Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train with CrossCountry

Sat 05 Sept
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CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
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CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept

Cheapest price on 05 Sept

£59

Average ticket price on 05 Sept

£101

Fastest journey on 05 Sept

2 h 9 m

Average journey duration on 05 Sept

2 h 19 m

Trains on 05 Sept

4

Distance

87 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around £101 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £59.

Fast trains

On Sat 05 Sept, we found 4 trains from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF), including 1 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 87 km distance in an average of 2 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 9 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 28 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.

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5:422h28
    Exeter Central (EXC)
    8:10Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £591One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5:422h28
    Exeter Central (EXC)
    8:10Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £991One-way
    1 change
  • Cross Country
    6:272h09
    Exeter Central (EXC)
    8:36Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £1241One-way
    1 change
  • Cross Country
    7:272h09
    Exeter Central (EXC)
    9:36Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £1241One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, while a train costs an average of £19.

Distance: 87 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£19

Average Price

£17

Average Price

Cheapest

£30

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 38m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 10m

Average total duration

3h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 18m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is a coach with an average price of £17.

This is compared to other travel options from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF):

A coach is £2 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) costing on average £19.

The fastest way to travel from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by train with an average journey time of 2h 8m.

Other travel options to Cardiff Central (CDF) take longer:

Coach takes on average 3h 40m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Exeter Central (EXC) and Cardiff Central (CDF) including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 10m faster (2h 8m by train vs 2h 18m by car) and roughly £10 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£19 vs £30). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Direct services run with Great Western Railway (GWR).

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train times

The table below shows live departures for Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountry9:14 Exeter Central (EXC)
2h26
11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Saturday 5 September
Great Western Railway (GWR)5:42 Exeter Central (EXC)
2h28
8:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western Railway (GWR)5:42 Exeter Central (EXC)
2h28
8:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Cross Country6:27 Exeter Central (EXC)
2h09
8:36 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Cross Country7:27 Exeter Central (EXC)
2h09
9:36 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept

Why should you book Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) and more offer trains services from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

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 Great Western Railway, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
  • 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 Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

Journey information

Overview: Train from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 10:14, the last at 10:14. The fastest train covers the 87 km distance in 2h 22m.

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 £17
Distance
87 km
Average train duration
2h 8m
Cheapest ticket price
£19
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
2h 22m
First train
10:14
Last train
10:14
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sat
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 £17

Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Exeter Central (EXC) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from £17. 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
2h 22m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£19
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

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
3h 8m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£61
Great Western Railway frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
1h 50m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£117
Cross Country frequency
7 a day

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
1h 58m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£59
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
9 a day

FAQs: Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Cardiff Central (CDF), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £19, while the average price tends to be around £19.
The train journey from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) covers a distance of 87 km and takes approximately 2h 22m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is 87 km.
The first train from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 10:14.
The last train from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) departs at 10:14.
Trains from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Yes, there is a direct train between Exeter Central (EXC) and Cardiff Central (CDF). The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway (GWR).
To get from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF), you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by coach, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Exeter Central to Cardiff Central offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of Devon and the South Wales countryside, with glimpses of rolling hills and coastal stretches along the way.
A day trip from Exeter Central to Cardiff Central is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 22m. However, with 11 trains operating per day, there are multiple options available for your travel needs. The distance between the two stations is 87 km.
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Exeter Central (EXC) and Cardiff Central (CDF)

Most Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains use the Exeter St Davids to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter Central (EXC) and Cardiff Central (CDF) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Exeter
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Exeter CentralExeter Central station, Queen Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3SB+44 3451652030WifiShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
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 Exeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

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

Most popular trains to and from Cardiff Central (CDF) and Exeter Central (EXC)

HomeTrainsExeter Central (EXC) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train

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