- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
City museum with local history, archaeology, world cultures and changing exhibitions in a landmark Victorian building.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter
Showing times and prices for 26 Aug
Cheapest price
£43
Average price
£55
Fastest journey
4 h 21 m
Average duration
4 h 56 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
240 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £43.
Fast trains
Of the 4 trains that leave London Gatwick Airport for Exeter every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 240 km distance in an average of 4 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 21 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 29 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.
8:104h21London Gatwick Airport12:31Exeter£431One-way0 changes
8:525h29London Gatwick Airport14:21Exeter£481One-way0 changes- 7:525h29London Gatwick Airport13:21Exeter£651One-way0 changes
- 9:134h25London Gatwick Airport13:38Exeter£651One-way0 changes
- 8:104h21London Gatwick Airport12:31Exeter£431One-way0 changes
- 9:134h25London Gatwick Airport13:38Exeter£651One-way0 changes
- 8:525h29London Gatwick Airport14:21Exeter£481One-way0 changes
- 7:525h29London Gatwick Airport13:21Exeter£651One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for London Gatwick Airport to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £16, and a train costs an average of £22.
Distance: 240 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£48 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 3h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
London Gatwick Airport to Exeter train times
The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Exeter trains for today, Tuesday 25 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G15126 · W34788 · Y80251 | 7:59 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h22 | 12:21 St James' Park (SJP) | 2 changes | |
| G15126 · W34788 · C48010 | 7:59 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h33 | 12:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
G15513 · W34791 · C48010+ W32874 | 8:19 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h13 | 12:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
| G15513 · W34791 · Y80251+W32874 | 8:19 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h02 | 12:21 St James' Park (SJP) | 3 changes | |
L79342+Y80257+ C82349 | 8:43 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h37 | 13:20 St James' Park (SJP) | 2 changes | |
| L79342+C48015+C82349 | 8:43 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h48 | 13:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
W34791 · Y80251+ C38283+W45478 | 8:46 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h35 | 12:21 St James' Park (SJP) | 3 changes | |
| W34791 · C48010+C38283+W45478 | 8:46 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h46 | 12:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
| G15127 · G14979 · Y80257+W32906 | 8:49 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h31 | 13:20 St James' Park (SJP) | 3 changes | |
G14979 · Y80257+W32906+ Tube from London Bridge to London Paddington | 8:49 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h31 | 13:20 St James' Park (SJP) | 3 changes | |
| G14979 · C48015+G88046+Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington | 8:55 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h36 | 13:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
| G15127 · G14979 · C48015 | 9:00 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 4h31 | 13:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London Gatwick Airport to Exeter 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.
Wed
26 Aug
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
01 Sept
Why should you book London Gatwick Airport to Exeter trains with Omio?
South Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter.
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 or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter.
- 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 London Gatwick Airport to Exeter.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter.
Journey information
Overview: Train from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter run on average 18 times per day, taking around 3h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 13:43. The fastest train covers the 240 km distance in 4h 9m.
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 £16
Distance 240 km |
Average train duration 3h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 4h 9m |
First train 5:13 |
Last train 13:43 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 £16
Train companies: South Western Railway, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter trainsSouth Western Railway, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between London Gatwick Airport and Exeter from £16. 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 Duration
4h 22m
Cheapest Price
£22
South Western Railway frequency
5 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 Duration
4h 9m
Cheapest Price
£35
Great Western Railway frequency
13 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
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 13m
Cheapest Price
£170
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Exeter
Things to do in Exeter
Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.
- Recommended
Exeter's Underground Passages
Underground medieval passages beneath the city, explored on guided tours that reveal Exeter’s engineering and history.
- Recommended
The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum
Working print museum with historic presses, typesetting equipment and hands-on insight into traditional printing methods.
- Must visit
Exeter Quayside
Historic quay with waterside walks, canal heritage, independent shops and easy access to cycling and boat trips.
- Recommended
Northernhay Gardens
Well-kept Victorian park with broad lawns, flower beds, mature trees and links to the castle and city walls.
- Recommended
Gandy Street
Historic shopping street lined with timber-framed buildings, independent businesses and one of Exeter’s most distinctive walks.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Devon cider brandy
A cider brandy from nearby Topsham, distilled from West Country cider apples. It is a long-standing Devon drink linked to the area’s orchards.
Devon split and ham
Traditional Devon split bread roll filled with thick slices of cured ham. It is a classic county snack and picnic staple around Exeter.
- Vegetarian
Devon fairings
Sweet fried dough pieces once sold at Devon fairs, often dusted with sugar. They are a nostalgic West Country treat associated with local baking.
Rendezvous Wine Bar
Stylish city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking with Devon produce. Smart but approachable setting for a more refined meal.
The Old Firehouse
Historic quayside pub known for pies, British classics and local drinks. Relaxed atmosphere in one of Exeter’s most characterful old buildings.
Exeter Farmers Market
Lively indoor market food hall with several independent traders. Good for sampling local produce, casual meals and coffee in a social setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: stays and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is fine. Taxis: round up or add about 10% for good service.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Exeter St Davids -> Exeter city centre
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Buses from Exeter St Davids run to the city centre, but the centre is also about a 15-minute walk from the station.
- Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach buses. Check the operator app before travel for the best-value day ticket.
FAQs: London Gatwick Airport to Exeter train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter 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 Exeter, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £48.
The train journey from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter covers a distance of 240 km and takes approximately 4h 9m. Trains run 18 per day.
The train distance from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter is 240 km.
The first train from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter leaves at 5:13.
The last train from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter departs at 13:43.
Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter run approximately 18 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter.
To get from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter.
The cheapest way to get from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter is by coach, costing approximately £16.
Booking trains from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter offers picturesque views, especially through the rolling countryside of the South Downs and along the River Exe, providing a pleasant and scenic experience for travellers.
A day trip from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 9m. However, there are 18 trains per day available for this route, spanning a distance of 240 km.
Two to three days in Exeter is ideal to explore its historic sites, enjoy the stunning quayside, and visit nearby attractions like Dartmoor National Park.
Yes, you can take the train from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in London Gatwick Airport and Exeter
Most London Gatwick Airport to Exeter trains use the London Paddington to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare London Gatwick Airport and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in London
Arrival train stations in Exeter
Exeter St DavidsExeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT+44 3451652030
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 1AJ
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 3451652030
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.
Most popular train connections from London Gatwick Airport
More options for your journey from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Exeter and London Gatwick Airport
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