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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC)
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£21
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£21
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
2 h 47 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
2 h 47 m
Trains on 17 Sept
1
Distance
87 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) will cost around £21 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £21.
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 1 trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC), including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 87 km distance in an average of 2 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 47 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 47 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.
17:272h47Cardiff Central (CDF)20:14Exeter Central (EXC)£211One-way0 changes
- 17:272h47Cardiff Central (CDF)20:14Exeter Central (EXC)£211One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £23 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 44m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, while a train costs an average of £60.
Distance: 87 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£60 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest | £30 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC):
A coach is £36 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) costing on average £60.
Other travel options to Exeter Central (EXC) take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 12m.
You'll arrive about 1m sooner (2h 14m by train vs 2h 15m by car). Tickets start at around £60 compared to roughly £30 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17:27 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h47 | 20:14 Exeter Central (EXC) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) 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.
17 Sept
18 Sept
19 Sept
20 Sept
21 Sept
22 Sept
23 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC).
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC).
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC).
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £59 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 06:28, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 87 km distance in 1h 51m.
Distance 87 km |
Average train duration 2h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £59 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 51m |
First train 6:28 |
Last train 23:30 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Exeter Central (EXC) from £15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
FAQs: Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) 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 Central (EXC), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff Central (CDF) and Exeter Central (EXC)
Most Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) trains use the Cardiff Central to Exeter St Davids station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff Central (CDF) and Exeter Central (EXC) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Exeter Central from Exeter city centre
Exeter Central train station facilities and services
Exeter Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - Both platforms can be accessed via lifts from the main station entrance, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff Central (CDF)
More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Exeter Central (EXC) and Cardiff Central (CDF)
Most popular train connections to Exeter Central (EXC)
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