Exeter to Portsmouth train with South Western Railway

Fri 04 Sept
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South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Portsmouth

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Sept

Cheapest price on 04 Sept

£72

Average ticket price on 04 Sept

£103

Fastest journey on 04 Sept

3 h 4 m

Average journey duration on 04 Sept

3 h 43 m

Trains on 04 Sept

12

Distance

172 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Exeter to Portsmouth will cost around £103 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £72.

Fast trains

To travel from Exeter to Portsmouth you need to make at least one change.

  • Great Western RailwayY80248+South Western RailwayL79414+Great Western RailwayG15012
    11:424h08
    Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
    15:50Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    £721One-way
    2 changes
  • South Western RailwayL79392+Great Western RailwayG15008
    10:003h47
    Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    13:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    £721One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayY41870+South Western RailwayL79392+Great Western RailwayG15008
    9:054h42
    Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
    13:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    £721One-way
    2 changes
  • South Western RailwayL79392+Great Western RailwayC47995 · Y41873 · G15008
    9:364h11
    Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
    13:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    £721One-way
    3 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW34559 · G15006
    9:433h04
    Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    12:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    £791One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Exeter to Portsmouth

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £41 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 31m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £41, while a train costs an average of £50.

Distance: 172 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£50

Average Price

£41

Average Price

Cheapest

£35

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 31m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 36m

Average total duration

6h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 58m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

The cheapest way to travel from Exeter to Portsmouth is a coach with an average price of £41.

This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Portsmouth:

A coach is £10 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Portsmouth costing on average £50.

The fastest way to travel from Exeter to Portsmouth is by train with an average journey time of 3h 1m.

Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:

Coach takes on average 6h 6m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Exeter and Portsmouth 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 £50 compared to roughly £35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-15.64. The journey takes 3h 1m versus 2h 58m 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.

Live departures

Exeter to Portsmouth train times

The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Portsmouth trains for tomorrow, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayY41870 · W34559 · G150069:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3h42
12:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)2 changes
Great Western RailwayY41870+South Western RailwayL79392+Great Western RailwayG150089:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
4h42
13:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)2 changes
Great Western RailwayC47995 · Y41873+South Western RailwayL79392+Great Western RailwayG150089:36 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
4h11
13:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)3 changes
Great Western RailwayW34559 · G150069:43 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
3h04
12:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)1 change
South Western RailwayL79392+Great Western RailwayG1500810:00 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
3h47
13:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)1 change
Great Western RailwayW34562 · C48486+South Western RailwayL7993810:15 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
4h03
14:18 Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)2 changes
Great Western RailwayW34562 · G15099+South Western RailwayL7963510:15 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
4h28
14:43 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)2 changes
Great Western RailwayW34562 · C48486+South Western RailwayL7993810:15 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
3h58
14:13 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)2 changes
CrossCountryG01069+Great Western RailwayG15045+CrossCountryG01009+Great Western RailwayG1501010:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
4h20
14:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)3 changes
Great Western RailwayY80241+CrossCountryG00865+Great Western RailwayG1501010:39 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
4h08
14:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)2 changes
Great Western RailwayY80248+South Western RailwayL79414+Great Western RailwayG1501211:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
4h08
15:50 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)2 changes
Great Western RailwayY80254 · G14923 · G1501312:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
4h08
16:50 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Portsmouth 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
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept

Why should you book Exeter to Portsmouth trains with Omio?

South Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway offer trains services from Exeter to Portsmouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Exeter to Portsmouth.

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 Railway to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to Portsmouth.
  • 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 Portsmouth.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to Portsmouth.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to Portsmouth.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Exeter to Portsmouth

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Exeter to Portsmouth run on average 19 times per day, taking around 3h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £39 but you can travel from only £33 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 22:51. The fastest train covers the 172 km distance in 3h 21m.

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 £33
Distance
172 km
Average train duration
3h 1m
Cheapest ticket price
£39
Trains per day
19
Fastest train
3h 21m
First train
0:02
Last train
22:51
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
21 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 £33

Train companies: South Western Railway, Great Western Railway from Exeter to Portsmouth trainsSouth Western Railway, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Exeter and Portsmouth from £33. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
3h 21m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£39
South Western Railway frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
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
3h 46m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£71
Great Western Railway frequency
10 a day
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

Complete guide to Portsmouth

Things to do in Portsmouth

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

  • Must visit

HMS Victory

A major naval museum where visitors can board Nelson’s flagship and explore life at sea through preserved decks and displays.

  • Recommended

HMS Alliance

This working museum ship reveals cramped Victorian submarine life and the engineering behind one of Britain’s earliest submarines.

  • Recommended

Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery

Portsmouth’s city museum covers local history, football heritage and art, with exhibits spanning the city’s people and places.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be pricey in summer, but dining and local buses remain manageable for most city-break budgets.

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

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if not already added. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated for table service.

FAQs: Exeter to Portsmouth train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Exeter to Portsmouth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £39, while the average price tends to be around £50.
The train journey from Exeter to Portsmouth covers a distance of 172 km and takes approximately 3h 21m. Trains run 19 per day.
The train distance from Exeter to Portsmouth is 172 km.
The first train from Exeter to Portsmouth leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Exeter to Portsmouth departs at 22:51.
Trains from Exeter to Portsmouth run approximately 19 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Exeter to Portsmouth.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Exeter to Portsmouth.
To get from Exeter to Portsmouth, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Exeter to Portsmouth.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Portsmouth is Exeter St Davids (EXD), and it arrives at Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS).
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Portsmouth is by coach, costing approximately £33.
Booking trains from Exeter to Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth offers passengers attractive views of the English countryside, including rolling hills and charming villages, making parts of the trip quite scenic.
A day trip from Exeter to Portsmouth is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 21m. However, there are 14 trains available per day for this route. The distance covered is 172 km.
A visit to Portsmouth typically requires 2 to 3 days to explore its main attractions, such as the Historic Dockyard, Spinnaker Tower, and Southsea Beach.
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter to Portsmouth.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and Portsmouth

Most Exeter to Portsmouth trains use the Exeter St Davids to Portsmouth & Southsea station pair, with some services arriving at Portsmouth Harbour. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth

Which Exeter station do trains to Portsmouth leave from?

Trains from Exeter to Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Portsmouth Exeter to Portsmouth train

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