Bedford to Exeter train with South Western Railway

Sun 21 Dec
+ Add return
South Western Railway
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
South Western Railway
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bedford to Exeter

Showing times and prices for 21 Dec

Cheapest price

£24

Average price

£24

Fastest journey

5 h 45 m

Average duration

5 h 45 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

264 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Bedford to Exeter will cost around £24 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £24.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Bedford for Exeter every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 264 km distance in an average of 5 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .

The slowest trains will take 5 h 45 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.

South Western Railway
04:585h45
Bedford
10:43Exeter
£241One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Bedford to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £42. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £42, and a train costs an average of £32.

Distance: 264 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£62

Average Price

£52

Average Price

Cheapest

5h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 24m

Average total duration

6h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Bedford to Exeter train times

The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Sunday 21 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 10:04
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
south_west_trains04:58 Bedford
5h45
10:43 Exeter0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bedford 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.

Sun
21 Dec
Mon
22 Dec
Tue
23 Dec
Wed
24 Dec
Thu
25 Dec
Fri
26 Dec
Sat
27 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bedford to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bedford to Exeter run on average 12 times per day, taking around 4h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £32 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 22:26. The fastest train covers the 264 km distance in 3h 55m.

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
264 km
Average train duration
4h 30m
Cheapest ticket price
£32
Trains per day
12
Fastest train
3h 55m
First train
00:02
Last train
22:26
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

Train companies: South Western Railway, Thameslink from Bedford to Exeter trainsSouth Western Railway, Thameslink trains will get you between Bedford and Exeter from £32. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 2m
Cheapest Price
£24
South Western Railway frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 26m
Cheapest Price
£208
Thameslink frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

FAQs: Bedford to Exeter train

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

FAQs
A day trip from Bedford to Exeter is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 55m each way. The distance is 264 km, and the frequency is 12 times per day for trains.
Two to three days in Exeter is ideal to explore its historic sites, enjoy the stunning quayside, and visit nearby attractions like Dartmoor National Park.
To get from Bedford to Exeter, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
Booking trains from Bedford to Exeter in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Bedford to Exeter offers scenic views, particularly as it traverses the rolling hills and picturesque countryside of the South West, including glimpses of the River Exe and the charming Devon landscape.
The train distance from Bedford to Exeter is 264 km.
The cost of a train ticket from Bedford to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £32, while the average price tends to be around £62.
The train journey from Bedford to Exeter covers a distance of 264 km and takes approximately 3h 55m. Trains run 12 per day.
The first train from Bedford to Exeter leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Bedford to Exeter departs at 22:26.
The cheapest way to get from Bedford to Exeter is by train, costing approximately £32.
Trains from Bedford to Exeter run approximately 12 times per day.
The train station in Bedford that goes to Exeter is Bedford station (BDM), and it arrives at Exeter St Davids (EXD).
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bedford to Exeter.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bedford to Exeter.
There is no night train service from Bedford to Exeter.
Yes, you can take the train from Bedford to Exeter.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Exeter

Bedford
Exeter
The major train station for departures in Bedford is Bedford. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bedford for your trip from Bedford to Exeter.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 21:00 Saturday 05:45 - 21:00 Sunday 07:15 - 21:15
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Yes
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is adjacent to the taxi rank at the front of the station.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Heated waiting areas are available
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Front right hand side and station front
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Bedford St Johns (Council Managed)
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • 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
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
  • Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Bedford St Johns
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from the Medbourne Road car park, by the path leading to the platform. Please check the direction of travel before boarding.

More options for your journey from Bedford to Exeter

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HomeTrainsTrain Times to Exeter Bedford to Exeter train

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