- 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 19
$75
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$152
Fastest journey on Sep 19
2 h 38 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
2 h 57 m
Trains on Sep 19
15
Distance
151 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Exeter will cost around $152 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.
It's difficult to get from Southampton to Exeter without transferring at least once.
C42255+
L79316
C42255+
L79316+
C48005
C42716 · C42208
C42716 · C42208 · C48005
C42714 · C48001+
G01132
C42716 · C42208
C42255+
L79316
C42206+
G00852
C42716 · C42208 · C48005
L80484+
C42206+
G00852Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $83 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 2m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $83, while a train costs an average of $108.
Distance: 93 miles (151 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$108 Average price | $83 Average price Cheapest | $39 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration 5h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg 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 Southampton to Exeter:
A bus is $25 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Exeter costing on average $108.
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 29m.
You'll arrive about 9m sooner (2h 32m by train vs 2h 41m by car). Tickets start at around $108 compared to roughly $39 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 Southampton to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C42206+ G00850 | 6:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h55 | 10:10 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
C42206 · C42475+ G00850 | 6:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h08 | 10:23 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
C42714 · C48001+ G01132 | 6:29 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h04 | 10:33 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
L78748+ C03031 · C42206 · C42475 | 6:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h53 | 10:23 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 3 transfers | |
L78748+ C03031 · C42206 · C48001 | 6:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h03 | 10:33 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 transfers | |
L78748+ C03031 · C42206 | 6:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h40 | 10:10 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 transfers | |
L80484+ C42206+ G00852 | 6:57 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h13 | 10:10 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 transfers | |
L80484+ C42206 · C48001+ G00852 | 6:57 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h36 | 10:33 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 transfers | |
L80484+ C42206 · C42475+ G00852 | 6:57 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h26 | 10:23 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 3 transfers | |
C42206 · C48001+ G00852 | 7:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h18 | 10:33 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
C42206+ G00852 | 7:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h55 | 10:10 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
C42255+ L79316+ C48005 | 8:09 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h23 | 11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
L79316+ C42255 | 8:09 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h55 | 11:04 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
C42716 · C42208 | 8:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h38 | 11:08 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
C42716 · C42208 · C48005 | 8:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h02 | 11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
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 Southampton to Exeter run on average 14 times per day, taking around 2h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 93 miles (151 km) distance in 2h 0m.
Distance 93 miles (151 km) |
Average train duration 2h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 |
Trains per day 14 |
Fastest train 2h 0m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 6 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 Southampton 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 Southampton to Exeter trains use the Southampton Central to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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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