- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
City museum with local history, archaeology, world cultures and changing exhibitions in a landmark Victorian building.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cheltenham to Exeter
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 31 Aug
Cheapest price on 31 Aug
£12
Average ticket price on 31 Aug
£15
Fastest journey on 31 Aug
3 h 15 m
Average journey duration on 31 Aug
5 h 8 m
Buses on 31 Aug
2
Distance
165 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cheltenham to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cheltenham to Exeter will cost around £15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £12.
Fast coaches
On Mon 31 Aug, we found 2 buses from Cheltenham to Exeter, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 165 km distance in an average of 5 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 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.
8:553h15Cheltenham12:10Exeter£121One-way0 changes- 14:207h00Cheltenham21:20Exeter£191One-way0 changes
- 8:553h15Cheltenham12:10Exeter£121One-way0 changes
- 14:207h00Cheltenham21:20Exeter£191One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cheltenham to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £9 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 22m. 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 coach costs an average of £9, while a train costs an average of £21.
Distance: 165 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£9 Average Price Cheapest | £21 Average Price |
3h 57m Average total duration 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cheltenham to Exeter bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Exeter coaches for today, Sunday 30 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 21:25 Cheltenham | 4h30 | 1:55 Exeter | 1 change | |
| Monday 31 August | |||||
| 8:55 Cheltenham | 3h15 | 12:10 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 14:20 Cheltenham | 7h00 | 21:20 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cheltenham to Exeter by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Mon
31 Aug
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
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Sun
06 Sept
06 Sept
Why should you book Cheltenham to Exeter coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as National Express or Megabus offer coaches services from Cheltenham to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cheltenham to Exeter.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cheltenham to Exeter.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham to Exeter.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cheltenham to Exeter.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cheltenham to Exeter
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cheltenham to Exeter run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:10, the last at 22:52. The fastest coach covers the 165 km distance in 3h 15m.
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 165 km |
Average bus duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 15m |
First bus 1:10 |
Last bus 22:52 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Bus providers: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus from Cheltenham to ExeterYou can travel by bus between Cheltenham to Exeter with FlixBus, National Express, Megabus for as low as £8. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£8
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
3h 5m
Cheapest National Express Price
£27
National Express frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Megabus Duration
4h 7m
Cheapest Megabus Price
£20
Megabus frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
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.
- Recommended
Exeter's Underground Passages
Underground medieval passages beneath the city, explored on guided tours that reveal Exeter’s engineering and history.
- Recommended
The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum
Working print museum with historic presses, typesetting equipment and hands-on insight into traditional printing methods.
- Must visit
Exeter Quayside
Historic quay with waterside walks, canal heritage, independent shops and easy access to cycling and boat trips.
- Recommended
Northernhay Gardens
Well-kept Victorian park with broad lawns, flower beds, mature trees and links to the castle and city walls.
- Recommended
Gandy Street
Historic shopping street lined with timber-framed buildings, independent businesses and one of Exeter’s most distinctive walks.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Devon cider brandy
A cider brandy from nearby Topsham, distilled from West Country cider apples. It is a long-standing Devon drink linked to the area’s orchards.
Devon split and ham
Traditional Devon split bread roll filled with thick slices of cured ham. It is a classic county snack and picnic staple around Exeter.
- Vegetarian
Devon fairings
Sweet fried dough pieces once sold at Devon fairs, often dusted with sugar. They are a nostalgic West Country treat associated with local baking.
Rendezvous Wine Bar
Stylish city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking with Devon produce. Smart but approachable setting for a more refined meal.
The Old Firehouse
Historic quayside pub known for pies, British classics and local drinks. Relaxed atmosphere in one of Exeter’s most characterful old buildings.
Exeter Farmers Market
Lively indoor market food hall with several independent traders. Good for sampling local produce, casual meals and coffee in a social setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: stays and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- 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. Cafés: rounding up is fine. Taxis: round up or add about 10% for good service.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £6.50
To the city centre
Exeter, Sidwell Street (City Centre) -> Exeter Central Station
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Stagecoach buses in Exeter accept contactless card and Apple Pay or Google Pay on board.
- Buy Dayrider tickets in the Stagecoach Bus app before travel for unlimited bus travel in the Greater Exeter zone that day.
FAQs: Cheltenham to Exeter coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham to Exeter by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Exeter, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cheltenham to Exeter can start from as little as £8 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cheltenham to Exeter is £9; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Cheltenham to Exeter is 3h 15m to travel the 165 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Cheltenham to Exeter leaves at 1:10. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cheltenham to Exeter leaves at 22:52.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Cheltenham to Exeter with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Cheltenham to Exeter, you can count on FlixBus, National Express, Megabus for the best way to get you to Exeter. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cheltenham and Exeter and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Exeter from Cheltenham is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cheltenham to Exeter is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cheltenham and Exeter including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cheltenham to Exeter:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cheltenham to Exeter for coach company FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cheltenham to Exeter depends on the coach companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus, National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Cheltenham to Exeter.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cheltenham to Exeter:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Cheltenham to Exeter:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Cheltenham to Exeter. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cheltenham to Exeter with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cheltenham to Exeter with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cheltenham to Exeter with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cheltenham and Exeter
Most Cheltenham to Exeter buses use the Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane) to Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter, Honiton Road. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and Exeter bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cheltenham
Arrival bus stations in Exeter
Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane)
City-centre transport
Getting to Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane) from Cheltenham city centre
Bus94X, 94, Nx94, N94, 95, 96 · 14m · £4 · every ~23 min
100, 94, 95, N94, 96 · 14m · £0.89 · every ~22 min
M13 · 21m
K · 23m · £4 · every ~1 min
Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus StationRoyal Well Road, Cheltenham, GL50 3PD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station from Cheltenham city centre
Bus94, 94U, 97, 98
Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria Royal Well (in the station), The Coffee House (0.2 km), The Brewery Quarter (0.5 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport HubCheltenham Arle Court Transport Hub, Cheltenham GL51 6SH, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub from Cheltenham city centre
Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub is 3 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub bus station facilities and services
Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi is available throughout the station. ATMs are available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub: Facilities are accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.
Which Exeter station do buses from Cheltenham arrive at?
Buses from Cheltenham to Exeter most often arrive at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court. Some services arrive at Exeter, Honiton Road, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Exeter arrival station.
Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover CourtExeter Coach Station, Bampfylde St, Exeter EX1 2JX, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court from Exeter city centre
Bus173 · 5m · £0.89 · every ~1 min
A, E · 6m · £2 · every ~21 min
Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court bus station facilities and services
Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court. ATMs are available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court: Wheelchair accessible.
Exeter, Honiton RoadHoniton Road, Exeter, EX2 7NL, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter, Honiton Road from Exeter city centre
Exeter, Honiton Road is 3 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus9, 9A, 44, 44A, 4A, 4 · 13m · £2 · every ~29 min
9, 9A, 44, 44A, 4A, 4 · 14m · £2 · every ~29 min
Coly 8 · 18m
78 · 33m
Exeter, Honiton Road bus station facilities and services
Exeter, Honiton Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café in the station (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter, Honiton Road.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter, Honiton Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter, Honiton Road: Ramps.
More options for your journey from Cheltenham to Exeter
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Exeter and Cheltenham
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