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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 prices starting from £10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £10, and a train costs an average of £24.
Distance: 87 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£52 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration 3h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
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.
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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 8 times per day, taking around 1h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £24 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:57, the last at 18:00. The fastest train covers the 87 km distance in 2h 22m.
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
Coach from £10
Distance 87 km |
Average train duration 1h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £24 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 22m |
First train 05:57 |
Last train 18:00 |
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
Coach from £10
Train companies: CrossCountry, first_great_western from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) trainsCrossCountry, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Exeter Central (EXC) from £10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Price
£40
CrossCountry frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 48m
Cheapest Price
£59
first_great_western frequency
25 a day
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.
The train journey from Cardiff Central to Exeter Central offers varied scenery, including views of the Severn Estuary, picturesque countryside, and charming towns, making it a visually appealing trip.
A day trip from Cardiff Central to Exeter Central isn't feasible as the journey takes 2h 22m, which exceeds the 120-minute limit for a day trip. However, trains run 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Exeter Central (EXC). The service operates 0 times per day, provided by first_great_western.
Booking trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £24, while the average price tends to be around £52.
To get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC), you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) is by coach, costing approximately £10.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC).
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC).
The train distance from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) is 87 km.
The train journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) covers a distance of 87 km and takes approximately 2h 22m. Trains run 8 per day.
The first train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) leaves at 5:57.
The last train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) departs at 18:00.
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC) run approximately 8 times per day.
There is no night train service from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Exeter Central (EXC).
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff Central (CDF) and Exeter Central (EXC)
Cardiff
Exeter
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to Exeter.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
The major train station for arrivals in Exeter is Exeter Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Exeter Central for your journey to Exeter from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:50 - 18:15 Saturday 07:50 - 18:15 Sunday 09:30 - 16:30
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
- Taxi: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 2. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Both platforms
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Exeter Central
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop at the front of the station on Queens Street
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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