The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to London
Cheapest price
£66
Average price
£80
Fastest journey
2 h 12 m
Average duration
2 h 21 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
253 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to London will cost around £80 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £66.
Of the 18 trains that leave Exeter for London every day 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 253 km distance in an average of 2 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 12 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 32 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.
P61187
P61176
P61176
P61187
P31590+
P61187
P22600
P22602
P22601
P31590 · P22600
P23067 · P22601Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Exeter to London
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 31m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £9, and a train costs an average of £17.
Distance: 253 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£56 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 1m Average total duration Fastest 3h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration 4h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg 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 London train times
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to London trains for tomorrow, Friday 20 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P31223+ C75330+ P22797 | On time 08:04 Exeter Central (EXC) | 3h16 | 11:20 London Paddington (PAD) | 2 changes | |
P31584+ C75330+ P22797 | On time 08:09 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h11 | 11:20 London Paddington (PAD) | 2 changes | |
P31584+ P61176 | On time 08:09 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h40 | 11:49 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1 change | |
P61176 | On time 08:24 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h25 | 11:49 London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 changesdirect | |
C75330+ P22797 | On time 08:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h53 | 11:20 London Paddington (PAD) | 1 change | |
P61176 | On time 08:28 Exeter Central (EXC) | 3h21 | 11:49 London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 changesdirect | |
P33333 · P22600 | On time 08:53 Exeter Central (EXC) | 2h35 | 11:28 London Paddington (PAD) | 1 change | |
P31590 · P22600 | On time 09:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h23 | 11:28 London Paddington (PAD) | 1 change | |
P31590+ P61187 | On time 09:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h44 | 12:49 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1 change | |
P31590+ C75323_C75008+ P22799 | On time 09:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h06 | 12:11 London Paddington (PAD) | 2 changes | |
P22600 | On time 09:16 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h12 | 11:28 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
P61187 | On time 09:25 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h24 | 12:49 London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 changesdirect | |
P61187 | On time 09:30 Exeter Central (EXC) | 3h19 | 12:49 London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 changesdirect | |
P23067 · P22601 | On time 09:34 Exeter Central (EXC) | 2h32 | 12:06 London Paddington (PAD) | 1 change | |
P33336 · P31593 · P22602 | On time 09:36 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h53 | 12:29 London Paddington (PAD) | 2 changes | |
P22601 | On time 09:43 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h23 | 12:06 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
P33341 · P22602 | On time 09:52 Exeter Central (EXC) | 2h37 | 12:29 London Paddington (PAD) | 1 change | |
P22602 | On time 10:15 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h14 | 12:29 London Paddington (PAD) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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Compare prices and tickets Exeter to London 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.
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27 Feb
28 Feb
01 Mar
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10 Mar
11 Mar
Why should you book Exeter to London trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for South Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Rail, National Express, CrossCountry or first_great_western to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to London.
- 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 South Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Exeter to London.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Rail, National Express, CrossCountry or first_great_western to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to London.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to London.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Exeter to London?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Exeter to London
Trains from Exeter to London run on average 41 times per day, taking around 3h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.
There are 17 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 253 km distance in 2h 18m.
Distance 253 km |
Average train duration 3h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 41 |
Direct trains 17 |
Fastest train 2h 18m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:57 |
Train companies: South Western Railway, Great Western Rail, National Express, CrossCountry, first_great_western from Exeter to London trainsSouth Western Railway, Great Western Rail, National Express, CrossCountry, first_great_western trains will get you between Exeter and London from £9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
South Western Railway
Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
National Express
first_great_western
Trains from Exeter to London
If you are looking for a convenient way to get to London, trains are the best option. There are two different companies providing train services available from Exeter. One such rail provider is South Western Railway and the other is Great Western Railway. They both regularly traverse the long trip, which has a journey duration of about 3h 19min. With our website or app, you'll be able to easily browse for convenient stations to travel to in the busy capital; commuters will find tickets for trains from Exeter to London easily accessible here. Their services begin around 05:00 and continue until about 21:00, and with a travel duration of about 2h 15min on the fastest route, passengers should have no difficulty finding a train that fits their schedule. The two providers share a busy route, ensuring that travellers never have to wait long to reach their destination.
Exeter to London Train Time: Daily Departures
There are about 34 direct trains from Exeter to London each day. These depart the station two to three times an hour from morning to late evening. Passengers should not have to wait long to get direct trains; both the South Western Railway and Great Western Railway service both offer at least one ride per hour. Most of the trains provide direct services and thus do not need a change during the journey.
