- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to Exeter
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 31 Aug
Cheapest price on 31 Aug
£35
Average ticket price on 31 Aug
£35
Fastest journey on 31 Aug
1 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 31 Aug
1 h 45 m
Trains on 31 Aug
1
Distance
165 km
Cheap tickets
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 £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.
Fast trains
On Mon 31 Aug, we found 1 trains from Cheltenham to Exeter, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 165 km distance in an average of 1 h 45 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 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.
8:011h45Cheltenham9:46Exeter£351One-way0 changes
- 8:011h45Cheltenham9:46Exeter£351One-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 an average ticket price of £9 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 22m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £9, while a train costs an average of £21.
Distance: 165 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£21 Average Price | £9 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration 3h 27m 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, Sunday 30 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 18:52 Cheltenham | 1h52 | 20:44 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 19:54 Cheltenham | 1h55 | 21:49 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 20:52 Cheltenham | 1h51 | 22:43 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 22:52 Cheltenham | 7h44 | 6:36 Exeter | 1 change | |
| Monday 31 August | |||||
| 8:01 Cheltenham | 1h45 | 9:46 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
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.
Mon
31 Aug
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
03 Sept
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04 Sept
04 Sept
Sat
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06 Sept
06 Sept
Why should you book Cheltenham to Exeter trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales and more offer trains services from Cheltenham to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cheltenham to Exeter.
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
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cheltenham to Exeter run on average 17 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
There are 6 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 52m.
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 £8
Distance 165 km |
Average train duration 1h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 1h 52m |
First train 5:40 |
Last train 22:52 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 3 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
Coach from £8
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 £8. 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 CrossCountry Duration
1h 52m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£16
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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
1h 38m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£116
Cross Country frequency
12 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£108
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
1 a day
Transport for Wales
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£92
Transport for Wales frequency
3 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.
- 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.
- Must visit
Exeter Quayside
Historic quay with waterside walks, canal heritage, independent shops and easy access to cycling and boat trips.
- Recommended
Northernhay Gardens
Well-kept Victorian park with broad lawns, flower beds, mature trees and links to the castle and city walls.
- Recommended
Gandy Street
Historic shopping street lined with timber-framed buildings, independent businesses and one of Exeter’s most distinctive walks.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Devon cider brandy
A cider brandy from nearby Topsham, distilled from West Country cider apples. It is a long-standing Devon drink linked to the area’s orchards.
Devon split and ham
Traditional Devon split bread roll filled with thick slices of cured ham. It is a classic county snack and picnic staple around Exeter.
- Vegetarian
Devon fairings
Sweet fried dough pieces once sold at Devon fairs, often dusted with sugar. They are a nostalgic West Country treat associated with local baking.
Rendezvous Wine Bar
Stylish city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking with Devon produce. Smart but approachable setting for a more refined meal.
The Old Firehouse
Historic quayside pub known for pies, British classics and local drinks. Relaxed atmosphere in one of Exeter’s most characterful old buildings.
Exeter Farmers Market
Lively indoor market food hall with several independent traders. Good for sampling local produce, casual meals and coffee in a social setting.
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.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Exeter St Davids -> Exeter city centre
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Buses from Exeter St Davids run to the city centre, but the centre is also about a 15-minute walk from the station.
- Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach buses. Check the operator app before travel for the best-value day ticket.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cheltenham to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £16, while the average price tends to be around £21.
The train journey from Cheltenham to Exeter covers a distance of 165 km and takes approximately 1h 52m. Trains run 17 per day.
The train distance from Cheltenham to Exeter is 165 km.
The first train from Cheltenham to Exeter leaves at 5:40.
The last train from Cheltenham to Exeter departs at 22:52.
Trains from Cheltenham to Exeter run approximately 17 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cheltenham to Exeter.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cheltenham and Exeter. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
To get from Cheltenham to Exeter, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cheltenham to Exeter.
The train station in Cheltenham that goes to Exeter is Cheltenham Spa (CNM), and it arrives at Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The cheapest way to get from Cheltenham to Exeter is by coach, costing approximately £8.
Booking trains from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Exeter offers a scenic experience featuring picturesque countryside views, rolling hills, and charming rural landscapes, especially as the train passes through the Cotswolds and along the Exe Estuary.
Yes, a day trip from Cheltenham to Exeter is feasible, as the journey takes 1h 52m, covering a distance of 165 km, with a frequency of 12 trains per day.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Cheltenham to Exeter.
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.
Departure train stations in Cheltenham
Arrival train stations in Exeter
Which Cheltenham station do trains to Exeter leave from?
Trains from Cheltenham to Exeter leave from Cheltenham Spa. The station is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre at Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom.
Cheltenham SpaCheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom+44 345 165 2030
City-centre transport
Getting to Cheltenham Spa from Cheltenham city centre
Cheltenham Spa is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:
BusD, E, G · 7m · £4 · every ~25 min
M1 · 8m
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?
Trains from Cheltenham to Exeter most often arrive at Exeter St Davids. Some services arrive at Exeter St Thomas, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Exeter arrival station.
Exeter St DavidsExeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus355, 6A, 5B, 4A, 4, 66 · 6m · £2 · every ~20 min
4, 4A, Uni, K · 8m · £2 · every ~19 min
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.
Exeter St ThomasExeter St Thomas station, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1AJ
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainExmouth - Paignton · 21m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
BusA, B, C, E, P · 9m · £2 · every ~44 min
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.
Exeter CentralExeter Central station, Queen Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3SB+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter Central from Exeter city centre
BusH, K, Uni, 4A, 4 · 3m · £2 · every ~27 min
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
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Exeter and Cheltenham
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