- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Excellent city museum and gallery with archaeology, natural history, and world cultures; the best all-round museum in Exeter.
Cheapest price on Sep 02
$31
Average ticket price on Sep 02
$99
Fastest journey on Sep 02
3 h 38 m
Average journey duration on Sep 02
3 h 51 m
Trains on Sep 02
22
Distance
240 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter will cost around $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
It's difficult to get from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter without transferring at least 2 times.
L79383+
C82387+
Y80277
L79383+
C48033+
C82387
L79395+
Y80282+
G26414
L79395+
C48037+
G26414
G15135 · W34817 · Y80279+
W32931
W34791 · Y80251+
Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+
C82349
W34791 · C48010+
W45478+
C38283
W34814 · C48030+
C38228+
W45474
G15513 · W34791 · Y80251+
W32874
G15134 · W34814 · C48030Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $69 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 0m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $69, while a train costs an average of $109.
Distance: 149 miles (240 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$109 Average price | $69 Average price Cheapest | $65 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 42m Average total duration 5h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter:
A bus is $40 (€32) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter costing on average $109 (€88).
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 12m.
You'll arrive about 4m sooner (3h 30m by train vs 3h 34m by car). Tickets start at around $109 (€88) compared to roughly $65 (€53) 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.
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 London Gatwick Airport to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15126 · W34788 · C48010 | 7:59 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h33 | 12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G15126 · W34788 · Y80251 | 7:59 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h22 | 12:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
W32874+ G15513 · W34791 · C48010 | 8:19 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h13 | 12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 transfers | |
W32874+ G15513 · W34791 · Y80251 | 8:19 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h02 | 12:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 3 transfers | |
C82349+ L79342+ C48015 | 8:43 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h48 | 1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
C82349+ L79342+ Y80257 | 8:43 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h37 | 1:20 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
W34791 · Y80251+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington+ C82349 | 8:43 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h38 | 12:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 3 transfers | |
W45478+ W34791 · C48010+ C38283 | 8:46 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h46 | 12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 transfers | |
G14979 · C48015+ G77127_C93206+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington | 8:52 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h39 | 1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 transfers | |
G77127_C93206+ L79363+ C48025 | 8:52 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 6h40 | 3:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G15127 · G14979 · C48015+ G77127_C93206 | 8:52 AM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h39 | 1:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 transfers | |
G15134 · W34814 · C48030 | 12:29 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h04 | 4:33 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
C82387+ L79383+ C48033 | On time 12:43 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h25 | 5:08 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
C82387+ L79383+ Y80277 | On time 12:43 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h12 | 4:55 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
W45474+ W34814 · Y80277+ C38228 | 12:46 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h09 | 4:55 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 3 transfers | |
W45474+ W34814 · C48030+ C38228 | 12:46 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h47 | 4:33 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 transfers | |
W32931+ G15135 · W34817 · Y80279 | 12:49 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h32 | 5:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 3 transfers | |
W34817 · Y80279+ G26414+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington | 12:56 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h25 | 5:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 3 transfers | |
G26414+ L79395+ Y80282 | 12:56 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h53 | 5:49 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
G26414+ L79395+ C48037 | 12:56 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 5h06 | 6:02 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
W34817 · C48033+ G26414+ Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington | 12:56 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h12 | 5:08 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 transfers | |
G15135 · W34817 · C48033 | 12:59 PM Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h09 | 5:08 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 London Gatwick Airport to Exeter run on average 21 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $22 (€17) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 10:56. The fastest train covers the 149 miles (240 km) distance in 2h 51m.
Distance 149 miles (240 km) |
Average train duration 3h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Trains per day 21 |
Fastest train 2h 51m |
First train 5:13 AM |
Last train 10:56 AM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.
Excellent city museum and gallery with archaeology, natural history, and world cultures; the best all-round museum in Exeter.
Interactive museum inside a working paper mill where visitors learn traditional papermaking and local industrial heritage.
Small independent museum in a Tudor merchant’s house, showing Topsham’s river trade, local stories, and period interiors.
Medieval city wall segment and gardens offering one of Exeter’s best walks, with lawns, ruins, and broad urban views.
Historic quay lined with warehouses, canal heritage, walks, and waterside activity; one of Exeter’s most characterful areas.
Attractive urban park beside the cathedral, ideal for relaxing and appreciating surrounding historic buildings in the city centre.
A rich Devon cream made from slowly heated milk. It is a county staple, famously served on scones in a Devon cream tea.
Traditional Devon cream tea pairs scones with jam and clotted cream, with cream spread before jam in the local style.
A hearty baked pudding of layers of potato, onion, and lamb or beef. It is a long-standing Devon farmhouse dish.
Fine dining restaurant known for refined modern British tasting menus and polished service in central Exeter.
Popular modern eatery with seasonal small plates, brunch, and a lively casual atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic quayside pub serving local ales and British classics in a characterful former warehouse by the water.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are mid-priced, buses are reasonable, and attractions are often low-cost versus larger UK tourist cities.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, small change appreciated.
Official public transport app
Exeter St Davids -> Exeter Central Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter 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 Exeter, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most London Gatwick Airport to Exeter trains use the London Paddington to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare London Gatwick Airport and Exeter 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.
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