- Must visit
Hopetown Darlington
Railway museum celebrating the Stockton and Darlington Railway with locomotives, carriages and stories of early rail travel.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Darlington
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£137
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£208
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
5 h 26 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
5 h 39 m
Trains on 18 Sept
12
Distance
443 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Darlington is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Darlington will cost around £208 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £137.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 12 trains from Exeter to Darlington, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 443 km distance in an average of 5 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 26 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 46 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.
G14921+
C02047+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross9:165h45Exeter St Davids (EXD)15:01Darlington station (DAR)£1371One-way2 changes- Y41870 · G14921+C02047+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross9:055h56Exeter St Thomas (EXT)15:01Darlington station (DAR)£1371One-way3 changes
- C47995 · Y41873 · W34562+C021119:366h25Exeter St Thomas (EXT)16:01Darlington station (DAR)£1621One-way4 changes
- W34559+G80234+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross9:435h49Exeter St Davids (EXD)15:32Darlington station (DAR)£1621One-way2 changes
- W34562+C02111+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross10:155h46Exeter St Davids (EXD)16:01Darlington station (DAR)£1621One-way2 changes
G00869_G01067 · G007019:275h26Exeter St Davids (EXD)14:53Darlington station (DAR)£2371One-way1 change- G010648:275h39Exeter St Davids (EXD)14:06Darlington station (DAR)£2371One-way0 changes
- G00869_G010679:275h39Exeter St Davids (EXD)15:06Darlington station (DAR)£2371One-way0 changes
- G14921+C02047+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross9:165h45Exeter St Davids (EXD)15:01Darlington station (DAR)£1371One-way2 changes
- W34562+C02111+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross10:155h46Exeter St Davids (EXD)16:01Darlington station (DAR)£1621One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Exeter to Darlington
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Darlington among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £42 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 20m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £42, while a train costs an average of £368.
Distance: 443 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£368 Average Price | £42 Average Price Cheapest | £88 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 20m Average total duration Fastest 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 35m Average total duration 10h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Exeter to Darlington is a coach with an average price of £42.
This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Darlington:
A coach is £325 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Darlington costing on average £368.
The fastest way to travel from Exeter to Darlington is by train with an average journey time of 5h 50m.
Other travel options to Darlington take longer:
Coach takes on average 10h 5m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Exeter and Darlington including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £368 compared to roughly £88 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-279.49. The journey takes 5h 50m versus 5h 43m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Darlington 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
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21 Sept
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Exeter to Darlington
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Exeter to Darlington run on average 20 times per day, taking around 5h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £354 but you can travel from only £28 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:56, the last at 22:51. The fastest train covers the 443 km distance in 4h 54m.
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 £28
Distance 443 km |
Average train duration 5h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £354 |
Trains per day 20 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 54m |
First train 4:56 |
Last train 22:51 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 7 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 £28
Train companies: Cross Country from Exeter to Darlington trainsCross Country trains will get you between Exeter and Darlington from £28. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
4h 54m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£354
Cross Country frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Darlington
Things to do in Darlington
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
- Recommended
Raby Castle
Historic country house with art, furnishings and estate collections, offering a museum-style visit alongside parkland walks.
Hullabaloo Gallery
Local arts centre with changing exhibitions, performances and creative events in a restored Victorian building.
- Recommended
South Park
Large public park with bandstand, aviary, café-free green space, sports areas and pleasant paths close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Market Place
Historic market square surrounded by civic buildings and shops, useful for seeing the town centre's layout and daily life.
- Recommended
West Park
Popular woodland and lakeside park on the edge of Darlington with walking trails, sculpture and open green views.
Pease pudding stottie
A classic North-East pease pudding spread in a bread bun, often with ham. It is a long-standing local lunch tied to Teesside and County Durham.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pease pudding
Slow-cooked split peas seasoned into a thick savoury paste. It is a regional staple traditionally served with ham or pork pies.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Stottie cake
A large round flat loaf with a soft crumb, common across North-East England. It is traditionally used for hearty sandwiches and local fillings.
The Orangery at Rockliffe Hall
Refined dining in a country house setting, known for modern British cooking and polished service. Best for a special meal near Darlington.
Spice Village
Stylish restaurant serving Indian small plates and grilled dishes in an upbeat modern setting. A popular choice for groups and evening meals.
Estabulo Darlington
Smart casual steakhouse focused on quality beef, burgers and hearty mains. Relaxed atmosphere suited to an easy dinner in town.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs are fairly reasonable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Arriva UK Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £7.50
To the city centre
Darlington Railway Station -> Darlington Town Centre
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Adult single bus fares are capped at £2.50 in the North East; if you will make several trips, the £7.50 all-day ticket can be better value.
- Under-22 fares shown on official sites are cheaper, but the standard adult fare is the correct reference for visitors. Contactless payment may vary by operator, so check before boarding.
FAQs: Exeter to Darlington train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to Darlington 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 Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Exeter to Darlington can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £354, while the average price tends to be around £368.
The train journey from Exeter to Darlington covers a distance of 443 km and takes approximately 4h 54m. Trains run 20 per day.
The train distance from Exeter to Darlington is 443 km.
The first train from Exeter to Darlington leaves at 4:56.
The last train from Exeter to Darlington departs at 22:51.
Trains from Exeter to Darlington run approximately 20 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Exeter to Darlington.
Yes, there is a direct train between Exeter and Darlington. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
To get from Exeter to Darlington, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Exeter to Darlington.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Darlington is Exeter St Davids (EXD), and it arrives at Darlington station (DAR).
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Darlington is by coach, costing approximately £28.
Booking trains from Exeter to Darlington 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 Darlington offers varied scenery, including views of the rolling hills of Devon, picturesque countryside, and glimpses of the stunning coast as you travel through counties like Somerset and North Yorkshire.
A day trip from Exeter to Darlington is not feasible as the travel duration is 4h 54m. There are 12 trains per day. The distance is 443 km.
Two to three days in Darlington should be sufficient to explore its key attractions, including the Head of Steam Railway Museum, South Park, and the Darlington Hippodrome, while also enjoying the local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter to Darlington.
More options for your journey from Exeter to Darlington
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Darlington and Exeter
Most popular train connections to Darlington
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