- Recommended
Guildford Museum
Town museum covering Guildford’s history, archaeology and crafts in historic buildings near the castle. A practical starting point for local heritage.
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£51
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£65
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
2 h 48 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
2 h 51 m
Trains on 19 Sept
18
Distance
214 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Guildford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Guildford will cost around £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £51.
To travel from Exeter to Guildford you need to make at least one change.
L79348 · L79568
W34567 · C42351
Y80242 · W34567 · C42351
C42478 · C42166 · C42357
Y80255 · W34575 · C42355
W34560 · C42348
C42161 · C42352
W34567 · C42351
W34563 · C42349
W34558 · C42347Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Guildford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 16m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, while a flight costs an average of £224.
Distance: 214 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£42 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest | £224 Average Price | £40 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 28m Average total duration 5h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 15m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Guildford:
A train is £2 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Exeter to Guildford costing on average £44.
A train is £403 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Exeter to Guildford costing on average £445.
Other travel options to Guildford take longer:
Flight takes on average 2h 51m.
Coach takes on average 6h 10m.
You'll arrive about 21m sooner (2h 46m by train vs 3h 7m by car). Tickets start at around £42 compared to roughly £40 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Guildford trains for tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Y41760 · C42160 · C42334 | On time 0:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h26 | 5:08 Guildford station (GLD) | 2 changes | |
Y41757 · C42160 · C42334 | On time 0:44 St James' Park (SJP) | 4h24 | 5:08 Guildford station (GLD) | 2 changes | |
C42160 · C42334 | 1:07 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h01 | 5:08 Guildford station (GLD) | 1 change | |
L79348 · L79568 | 5:32 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h32 | 10:04 Guildford station (GLD) | 1 change | |
C42697 · W34465 · C42342 | 5:42 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h50 | 9:32 Guildford station (GLD) | 2 changes | |
C47976 · Y41859+ L79370 · L79606 | 5:58 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 6h06 | 12:04 Guildford station (GLD) | 3 changes | |
C42473 · W34558 · C42347 | On time 9:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h03 | 12:09 Guildford station (GLD) | 2 changes | |
W34558 · C42347 | 9:16 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h53 | 12:09 Guildford station (GLD) | 1 change | |
W34560 · C42348 | 9:46 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h48 | 12:34 Guildford station (GLD) | 1 change | |
C42475 · W34563 · C42349 | 10:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h03 | 13:09 Guildford station (GLD) | 2 changes | |
W34563 · C42349 | On time 10:16 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h53 | 13:09 Guildford station (GLD) | 1 change | |
Y80242 · W34567 · C42351 | 10:43 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h26 | 14:09 Guildford station (GLD) | 2 changes | |
W34567 · C42351 | 11:16 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h53 | 14:09 Guildford station (GLD) | 1 change | |
C42476 · W34573 · C42353 | 11:43 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h26 | 15:09 Guildford station (GLD) | 2 changes | |
C42161 · C42352 | 11:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h48 | 14:32 Guildford station (GLD) | 1 change | |
W34573 · C42353 | 12:16 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h53 | 15:09 Guildford station (GLD) | 1 change | |
Y80255 · W34575 · C42355 | 12:43 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h26 | 16:09 Guildford station (GLD) | 2 changes | |
C42478 · C42166 · C42357 | 13:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h27 | 17:09 Guildford station (GLD) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, train and flight 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.
Trains from Exeter to Guildford run on average 17 times per day, taking around 2h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £24 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:42, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 214 km distance in 2h 49m.
Distance 214 km |
Average train duration 2h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price £24 |
Trains per day 17 |
Fastest train 2h 49m |
First train 0:42 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Guildford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Guildford trip today.
Town museum covering Guildford’s history, archaeology and crafts in historic buildings near the castle. A practical starting point for local heritage.
Arts and crafts house museum with period interiors, garden and changing displays. It offers insight into domestic life and local collecting.
Working watermill on the River Wey with milling machinery, flour production and guided interpretation. It combines industrial history with a riverside setting.
Guildford’s steep cobbled main street lined with historic buildings, independent shops and familiar landmarks. Ideal for exploring the town centre on foot.
Riverside walking area with locks, boats and towpaths. It is one of the town’s most relaxing spots for a stroll close to the centre.
Open green space around the castle with flower beds, lawns and seating. A pleasant central pause with views and easy access to nearby heritage sites.
A Surrey ham cured and baked with a sweet spice glaze. Long linked with county cookery and often served cold in pubs or at festive tables.
A soft white cheese from nearby villages in Surrey. Traditionally eaten fresh with bread or salads and valued as a historic local farmhouse cheese.
A rich steamed suet pudding filled with steak and kidney. A classic Surrey and wider English pub dish, hearty and traditional in cold weather.
Well-known Turkish restaurant with charcoal-grilled meats, meze and warm service. Smart casual and good for groups or family meals.
Refined modern British dining in a polished riverside setting. Known for tasting menus and carefully presented seasonal dishes.
Popular local spot for sourdough pizza and relaxed drinks. Casual atmosphere with reliable pizzas, small plates and a lively crowd.
Moderate for southern England: rooms and dining cost more than many UK towns, but local buses and casual eats keep short stays manageable.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Guildford Railway Station -> Guildford Friary Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to Guildford 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 Guildford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Exeter to Guildford trains use the Exeter St Davids to Guildford station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Guildford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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 Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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 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 options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Guildford has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Guildford.
ATMs are available at Guildford.
Ticket office support is available at Guildford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Guildford: Parking, WC.
Available at Guildford: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Guildford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is level access to the booking hall and all platforms from the main entrance in Walnut Tree Close. There is no step free access from the Guildford Park Road entrance. There is step free access to and interchange between all platforms via steep ramps. A staff operated powered wheelchair is available for customers. Please speak to a member of staff or our Assisted Travel team, Accessible taxis: The taxi rank is located outside the main station entrance (platform 2), Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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