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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Cardiff
Cheapest price
£35
Average price
£56
Fastest journey
2 h 10 m
Average duration
2 h 33 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
88 km
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 £56 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.
Of the 5 trains that leave Exeter for Cardiff 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 88 km distance in an average of 2 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 10 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 30 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.
10:272h10Exeter12:37Cardiff£351One-way0 changes- 9:272h10Exeter11:37Cardiff£421One-way0 changes
8:502h27Exeter11:17Cardiff£671One-way0 changes- 4:523h30Exeter8:22Cardiff£671One-way0 changes
- 9:502h27Exeter12:17Cardiff£671One-way0 changes
- 10:272h10Exeter12:37Cardiff£351One-way0 changes
- 9:272h10Exeter11:37Cardiff£421One-way0 changes
- 9:502h27Exeter12:17Cardiff£671One-way0 changes
- 8:502h27Exeter11:17Cardiff£671One-way0 changes
- 4:523h30Exeter8:22Cardiff£671One-way0 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 prices starting from £10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 6m. 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 £10, and a train costs an average of £19.
Distance: 88 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£52 Average Price | £13 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 58m Average total duration 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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
Exeter to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Cardiff trains for today, Wednesday 15 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G15493 | On time 5:47 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h32 | 8:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G01060+W35415 | On time 6:25 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h14 | 8:39 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G15494 | 6:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h38 | 9:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Y41858+G01062+G14934 | 7:07 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h32 | 9:39 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| G01062+G14934 | 7:20 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h19 | 9:39 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Y41861 · W34555 · C48821 | 7:35 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h42 | 10:17 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| W34555 · C48821 | On time 7:52 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h25 | 10:17 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Y41864+G01064+G15004 | 8:09 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h43 | 10:52 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| Y41864+G01064+G14936 | 8:09 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h28 | 10:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| G01064+G15004 | 8:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h25 | 10:52 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G01064+G14936 | 8:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h10 | 10:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Y41867 · G15495 | 8:35 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h44 | 11:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G15495 | 8:48 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h31 | 11:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Y41870+G00869_G01067+G15005 | 9:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h41 | 11:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| G00869_G01067+G14938 · Y41870 | 9:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h35 | 11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| Y41870 · G15496 | 9:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h12 | 12:17 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G00869_G01067+G15005 | 9:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h19 | 11:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G00869_G01067+G14938 | 9:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h13 | 11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G15496 | 9:50 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h27 | 12:17 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15229+G01069+G15007 | 10:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h43 | 12:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| G15229+G01069+W34618 | 10:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h30 | 12:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| G15229 · G15497 | 10:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h16 | 13:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G01069+G15007 | 10:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h22 | 12:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G01069+W34618 | 10:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h09 | 12:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Y80241 · G15498 | 10:39 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h37 | 14:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Y80241+G00865+G15497 | 10:39 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h43 | 13:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| G15497 | 10:42 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h40 | 13:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G00865+G15497 | 10:56 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h26 | 13:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G01073+W35417 | 11:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h09 | 13:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Y80248 · G15499 | 11:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h40 | 15:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Y80248+G01075+W34624 | 11:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h55 | 14:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| G15498 | 11:50 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h26 | 14:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G01075+W34624 | 12:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h10 | 14:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Y80254+G01080+W35418 | 12:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h54 | 15:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| Y80254 · G15500 | 12:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h34 | 16:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G15499 | 12:45 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h37 | 15:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G01080+W35418 | 13:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h09 | 15:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Y80260 · G15501 | 13:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h40 | 17:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Y80260+G01082+W34630 | 13:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h56 | 16:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| G15500 | 13:50 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h26 | 16:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G01082+W34630 | 14:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h11 | 16:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G15501 | 14:52 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h30 | 17:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G01083+W34634 | 15:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h10 | 17:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
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.
16 Jul
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20 Jul
21 Jul
22 Jul
Why should you book Exeter to Cardiff trains with Omio?
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
Trains from Exeter to Cardiff run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 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 1h 58m.
Distance 88 km |
Average train duration 2h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 58m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 22:44 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
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
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
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.
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.
Which Exeter station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Exeter Central from Exeter city centre
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.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
More options for your journey from Exeter to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Exeter
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