- 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 Poole to Exeter
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£44
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£49
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
2 h 57 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
4 h 8 m
Trains on 18 Sept
4
Distance
108 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Poole to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Poole to Exeter will cost around £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 4 trains from Poole to Exeter, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 108 km distance in an average of 4 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 57 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 3 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.
4:404h05Poole8:45Exeter£441One-way0 changes- 8:174h25Poole12:42Exeter£481One-way0 changes
- 7:175h03Poole12:20Exeter£491One-way0 changes
7:572h57Poole10:54Exeter£531One-way0 changes
- 7:572h57Poole10:54Exeter£531One-way0 changes
- 4:404h05Poole8:45Exeter£441One-way0 changes
- 8:174h25Poole12:42Exeter£481One-way0 changes
- 7:175h03Poole12:20Exeter£491One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Poole to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Poole to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £56 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 9m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £56, while a train costs an average of £56.
Distance: 108 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£56 Average Price | £56 Average Price Cheapest | £21 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 30m Average total duration 7h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  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 Poole to Exeter is a coach with an average price of £56.
This is compared to other travel options from Poole to Exeter:
A coach is £0.15 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Poole to Exeter costing on average £56.
The fastest way to travel from Poole to Exeter is by train with an average journey time of 2h 39m.
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Poole and Exeter including taking a coach and train.
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 £56 compared to roughly £21 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-34.96. The journey takes 2h 39m versus 1h 59m 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
Poole to Exeter train times
The table below shows live departures for Poole to Exeter trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L80217+W34999+L79384+C48035 | On time 12:02 Poole station (POO) | 5h32 | 17:34 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
| L80217+W34999 · W34817 · C48033 | On time 12:02 Poole station (POO) | 5h06 | 17:08 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
L80217+ G00879+W34814 · C48030 | On time 12:02 Poole station (POO) | 4h31 | 16:33 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
| L80217+W34999 · W34817 | On time 12:07 Poole station (POO) | 4h52 | 16:59 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
| L80217+W34999+L79372 | On time 12:07 Poole station (POO) | 3h36 | 15:43 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
| L80217+G00879+W34814 | On time 12:07 Poole station (POO) | 4h05 | 16:12 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
| L80102+G15525+L79384 | Delayed 11:42 12:37Poole station (POO) | 4h05 | 16:23 16:23Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
| L80102+G15525 · W34817 | Delayed 11:42 12:37Poole station (POO) | 4h22 | 16:59 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
| L80087 · L84285 · L79384 | Delayed 12:41 Poole station (POO) | 4h01 | 16:23 16:23Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Poole to Exeter by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Poole to Exeter trains with Omio?
South Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway offer trains services from Poole to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Poole 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 to find the best option for your trip from Poole 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Poole 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 to find the best option for your trip from Poole to Exeter.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Poole to Exeter.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Poole to Exeter
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Poole to Exeter run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 22:55. The fastest train covers the 108 km distance in 3h 35m.
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
Distance 108 km |
Average train duration 2h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 3h 35m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 22:55 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 35 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
Train companies: South Western Railway, Great Western Railway from Poole to Exeter trainsSouth Western Railway, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Poole and Exeter from £40. 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 35m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£49
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
4h 33m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£40
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 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: Poole to Exeter train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Poole 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 Poole to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £56.
The train journey from Poole to Exeter covers a distance of 108 km and takes approximately 3h 35m. Trains run 18 per day.
The train distance from Poole to Exeter is 108 km.
The first train from Poole to Exeter leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Poole to Exeter departs at 22:55.
Trains from Poole to Exeter run approximately 18 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Poole to Exeter.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Poole to Exeter.
To get from Poole to Exeter, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Poole to Exeter.
The train station in Poole that goes to Exeter is Poole station (POO), and it arrives at Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The cheapest way to get from Poole to Exeter is by train, costing approximately £40.
Booking trains from Poole 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 Poole to Exeter offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Dorset countryside and along parts of the Jurassic Coast, providing travellers with glimpses of rolling hills and coastal vistas.
A day trip from Poole to Exeter is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 35m. However, trains operate frequently with a frequency of 15 per day. The distance between the two locations is 108 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 Poole to Exeter.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Poole and Exeter
Most Poole to Exeter trains use the Poole to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Poole and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Poole
Arrival train stations in Exeter
Which Poole station do trains to Exeter leave from?
Trains from Poole to Exeter leave from Poole. The station is 1 km from Poole city centre at Poole station, Serpentine Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BQ.
PoolePoole station, Serpentine Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Poole from Poole city centre
Poole is 1 km from Poole city centre. Public transport options include:
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation forecourt, off Serpentine Road
Poole train station facilities and services
Poole has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, 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 Poole.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Poole. ATMs are available at Poole.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Poole.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Poole: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Poole: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Poole: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - There is level access to both sides of the station by ramps. Interchange between platforms is via a ramped underpass at the London end of the platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, 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.
Which Exeter station do trains from Poole arrive at?
Trains from Poole to Exeter most often arrive at Exeter St Davids. Some services arrive at Exeter St Thomas, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Exeter arrival station.
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.
More options for your journey from Poole to Exeter
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Exeter and Poole
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