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The cheapest and fastest trains from Portsmouth to Exeter
Showing times and prices for 06 Dec
Cheapest price
£35
Average price
£53
Fastest journey
3 h 27 m
Average duration
3 h 48 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
172 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Exeter will cost around £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Portsmouth for Exeter every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 172 km distance in an average of 3 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 27 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 15 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.
04:404h03
Portsmouth08:43Exeter
£351One-way
0 changes
17:153h27
Portsmouth20:42Exeter
£361One-way
0 changes
05:123h31
Portsmouth08:43Exeter
£591One-way
0 changes
09:274h15
Portsmouth13:42Exeter
£641One-way
0 changes
08:003h42
Portsmouth11:42Exeter
£721One-way
0 changes
17:153h27
Portsmouth20:42Exeter
£361One-way
0 changes
05:123h31
Portsmouth08:43Exeter
£591One-way
0 changes
08:003h42
Portsmouth11:42Exeter
£721One-way
0 changes
04:404h03
Portsmouth08:43Exeter
£351One-way
0 changes
09:274h15
Portsmouth13:42Exeter
£641One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Portsmouth to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 1m. 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 £30, and a train costs an average of £15.
Distance: 172 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£47 Average Price | £45 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 31m Average total duration Fastest 3h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 21m Average total duration 6h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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
Portsmouth to Exeter train times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Exeter trains for today, Friday 5 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 03:58
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:55 Portsmouth | 3h50 | 08:45 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 05:55 Portsmouth | 5h47 | 11:42 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:27 Portsmouth | 3h16 | 10:43 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth 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.
Sat
06 Dec
06 Dec
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07 Dec
07 Dec
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08 Dec
08 Dec
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Portsmouth to Exeter
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Portsmouth to Exeter run on average 16 times per day, taking around 3h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 172 km distance in 3h 11m.
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 172 km |
Average train duration 3h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Trains per day 16 |
Fastest train 3h 11m |
First train 00:02 |
Last train 23:48 |
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 Rail, first_great_western from Portsmouth to Exeter trainsSouth Western Railway, Great Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Portsmouth and Exeter from £15. 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
3h 11m
Cheapest Price
£15
South Western Railway frequency
10 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 Rail
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
3h 38m
Cheapest Price
£47
Great Western Rail frequency
7 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
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 9m
Cheapest Price
£127
first_great_western frequency
15 a day
FAQs: Portsmouth to Exeter train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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 train journey from Portsmouth to Exeter offers a mix of scenic views, including glimpses of the South Downs National Park, coastal stretches near Southampton, and parts of the rolling countryside in Devon, providing travellers with a visually pleasant experience.
The cheapest way to get from Portsmouth to Exeter is by train, costing approximately £15.
The cost of a train ticket from Portsmouth to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £15, while the average price tends to be around £47.
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.
The train distance from Portsmouth to Exeter is 172 km.
The last train from Portsmouth to Exeter departs at 23:48.
There is no night train service from Portsmouth to Exeter.
A day trip from Portsmouth to Exeter is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 11m each way. However, there are 16 trains per day for this route.
Booking trains from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Exeter covers a distance of 172 km and takes approximately 3h 11m. Trains run 16 per day.
The train station in Portsmouth that goes to Exeter is Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS), and it arrives at Exeter Central (EXC).
The first train from Portsmouth to Exeter leaves at 0:02.
Trains from Portsmouth to Exeter run approximately 16 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Portsmouth to Exeter.
Yes, you can take the train from Portsmouth to Exeter.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Portsmouth to Exeter.
To get from Portsmouth to Exeter, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Portsmouth and Exeter
Portsmouth
Exeter
The major train station for departures in Portsmouth is Fratton. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Fratton for your trip from Portsmouth to Exeter.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
WC
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:55 - 19:40 Saturday 05:55 - 19:40 Sunday 09:10 - 18:40
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Booking Hall on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located in the Booking Hall on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100
Public transport options for Fratton
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Goldsmith Avenue (for buses in both directions). Goldsmith Avenue is located on the opposite side of the footbridge from the main entrance/taxi rank/Railway club.
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDining
ATMAccessibilityWC
HotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:30 Saturday 05:40 - 20:30 Sunday 06:40 - 20:40
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Lower Concourse, next to the gateline. The National key toilets are located in the Lower Concourse; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Concourse and car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Portsmouth & Southsea
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station Street bus stop at side of Railway Station near Matalan car park.
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 19:00 Saturday 06:30 - 19:00 Sunday 08:00 - 19:00
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Steps or 20m ramp (approx. 1:11 gradient) to main entrance, or steps to side entrance. 32m ramp (gradient up to 1:8) from Wightlink IoW ferry terminal. Level access to all platforms. Stepped footbridge between platforms is also available. 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platform 1 and outside booking hall
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Portsmouth Harbour
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Hard Interchange Stands G, H or J
The major train station for arrivals in Exeter is Exeter Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Exeter Central for your journey to Exeter from Portsmouth.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:50 - 18:15 Saturday 07:50 - 18:15 Sunday 09:30 - 16:30
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
- Taxi: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Both platforms
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Exeter Central
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop at the front of the station on Queens Street
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: WHSmith
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1 and adjacent entrance
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Exeter St Davids
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Bottom of stairs leading to platform 1.
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Exeter St Thomas
- 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
Most popular train connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Exeter
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Exeter and Portsmouth
Most popular train connections to Exeter
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