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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to Exeter
Showing times and prices for 31 May
Cheapest price
£45
Average price
£68
Fastest journey
1 h 40 m
Average duration
1 h 47 m
Trains per day
15
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 £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.
Fast trains
Of the 15 trains that leave Cheltenham for Exeter every day 5 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 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 55 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.
G0113610:101h42Cheltenham Spa (CNM)11:52Exeter St Davids (EXD)£451One-way0 changes- G01136+
Y4186910:102h12Cheltenham Spa (CNM)12:22St James' Park (SJP)£471One-way1 change - G01136+C4800610:102h22Cheltenham Spa (CNM)12:32Exeter St Thomas (EXT)£471One-way1 change
- G0114512:101h40Cheltenham Spa (CNM)13:50Exeter St Davids (EXD)£551One-way0 changes
- W2986912:521h53Cheltenham Spa (CNM)14:45Exeter St Davids (EXD)£551One-way0 changes
- G0114512:101h40Cheltenham Spa (CNM)13:50Exeter St Davids (EXD)£551One-way0 changes
- G0113610:101h42Cheltenham Spa (CNM)11:52Exeter St Davids (EXD)£451One-way0 changes
- G0114211:101h44Cheltenham Spa (CNM)12:54Exeter St Davids (EXD)£831One-way0 changes
- W2986912:521h53Cheltenham Spa (CNM)14:45Exeter St Davids (EXD)£551One-way0 changes
- W2987413:521h55Cheltenham Spa (CNM)15:47Exeter St Davids (EXD)£831One-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 |
|---|---|
£36 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 tomorrow, Sunday 31 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G01136 | 10:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h42 | 11:52 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G01136+Y41869 | 10:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h12 | 12:22 St James' Park (SJP) | 1 change | |
| G01136+C48006 | 10:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h22 | 12:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
| G01142 | 11:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h44 | 12:54 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G01142+C48012 | 11:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h22 | 13:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
| G01142+Y80236 | 11:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h11 | 13:21 St James' Park (SJP) | 1 change | |
| G01145 | 12:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h40 | 13:50 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G01145+Y80243 | 12:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h11 | 14:21 St James' Park (SJP) | 1 change | |
| G01145+C48017 | 12:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h20 | 14:30 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
| W29869+Y80250 | 12:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h30 | 15:22 St James' Park (SJP) | 1 change | |
| W29869+C48020 | 12:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h16 | 15:08 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
| W29869 | 12:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h53 | 14:45 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W29874+Y80256 | 13:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h30 | 16:22 St James' Park (SJP) | 1 change | |
| W29874 | 13:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h55 | 15:47 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W29874+C48027 | 13:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h39 | 16:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
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.
Sun
31 May
31 May
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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 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
£117
Cross Country frequency
12 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest Price
£109
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
1 a day
Transport for Wales
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest Price
£93
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.
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 £36.
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
Cheltenham
Exeter
The major train station for departures in Cheltenham is Cheltenham Spa. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cheltenham Spa for your trip from Cheltenham to Exeter.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Address
Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
2Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible from Queens Road.
Dining
- The Railway Inn
- The Coconut Tree
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- £0.50
Hotel
- Queens Hotel Cheltenham
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham
- Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham
Lost and Found Office
- Located near the main entrance
Bike Parking
- 300 places, covered
Information Desk
- Located near the main entrance
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- The station has a main concourse with ticketing facilities and waiting areas, with platforms accessible via lifts and stairs.
Public transport options for Cheltenham Spa
- Bus: Several local bus services available
- Taxi: Taxi rank outside the station
The major train station for arrivals in Exeter is Exeter St Davids. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Exeter St Davids for your journey to Exeter from Cheltenham.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:40 Saturday 06:15 - 20:00 Sunday 07:30 - 20:40 Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Weekdays (Mon-Fri) 08:45 - 19:40, Saturday 08:45 - 18:30 Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: WHSmith
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 5. 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: Platform 1 and adjacent entrance
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Exeter St Davids
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
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
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Bottom of stairs leading to platform 1.
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Exeter St Thomas
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Exeter St Davids: Cowick Street bus stop by shopping precint. To Newton Abbot: Cowick Street bus stop outside the station
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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