4.9
4.6
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $27 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 39m. 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 $27, while a train costs an average of $78.
Distance: 54 miles (88 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$78 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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.
Compare ways to travel from Cardiff to Exeter
Compare the available ways to get from Cardiff to Exeter, with the key details around price, speed, convenience, and direct service.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Exeter:
A bus is $51 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Exeter costing on average $78.
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 52m.
Tickets start at around $78 compared to roughly $40 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about -$38. The journey takes 2h 9m versus 2h 6m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Travel optionsfrom Cardiff to Exeter
How to get from Cardiff to Exeter by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Cardiff to Exeter is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
12:45 AM 4h20 Cardiff 5:05 AM Exeter $16 1 One-way 0 transfers
Cheapest
12:45 AM 4h20 Cardiff 5:05 AM Exeter $16 1 One-way 0 transfers
Fastest
12:45 AM 4h20 Cardiff 5:05 AM Exeter $16 1 One-way 0 transfers
Other options
11:45 PM 4h20 Cardiff 4:05 AM Exeter $17 1 One-way 0 transfers
8:15 PM 5h40 Cardiff 1:55 AM Exeter $18 1 One-way 0 transfers11:35 PM 5h30 Cardiff 5:05 AM Exeter $22 1 One-way 0 transfers
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
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FAQs: Travel from Cardiff to Exeter
Travel to Exeter easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Cardiff to Exeter.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Exeter:
A bus is $51 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Exeter costing on average $78.
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 52m.
- Around 17 trains per day.
- Around 9 buses per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Cardiff and Exeter as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Trains mostly depart from Cardiff Central (CDF) and arrive in Exeter St Davids (EXD).
- Buses mostly depart from Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) and arrive in Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court.
- Travel with FlixBus, National Express to go to Exeter by bus.
- Travel with CrossCountry, Great Western Railway to go to Exeter by train.
- 3 direct trains per day with Great Western Railway.
Travelling from Cardiff to Exeter: related information
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