Cheltenham to Exeter train with CrossCountry

Fri 17 Jul
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to Exeter

Showing times and prices for 17 Jul

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

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 £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £20.

Fast trains

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.

  • CrossCountryG01131
    8:011h45
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    9:46Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    £201One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG01133
    8:521h52
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    10:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    £201One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryW29862
    11:521h52
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    13:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    £201One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG01135
    9:521h52
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    11:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    £201One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG01140
    10:521h52
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    12:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    £201One-way
    0 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

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountry19:52 Cheltenham
1h50
21:42 Exeter0 changesdirect
Friday 17 July
CrossCountryG011318:01 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
1h45
9:46 Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01131+Great Western RailwayC480008:01 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h32
10:33 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 change
CrossCountryG011338:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
1h52
10:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01133+Great Western RailwayC480048:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h40
11:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 change
CrossCountryG01135+Great Western RailwayC480109:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h40
12:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 change
CrossCountryG011359:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
1h52
11:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG0113810:29 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
1h56
12:25 Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01140+Great Western RailwayC4801510:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h39
13:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 change
CrossCountryG0114010:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
1h52
12:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW2986211:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
1h52
13:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29862+Great Western RailwayC4802111:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h39
14:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 change
CrossCountryW29868+Great Western RailwayC4802512:52 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.

Fri
17 Jul
Sat
18 Jul
Sun
19 Jul
Mon
20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul
Wed
22 Jul
Thu
23 Jul

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
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

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.

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 £9
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
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 £9

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

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
1h 45m
Cheapest Price
£17
CrossCountry frequency
17 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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 38m
Cheapest Price
£115
Cross Country frequency
12 a day

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest Price
£107
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
1 a day

Transport for Wales

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest Price
£91
Transport for Wales frequency
3 a day

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cheltenham to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £35.
The train journey from Cheltenham to Exeter covers a distance of 165 km and takes approximately 1h 45m. Trains run 16 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 16 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 5 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, 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 £9.
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 45m, 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 2030WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
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.

More options for your journey from Cheltenham to Exeter

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Exeter Cheltenham to Exeter train

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