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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chester to Exeter
Showing times and prices for 15 Nov
Cheapest price
£57
Average price
£63
Fastest journey
5 h 14 m
Average duration
5 h 16 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
278 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chester to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chester to Exeter will cost around £63 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £57.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Chester for Exeter every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 278 km distance in an average of 5 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 14 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 18 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.
04:265h18
Chester09:44Exeter
£571One-way
0 changes
07:325h14
Chester12:46Exeter
£681One-way
0 changes
07:325h14
Chester12:46Exeter
£681One-way
0 changes
04:265h18
Chester09:44Exeter
£571One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Chester to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chester to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, and a train costs an average of £57.
Distance: 278 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£66 Average Price | £39 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 49m Average total duration Fastest 4h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 40m Average total duration 7h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Chester to Exeter train times
The table below shows live departures for Chester to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Saturday 15 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 23:47
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:26 Chester | 5h18 | 09:44 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:32 Chester | 5h14 | 12:46 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chester 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.
Sat
15 Nov
15 Nov
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16 Nov
16 Nov
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18 Nov
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Chester to Exeter
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Chester to Exeter run on average 17 times per day, taking around 4h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £57 but you can travel from only £21 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:22, the last at 19:56. The fastest train covers the 278 km distance in 5h 12m.
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 £21
Distance 278 km |
Average train duration 4h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £57 |
Trains per day 17 |
Fastest train 5h 12m |
First train 04:22 |
Last train 19:56 |
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 £21
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast from Chester to Exeter trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Chester and Exeter from £21. 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
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
£57
CrossCountry frequency
11 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
Transport for Wales
About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 12m
Cheapest Price
£67
Transport for Wales frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 10m
Cheapest Price
£282
Avanti West Coast frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
FAQs: Chester to Exeter train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chester 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.
To get from Chester to Exeter, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
Booking trains from Chester to Exeter in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Chester to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £57, while the average price tends to be around £66.
The train distance from Chester to Exeter is 278 km.
The cheapest way to get from Chester to Exeter is by coach, costing approximately £21.
The train station in Chester that goes to Exeter is Chester station (CTR), and it arrives at Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The train journey from Chester to Exeter covers a distance of 278 km and takes approximately 5h 12m. Trains run 17 per day.
The first train from Chester to Exeter leaves at 4:22.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chester to Exeter.
Yes, you can take the train from Chester to Exeter.
The last train from Chester to Exeter departs at 19:56.
Trains from Chester to Exeter run approximately 17 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Chester to Exeter.
There is no night train service from Chester to Exeter.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chester and Exeter
Chester
Exeter
The major train station for departures in Chester is Chester. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chester for your trip from Chester to Exeter.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 21:40 Saturday 05:40 - 21:40 Sunday 07:10 - 20:40
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent
Parking
- Car Park: Chester West
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- 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: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Main Concourse and on Platform 7a. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse and on Platform 7a; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: On the concourse
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Chester
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stop outside the station front
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 Chester.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDining
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike 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
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike 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
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
Most popular train connections from Chester
More options for your journey from Chester to Exeter
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Exeter and Chester
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