How long does the train from Exeter to London take?
On average, the Exeter train travel duration to London is about 3h 19min, taking a long journey of roughly 156 miles (252 km); this travel time may vary depending on the day of the week or bank holidays. All routes are direct and require no changes. The popular rail providers plying the route from Exeter to London are Great Western Railway and South Western Railway, mostly providing fast-speed, direct train services. The fastest train travels from Exeter to London in about 2h 15min.

Trains from Exeter to London: Glenfinnan bridge in Exeter. Source: Shutterstock
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Exeter to London?
Departure train station: Trains travelling from Exeter to London mostly depart from Exeter St. David's train station. Other train stations in Exeter include Exeter Central, which is around a 15min walk from Exeter St. David’s, and Exeter St. Thomas railway station. Omio customers travelling this route mostly depart from Exeter St. David’s train station.
Arrival train station: Trains arrive in London at either London Paddington or London Waterloo station, depending on whether you are travelling with Great Western Railway or South Western Railway. London Waterloo is located on the edge of the South Bank, with good links to many bus routes and the London Underground. London Paddington is located a short walk from Hyde Park, west of London. Also, Paddington has great links throughout the city, with bus routes and links to the London Underground as well.
Which train companies travel from Exeter to London?
Both Great Western Railway and South Western Railway connect these two cities. Great Western trains travel to London Paddington, while South Western trains end their journey at London Waterloo. These trains cover the long journey of about 156 miles (252 km) in about 3h 19min, so be sure to check this will get you to London by your required time. You can start your journey to London from a few Exeter train stations, including Exeter St. David's, Exeter Central and Exeter St. Thomas. Similarly, the possible arrival stations in London include London Paddington and London Waterloo station. Omio customers on this route usually travel from Exeter St. David's to one of these London stations.
Night Trains Exeter
Most of the companies offering the train services operate during the day, as the journey is relatively long, with the fastest train taking approximately 2h 15min, while the slowest train takes approximately 3h 19min. This busy route is well serviced by two train service providers, so travellers won’t have to wait in long queues before departure. The demand on this route renders night travel pretty rare past roughly 21:00.
Great Western Railway trains from Exeter to London
Great Western Railway trains provide rail journeys, including direct train services. Most of the trips start from Exeter St. David's and arrive at London Paddington station. This train company provides first-class or standard-class tickets, in addition to other special tariffs like advance tickets, to provide the best deals on train fares.
South Western Railway trains from Exeter to London
The alternative train company is South Western Railway, which also provides fast-speed, direct train services. Most of their trains depart Exeter at the Exeter St. David's station and terminate at London Waterloo, in London. They also have a variety of tickets for their customers to choose from.
Trains from Exeter to London: Sustainability travel
Travelling from Exeter to London by train is easy, cheap and affordable for most passengers. Plus, train as a mode of transport is considered sustainable, since it is environmentally friendly; it emits relatively less carbon into the atmosphere and produces less noise pollution. The railway also takes up little amounts of space.
Trains from Exeter to London: Services on Board
If you are heading to London and you want to avoid the hassle of carrying luggage, there are companies in Exeter that will bring your luggage to your door. The South Western Railway trains plying this route have several beneficial services on board; for instance, special attention and services to the elderly, disabled and expectant women are available. The assistance team also provides wheelchair assistance services to the disabled and elderly. Both South Western and Great Western companies permit their clients to carry pets (like dogs) and bicycles on board, provided they make reservations with the respective company and adhere to the policies regulating pets and bicycles. Great Western also has a dedicated assistance team to cater for the needs of the elderly, disabled and pregnant women; they provide wheelchair services in addition to helping them in the process of booking and making reservations.
How to find cheap train tickets from Exeter to London
Cheap train tickets are available on our website or app, a platform that offers great deals for travellers. We also provide advance booking tickets, which can be booked up to seven days before the day of departure; this package gives access to low-price deals between Exeter and London. Check out other travel tips and offers in our online travel-guide magazine, which offers a wide range of experiences, sceneries and relevant information – The Window Seat.
