineering exhibits. One of Britain's best family-friendly museums.
Cheapest price
$53
Average price
$110
Fastest journey
5 h
Average duration
5 h 11 m
Trains per day
7
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 $110 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
Of the 7 trains that leave Exeter for York on Mon, Jul 27, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 27 the direct trains cover the 396 km distance in an average of 5 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h .
On Mon, Jul 27 the slowest trains will take 5 h 20 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 $25. 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 $25, and a train costs an average of $40.
Distance: 246 miles (396 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$111 Average price | $39 Average price Cheapest | $84 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 $72 (€72) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to York costing on average $111 (€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 $111 (€111) compared to roughly $84 (€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 tomorrow, Monday, July 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:07 AM Exeter | 7h09 | 8:16 AM York | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:20 AM Exeter | 5h12 | 12:32 PM York | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:44 AM Exeter | 5h32 | 1:16 PM York | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:43 AM Exeter | 5h20 | 2:03 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 | |
![]() | 9:43 AM Exeter | 5h20 | 3:03 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 $40 (€40) but you can travel from only $25 (€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 $40 (€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 railway museum with iconic locomotives, royal trains, and engineering exhibits. One of Britain's best family-friendly museums.
Immersive walk-through museum recreating Victorian streets, shops, and homes. Brilliant for understanding everyday life in historic York.
York's main city museum with archaeology, Roman finds, and local history. Set in beautiful gardens beside abbey ruins.
Narrow medieval street with overhanging timber-framed buildings and many independent shops. York's most famous and atmospheric lane.
Peaceful riverside gardens with abbey ruins, museum access, and lawns. Ideal for a scenic break amid York's historic core.
Grand civic street lined with historic buildings, gardens, and cultural sites. A key route for exploring the heart of York.
Yorkshire pudding is a baked batter pudding served with roast beef and gravy, iconic across Yorkshire and a staple of the traditional Sunday roast.
York ham is a prized cured ham from the city, traditionally mild, tender, and often served thick-cut in sandwiches, salads, or classic British meals.
Parkin is a sticky ginger cake made with oats and treacle, strongly linked to Yorkshire and especially eaten around Bonfire Night.
Michelin-starred fine dining by Tommy Banks, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant city-centre setting.
Beloved tearoom serving York rarebit, afternoon tea, and the famous fat rascal in an old-fashioned, bustling setting.
Long-established seafood restaurant known for very fresh fish, shellfish, and a smart but relaxed dining room in central York.
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller towns, but transit is limited and many sights are walkable.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
York Railway Station -> 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.

Most Exeter to York trains use the Exeter St Davids to York station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter and York 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.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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