Reading to Exeter train with Great Western Railway

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

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 17

Cheapest price on Sep 17

$60

Average ticket price on Sep 17

$69

Fastest journey on Sep 17

1 h 58 m

Average journey duration on Sep 17

2 h 6 m

Trains on Sep 17

4

Distance

196 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Reading to Exeter will cost around $69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $60.

Fast trains

On Thu, Sep 17, we found 4 trains from Reading to Exeter, including 4 direct services.

On Thu, Sep 17 the direct trains cover the 196 km distance in an average of 2 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 58 m .

On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest trains will take 2 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.

  • Great Western Railway
    2:01 PM1h58
    Reading
    3:59 PMExeter
    $601One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    10:01 AM2h06
    Reading
    12:07 PMExeter
    $691One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    12:31 PM2h00
    Reading
    2:31 PMExeter
    $731One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    1:01 PM2h20
    Reading
    3:21 PMExeter
    $741One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Reading to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $91 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 27m. 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 bus costs an average of $91, while a flight costs an average of $507.

Distance: 121 miles (196 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$104

Average price

$91

Average price

Cheapest

$507

Average price

$50

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 59m

Average total duration

5h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 44m

Average total duration

2h 44m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

2h 52m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Loganair

Most popular airline

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 Reading to Exeter is a bus with an average price of $91 (€74).

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

A bus is $14 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Exeter costing on average $104 (€86).

A bus is $416 (€341) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Reading to Exeter costing on average $507 (€415).

The fastest way to travel from Reading to Exeter is by train with an average journey time of 1h 57m.

Other travel options to Exeter take longer:

Flight takes on average 2h 44m.

Bus takes on average 5h 29m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Reading and Exeter including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Exeter 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 55m sooner (1h 57m by train vs 2h 52m by car). Tickets start at around $104 (€86) 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, 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

Reading to Exeter train times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Exeter 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 Railway10:01 AM Reading
2h06
12:07 PM Exeter0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway12:31 PM Reading
2h00
2:31 PM Exeter0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway1:01 PM Reading
2h20
3:21 PM Exeter0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway2:01 PM Reading
1h58
3:59 PM Exeter0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to Exeter 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 Reading to Exeter trains with Omio?

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

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 South Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Exeter.
  • 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 Reading to Exeter.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Reading to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Reading to Exeter run on average 14 times per day, taking around 1h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $57 (€47) 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 34m.

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 57m
Cheapest ticket price
$57 (€47)
Trains per day
14
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
1h 34m
First train
12:02 AM
Last train
11:44 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
3 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, South Western Railway, CrossCountry from Reading to Exeter trainsGreat Western Railway, South Western Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Reading and Exeter from $57 (€47). 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 34m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$70 (€57)
Great Western Railway frequency
12 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

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
2h 54m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
$57 (€47)
South Western Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
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 8m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
$82 (€67)
CrossCountry frequency
1 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 Exeter

Things to do in Exeter

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

  • 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.

  • Recommended

Topsham Museum and Paper Mill

Interactive museum inside a working paper mill where visitors learn traditional papermaking and local industrial heritage.

  • Recommended

Topsham Museum

Small independent museum in a Tudor merchant’s house, showing Topsham’s river trade, local stories, and period interiors.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are mid-priced, buses are reasonable, and attractions are often low-cost versus larger UK tourist cities.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, small change appreciated.

FAQs: Trains from Reading to Exeter

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Reading to Exeter can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $57 (€47), while the average price is around $104 (€86).
The train from Reading to Exeter takes 1h 34m and runs 14 per day.
The distance by train from Reading to Exeter is 121 miles (196 km).
The first train from Reading to Exeter leaves at 12:02 AM.
The last train from Reading to Exeter leaves at 11:44 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Reading to Exeter.
Yes, there is a direct train from Reading to Exeter. This service operates 5 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Reading to Exeter.
The train station in Reading that goes to Exeter is Reading station (RDG), which connects to Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Exeter is by train, with a cost of around $57 (€47).
The train journey from Reading to Exeter offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque countryside of Berkshire, Wiltshire, and Devon, with highlights including rolling hills, quaint villages, and stretches along the River Exe.
A day trip from Reading to Exeter is feasible with a travel duration of 1h 34m and 16 trains available per day over a distance of 121 miles (196 km).
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Exeter allows visitors to explore the city's historic sites, such as Exeter Cathedral, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, and the Quayside, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Exeter.
Since neither Reading nor Exeter 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 Exeter include Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstaple, Exmouth, Bath.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Exeter 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 Exeter, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and near popular attractions. Be wary of unofficial taxi services and always use licensed providers to avoid scams. Additionally, travelers should protect personal belongings on public transport and stay alert to common fraud attempts such as overcharging or counterfeit tickets.
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 Reading to Exeter

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

Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Exeter

Which Reading station do trains to Exeter leave from?

Trains from Reading to Exeter leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading from Reading city centre

Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · $2 · every ~15 min

Reading train station facilities and services

Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Reading.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Reading.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Reading.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Reading: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, 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 and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Reading WestReading West station, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PYParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre

Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainReading - Basingstoke, Reading - Newbury, Reading - Bedwyn, London Paddington - Bedwyn · 2m · $1 · every ~6 min
Bus15, 15a, 16, 17, 91, 85, 88, 93, 43 · 4m · $2 · every ~49 min

Reading West train station facilities and services

Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Reading West.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Reading West.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Reading West: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. 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 available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Reading to Exeter

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