Exeter to Cardiff train with CrossCountry

Sun 30 Aug
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CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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 to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Aug

Cheapest price on 30 Aug

£34

Average ticket price on 30 Aug

£53

Fastest journey on 30 Aug

2 h 8 m

Average journey duration on 30 Aug

2 h 30 m

Trains on 30 Aug

6

Distance

88 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Exeter to Cardiff will cost around £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £34.

Fast trains

On Sun 30 Aug, we found 6 trains from Exeter to Cardiff, including 6 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 88 km distance in an average of 2 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 8 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 48 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.

  • CrossCountry
    12:272h48
    Exeter
    15:15Cardiff
    £341One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western Railway
    9:272h31
    Exeter
    11:58Cardiff
    £431One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountry
    11:452h42
    Exeter
    14:27Cardiff
    £501One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountry
    10:272h21
    Exeter
    12:48Cardiff
    £561One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western Railway
    9:042h54
    Exeter
    11:58Cardiff
    £681One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Exeter to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 34m. 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 £14, while a train costs an average of £37.

Distance: 88 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£37

Average Price

£14

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 55m

Average total duration

3h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Exeter to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayY41865+CrossCountryG01065+Great Western RailwayC42174
On time
8:08 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2h32
10:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
CrossCountryG01065+Great Western RailwayC42174
On time
8:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h13
10:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Great Western RailwayY41868 · C42700
On time
8:37 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2h33
11:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC42700
On time
8:48 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h22
11:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42473 · C42701
On time
9:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3h06
12:12 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC42473+CrossCountryG01068+Great Western RailwayW34615
On time
9:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2h34
11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
CrossCountryG01068+Great Western RailwayW34615
On time
9:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h13
11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC42701
On time
9:52 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h20
12:12 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42475+CrossCountryG01070+Great Western RailwayC42175
On time
10:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2h34
12:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayC42475 · C42702
On time
10:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3h04
13:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
CrossCountryG01070+Great Western RailwayC42175
On time
10:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h13
12:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC42702
On time
10:43 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
2h27
13:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Cardiff by coach or train

Compare coach and train 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
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept

Why should you book Exeter to Cardiff trains with Omio?

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

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 to Cardiff.
  • 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Exeter to Cardiff.

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 to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Exeter to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Exeter to Cardiff run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 22:44. The fastest train covers the 88 km distance in 2h 7m.

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 £10
Distance
88 km
Average train duration
2h 4m
Cheapest ticket price
£23
Trains per day
18
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
2h 7m
First train
5:07
Last train
22:44
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
1 day
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 £10

Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Exeter to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Exeter and Cardiff from £10. 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 7m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£23
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
2h 20m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£38
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
12 a day

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
2h 8m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£58
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
13 a day

Complete guide to Cardiff

Things to do in Cardiff

Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.

  • Must visit

National Museum Cardiff

National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.

FAQs: Exeter to Cardiff train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Exeter to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £23, while the average price tends to be around £37.
The train journey from Exeter to Cardiff covers a distance of 88 km and takes approximately 2h 7m. Trains run 18 per day.
The train distance from Exeter to Cardiff is 88 km.
The first train from Exeter to Cardiff leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Exeter to Cardiff departs at 22:44.
Trains from Exeter to Cardiff run approximately 18 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Exeter to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train between Exeter and Cardiff. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
To get from Exeter to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Exeter to Cardiff.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Cardiff is Exeter St Davids (EXD), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £10.
Booking trains from Exeter to Cardiff 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 to Cardiff offers scenic views of the rolling countryside, picturesque villages, and the coastline along the River Severn, particularly near the Bristol Channel.
A day trip from Exeter to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 7m. However, there are 17 trains per day covering the 88 km.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city centre, take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay, and have an adventurous day at Cardiff International White Water. Visit Cardiff Market for shopping and dining, discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore Cardiff Bay's attractions, enjoy the National Museum Cardiff's collections, and relax in Bute Park.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Cardiff's main attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the revitalised Cardiff Bay area.
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and Cardiff

Most Exeter to Cardiff trains use the Exeter St Davids to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cathays. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Cardiff 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

Which Exeter station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Exeter to Cardiff leave from Exeter St Davids. The station is 1 km from Exeter city centre at Exeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT.
Exeter St DavidsExeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT+44 3451652030WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
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 1AJWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
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 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 to Cardiff

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff Exeter to Cardiff train

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