Trains from Exeter to London: icons of London. Source: Shutterstock
To London by train—travel tips
London is the capital city of England and is one of the largest cities in the United Kingdom. It is a global city that offers a platform for arts, education, commerce and business, entertainment, fashion and health care. It has a wide range of cultural and heritage sites that provide information on the evolution of the city, and it also houses several football teams, including the Chelsea and Tottenham football clubs. London has been named as one of the ethnically diverse cities globally, with over 300 different ethnic groups. The following are some of the must-visit places in London for most travellers:
- Palace of Westminster
- National History Museum
- The London Eye
- Emirates Airline cable car
- Tower of London
- The British Museum
- Warner Bros Studio tour
- SEA LIFE London
FAQs: Exeter to London train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to London 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 London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and London
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:40 Saturday 06:15 - 20:00 Sunday 07:30 - 20:40 Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Weekdays (Mon-Fri) 08:45 - 19:40, Saturday 08:45 - 18:30 Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
- Type of shops available: WHSmith
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 5. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1 and adjacent entrance
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:50 - 18:15 Saturday 07:50 - 18:15 Sunday 09:30 - 16:30
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Taxi: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 2. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Both platforms
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop at the front of the station on Queens Street
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Bottom of stairs leading to platform 1.
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Exeter St Davids: Cowick Street bus stop by shopping precint. To Newton Abbot: Cowick Street bus stop outside the station
- 24/7
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11.
- Type of shops available: News agent Flower stall Shoe repairer Wide range of shops Mini supermarket Pharmacy Convenience store High street shops Off Licence Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Wasabi
- The Beer House
- Barburrito
- Upper Crust
- The Mad Bishop & Bear (Fullers)
- The Pasty Shop
- Burger King
- Pret a Manger
- The Savanna
- Soboro Bakery
- & more
- Taxi: The taxi deck is situated above Platform 12 and is accessed via the concourse and platform 12, which has escalators and lifts to the upper level to the covered marshalled taxi rank. A queuing system is in operation. There is also a separate collection point for pre-booked taxis and a drop off point
- Accessible taxis: All London Black Cabs can accommodate wheelchair passengers without wheelchair users having to leave their wheelchair. There is also a separate collection point for prebooked taxis also further away from the lifts.
- Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
- Toilets Location: Accessible toilets are located on Platforms' 1 and 12. A Changing Places facility is located on Platform 12. There are dedicated breastfeeding rooms / Parent & Baby rooms; within the Ladies toilets on Platform 1 within the public toilets on Platform 12.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Accessible toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 12.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Hilton London Paddington
- Mercure London Paddington Hotel
- The Pilgrm
- Waiting rooms location: Platform 12
- 24/7
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: On platform 8/9 and 10
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Located near Platform 1.
- Underground lines: Bakerloo Line, Circle Line, District Line, Hammersmith Line
- Bus lines: N7, 23, 27, N27, 36, 205, N205, 332, 7, 46, A1, 18, N18
- Train lines: Great Western Main Line, Heathrow Express
- Metro: Tube Lines.
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day Tickets bought in advance online or from South Western Railway telesales can be collected at Ticket Office or at Self-Serve Ticket Machines.
- Type of shops available: A wide range of shops including convenience store, supermarket, pharmacy, newsagent, bookseller, clothing, gifts, travel accessories and passport photobooth.
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: There is step free access from the main concourse to all platforms, shops and facilities. Step free exits are exit 1 (Station approach), exit 2 (with a lift to Waterloo Road and lift access to the London Underground Jubilee line), and exit 3 for taxis and onward travel towards the South Bank.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available from the taxi rank on Cab Road / Station Approach
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machines are located at various locations on the main concourse and are accessible to wheelchair users.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The entrance to the public toilets is on the main concourse opposite platform 18, and these facilities have an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities. There is a another accessible toilet outside exit 3 operated by a RADAR key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The entrance to the public toilets is on the main concourse opposite platform 18, and these facilities have an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities. There is a another accessible toilet outside exit 3 operated by a RADAR key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Cycle storage is located outside exit 3 on Station Approach / Cab Road.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: Waterloo is well connected to London's public transport network. Waterloo Underground station serves the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City Lines. Plan a journey - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk) Buses depart from several points around the station. All Transport for London Buses are accessible with step free access and have a dedicated mobility space. Buses from Waterloo (tfl.gov.uk) The station has a dedicated taxi rank for London Black Taxis on the roadway outside exit 3. Santander Hire Bicycles are available from the docking stations outside. Santander Cycles - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk) Waterloo is within easy walking distance of the South Bank and a number of visitor attractions. Walking - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk).
- Metro: Waterloo Underground station is served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City Lines. Step free access is available to and from the Jubilee Line. For more information on London Transport accessibility: Plan an accessible journey - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk).
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 05:00 - 23:59
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Onward travel information: National Rail trains serving London Paddington National Express coaches to Victoria Coach Station and Gatwick Airport London Underground
- Metro: Connection available with the London Underground (Piccadilly Line)
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