Southampton to Exeter bus with National Express

Mon 03 Aug
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Southampton to Exeter

Showing times and prices for 03 Aug

Cheapest price

£63

Average price

£73

Fastest journey

5 h 55 m

Average duration

6 h 22 m

Buses per day

11

Distance

151 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Southampton to Exeter will cost around £73 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £63.

Fast coaches

To travel from Southampton to Exeter you need to make at least one change.

  • National ExpressNX032 · NX406
    19:157h45
    Southampton, University
    3:00Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court
    £631One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX406
    20:306h30
    Southampton, Coach Station
    3:00Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court
    £631One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX504
    15:405h55
    Southampton, University
    21:35Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court
    £741One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX504
    17:307h00
    Southampton, Coach Station
    0:30Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court
    £741One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX501
    5:057h05
    Southampton, Coach Station
    12:10Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court
    £741One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Southampton to Exeter

Omio 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 train with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £17, and a coach costs an average of £46.

Distance: 151 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£60

Average Price

£44

Average Price

Cheapest

5h 1m

Average total duration

4h 31m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 48m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Southampton to Exeter bus times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Exeter coaches for tomorrow, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX032 · NX5015:05 Southampton, Coach Station
7h05
12:10 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 change
National ExpressNX032 · NX5015:20 Southampton, University
6h50
12:10 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 change
National ExpressNX032 · NX5047:30 Southampton, Coach Station
7h40
15:10 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 change
National ExpressNX032 · NX5047:50 Southampton, University
7h20
15:10 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 change
National ExpressNX032 · NX50113:15 Southampton, Coach Station
6h45
20:00 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 change
National ExpressNX032 · NX50113:35 Southampton, University
6h25
20:00 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 change
National ExpressNX032 · NX50415:20 Southampton, Coach Station
6h15
21:35 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 change
National ExpressNX032 · NX50415:40 Southampton, University
5h55
21:35 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 change
National ExpressNX032 · NX50417:30 Southampton, Coach Station
7h00
0:30 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 change
National ExpressNX032 · NX40619:15 Southampton, University
7h45
3:00 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 change
National ExpressNX032 · NX40620:30 Southampton, Coach Station
6h30
3:00 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Exeter by coach or train

Compare coach and train 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
03 Aug
Tue
04 Aug
Wed
05 Aug
Thu
06 Aug
Fri
07 Aug
Sat
08 Aug
Sun
09 Aug

Why should you book Southampton to Exeter coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as Bluestar offer coaches services from Southampton to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Exeter.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Bluestar to find the best option for your trip from Southampton 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to Exeter.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Exeter.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Southampton to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Southampton to Exeter run on average 12 times per day, taking around 4h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £46 but you can travel from only £17 by train.

The earliest coach runs at 00:44, the last at 21:11. The fastest coach covers the 151 km distance in 3h 26m.

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 £17
Distance
151 km
Average bus duration
4h 31m
Cheapest ticket price
£46
Buses per day
12
Fastest bus
3h 26m
First bus
0:44
Last bus
21:11
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
14 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 £17

Bus providers: National Express, Bluestar from Southampton to ExeterYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Exeter with National Express, Bluestar for as low as £17. 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 Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
£46
National Express frequency
11 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.

Bluestar

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 35m
Cheapest Price
£31
Bluestar frequency
5 a day

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

City museum with local history, archaeology, world cultures and changing exhibitions in a landmark Victorian building.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Southampton to Exeter coach

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

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Southampton to Exeter can start from as little as £46 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Southampton 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 Southampton to Exeter is 3h 26m to travel the 151 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 Southampton to Exeter leaves at 0:44. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Southampton to Exeter leaves at 21:11.
There are 12 coaches a day from Southampton to Exeter which require at least one change with National Express, Bluestar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Southampton to Exeter, you can count on National Express, Bluestar for the best way to get you to Exeter. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Southampton and Exeter and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Exeter from Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 26m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Southampton to Exeter is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Exeter including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Southampton to Exeter:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Southampton to Exeter for coach company National Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Southampton 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.
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 Southampton to Exeter.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Southampton 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 Southampton to Exeter:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Southampton to Exeter.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Southampton to Exeter with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Southampton to Exeter with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Southampton to Exeter with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Exeter

Most Southampton to Exeter buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Exeter, Bampfylde Street (Express Coach Stop 34) station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter, Honiton Road. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Exeter bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Southampton
Arrival bus stations in Exeter

Which Southampton station do buses to Exeter leave from?

Buses from Southampton to Exeter leave from Southampton, Coach Station. The station is from Southampton city centre at Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom.
Southampton, Coach StationHarbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton, Coach Station from Southampton city centre

BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min

Southampton, Coach Station bus station facilities and services

Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.

Southampton, University
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton, University from Southampton city centre

BusU2b, U2 · 11m · £2 · every ~6 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 25m · £2 · every ~37 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 29m · £2 · every ~37 min

More options for your journey from Southampton to Exeter

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeCoachesCoach tickets to Exeter Southampton to Exeter bus

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