The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to Exeter
Cheapest price
£20
Average price
£28
Fastest journey
1 h 45 m
Average duration
1 h 51 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
165 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cheltenham to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cheltenham to Exeter will cost around £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £20.
Of the 12 trains that leave Cheltenham for Exeter every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 165 km distance in an average of 1 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 45 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 52 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.
G011318:011h45Cheltenham Spa (CNM)9:46Exeter St Davids (EXD)£201One-way0 changes
G011338:521h52Cheltenham Spa (CNM)10:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)£201One-way0 changes
W2986211:521h52Cheltenham Spa (CNM)13:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)£201One-way0 changes
G011359:521h52Cheltenham Spa (CNM)11:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)£201One-way0 changes
G0114010:521h52Cheltenham Spa (CNM)12:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)£201One-way0 changes
G011318:011h45Cheltenham Spa (CNM)9:46Exeter St Davids (EXD)£201One-way0 changes
G011338:521h52Cheltenham Spa (CNM)10:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)£201One-way0 changes
W2986211:521h52Cheltenham Spa (CNM)13:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)£201One-way0 changes
G011359:521h52Cheltenham Spa (CNM)11:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)£201One-way0 changes
G0114010:521h52Cheltenham Spa (CNM)12:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)£201One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cheltenham to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 52m. 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 coach costs an average of £9, and a train costs an average of £17.
Distance: 165 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£35 Average Price | £13 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cheltenham to Exeter train times
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Exeter trains for today, Thursday 16 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 19:52 Cheltenham | 1h50 | 21:42 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 17 July | |||||
G01131 | 8:01 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h45 | 9:46 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01131+ C48000 | 8:01 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h32 | 10:33 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
G01133 | 8:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h52 | 10:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01133+ C48004 | 8:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h40 | 11:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
G01135+ C48010 | 9:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h40 | 12:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
G01135 | 9:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h52 | 11:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01138 | 10:29 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h56 | 12:25 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01140+ C48015 | 10:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h39 | 13:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
G01140 | 10:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h52 | 12:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29862 | 11:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h52 | 13:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29862+ C48021 | 11:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h39 | 14:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
W29868+ C48025 | 12:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h40 | 15:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cheltenham 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.
17 Jul
18 Jul
19 Jul
20 Jul
21 Jul
22 Jul
23 Jul
Why should you book Cheltenham to Exeter 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 Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Exeter.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cheltenham to Exeter
Trains from Cheltenham to Exeter run on average 16 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:40, the last at 22:52. The fastest train covers the 165 km distance in 1h 45m.
Distance 165 km |
Average train duration 1h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 45m |
First train 5:40 |
Last train 22:52 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales from Cheltenham to Exeter trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cheltenham and Exeter from £9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Transport for Wales
FAQs: Cheltenham to Exeter train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham 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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cheltenham and Exeter
Most Cheltenham to Exeter trains use the Cheltenham Spa to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cheltenham station do trains to Exeter leave from?
Getting to Cheltenham Spa from Cheltenham city centre
Cheltenham Spa is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:
Cheltenham Spa train station facilities and services
Cheltenham Spa has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Railway Inn, The Coconut Tree
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham Spa. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Cheltenham Spa. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham Spa: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Queens Hotel Cheltenham, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham.
Which Exeter station do trains from Cheltenham arrive at?
Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Davids train station facilities and services
Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, 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 St Davids.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Davids: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - All platforms can be accessed via Lifts from the sole main station entrance. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, 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, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Thomas train station facilities and services
Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
More options for your journey from Cheltenham to Exeter
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