- 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 Portsmouth to Exeter
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£33
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£76
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
6 h 31 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
7 h 30 m
Buses on 20 Sept
3
Distance
172 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Portsmouth to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Exeter will cost around £76 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £33.
Fast coaches
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 3 buses from Portsmouth to Exeter, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 172 km distance in an average of 7 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 31 m .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 35 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.
14:357h25Portsmouth22:00Exeter£331One-way0 changes- 18:258h35Portsmouth3:00Exeter£401One-way0 changes
5:386h31Portsmouth12:09Exeter£1551One-way0 changes
- 5:386h31Portsmouth12:09Exeter£1551One-way0 changes
- 14:357h25Portsmouth22:00Exeter£331One-way0 changes
- 18:258h35Portsmouth3:00Exeter£401One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Portsmouth to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £38 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 31m. 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 train costs an average of £38, while a coach costs an average of £60.
Distance: 172 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£60 Average Price | £38 Average Price Cheapest | £35 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 13m Average total duration 5h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration Fastest 3h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company | Most popular train 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Portsmouth to Exeter is a train with an average price of £38.
This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to Exeter:
A train is £22 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Portsmouth to Exeter costing on average £60.
The fastest way to travel from Portsmouth to Exeter is by train with an average journey time of 3h 1m.
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 43m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Exeter including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £60 compared to roughly £35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-25.23. The journey takes 5h 43m versus 3h 7m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Portsmouth to Exeter bus times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Exeter coaches for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX030 · NX501 | 5:50 Portsmouth, University | 6h20 | 12:10 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX501 | 6:05 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h05 | 12:10 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX501 | 6:05 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 5h55 | 12:00 Exeter, Honiton Road | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX504 | 8:14 Portsmouth, University | 6h56 | 15:10 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX504 | 8:30 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h40 | 15:10 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX504 | 8:30 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h30 | 15:00 Exeter, Honiton Road | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX501 | 10:34 Portsmouth, University | 8h56 | 19:30 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX501 | 10:50 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 8h40 | 19:30 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX501 | 10:50 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 8h30 | 19:20 Exeter, Honiton Road | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX504 | 13:34 Portsmouth, University | 7h46 | 21:20 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX504 | 13:50 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 7h30 | 21:20 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX504 | 13:50 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 7h20 | 21:10 Exeter, Honiton Road | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX501 | 16:39 Portsmouth, University | 6h21 | 23:00 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX501 | 16:55 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h05 | 23:00 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX501 | 16:55 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 5h55 | 22:50 Exeter, Honiton Road | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX406 | 19:55 Portsmouth, University | 7h05 | 3:00 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX406 | 20:10 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h50 | 3:00 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 1 change | |
| NX030 · NX406 | 20:10 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h40 | 2:50 Exeter, Honiton Road | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth 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.
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26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Portsmouth to Exeter coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Portsmouth to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Portsmouth to Exeter.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Portsmouth to Exeter.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Portsmouth to Exeter.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Portsmouth to Exeter
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Portsmouth to Exeter run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £21 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:44, the last at 22:00. The fastest coach covers the 172 km distance in 5h 5m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £21
Distance 172 km |
Average bus duration 5h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 5h 5m |
First bus 0:44 |
Last bus 22:00 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £21
Bus providers: National Express from Portsmouth to ExeterYou can travel by bus between Portsmouth to Exeter with National Express for as low as £21. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
7h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
£36
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.
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: Portsmouth to Exeter coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Exeter can start from as little as £28 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Portsmouth to Exeter is £60; 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 Portsmouth to Exeter is 5h 5m to travel the 172 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 Portsmouth to Exeter leaves at 0:44. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Portsmouth to Exeter leaves at 22:00.
There are 13 coaches a day from Portsmouth to Exeter which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Portsmouth to Exeter, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Exeter. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Portsmouth and Exeter and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Portsmouth , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth, University, Portsmouth, International Port, Southsea, Clarence Esplanade . When arriving in Exeter , you can end your route in coach stations like Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court, Exeter, Honiton Road.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange, which is located around 1 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Exeter from Portsmouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Portsmouth to Exeter is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Exeter including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Portsmouth to Exeter:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Portsmouth to Exeter for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Portsmouth to Exeter depends on the coach companies:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company 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 Portsmouth to Exeter.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Portsmouth to Exeter:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Portsmouth to Exeter:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Portsmouth to Exeter.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Portsmouth to Exeter with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Portsmouth to Exeter with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Portsmouth to Exeter with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Portsmouth and Exeter
Most Portsmouth to Exeter buses use the Portsmouth, University to Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter, Honiton Road. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Exeter bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Portsmouth
Arrival bus stations in Exeter
Which Portsmouth station do buses to Exeter leave from?
Buses from Portsmouth to Exeter leave from Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange. The station is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre at The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UK.
Portsmouth, The Hard InterchangeThe Hard Interchange, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange from Portsmouth city centre
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLondon Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour, Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour, Littlehampton - Portsmouth Harbour, Three Bridges - Portsmouth Harbour, Barnham - Portsmouth Harbour, Gatwick Airport - Portsmouth Harbour, Havant - Portsmouth Harbour, Bognor Regis - Portsmouth Harbour · 3m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Bus1, 2, 8, 3, 7, X4, H1, X5, Pr1 · 6m · £2 · every ~214 min
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange bus station facilities and services
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at The Hard (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (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 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Portsmouth, University
Portsmouth, International PortWharf Road, Portsmouth PO2 8RU, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Portsmouth, International Port from Portsmouth city centre
Portsmouth, International Port is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
BusX4, X5, Pr1 · 3m · every ~55 min
8, 3, 7, X4, X5 · 6m · £2 · every ~113 min
725 · 15m · £2
Portsmouth, International Port bus station facilities and services
Portsmouth, International Port 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 terminal (in the station), Fast-food outlet (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance of the terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, International Port.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth, International Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, International Port: Elevators, ramps.
Which Exeter station do buses from Portsmouth arrive at?
Buses from Portsmouth 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 · £0.90 · 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.
Most popular bus connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Exeter
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Exeter and Portsmouth
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