- 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 Preston to Exeter
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£68
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£107
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
4 h 52 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
5 h 17 m
Trains on 23 Sept
12
Distance
343 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Exeter will cost around £107 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £68.
Fast trains
To travel from Preston to Exeter you need to make at least one change.
W33933+
G0114811:185h26Preston station (PRE)16:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)£681One-way1 change- W34271+W298628:175h27Preston station (PRE)13:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)£681One-way1 change
- W33903+W2987310:185h26Preston station (PRE)15:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)£681One-way1 change
- W33933+G01148+
C4803311:185h50Preston station (PRE)17:08Exeter St Thomas (EXT)£681One-way2 changes - W34271+W29862+C480218:176h14Preston station (PRE)14:31Exeter St Thomas (EXT)£681One-way2 changes
- W34060+G0115013:174h52Preston station (PRE)18:09Exeter St Davids (EXD)£1781One-way1 change
- W34060+G01150+C4803913:175h16Preston station (PRE)18:33Exeter St Thomas (EXT)£1781One-way2 changes
- W34265+W298689:195h25Preston station (PRE)14:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)£1061One-way1 change
- W33933+G0114811:185h26Preston station (PRE)16:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)£681One-way1 change
- W33903+W2987310:185h26Preston station (PRE)15:44Exeter St Davids (EXD)£681One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Preston to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Preston to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £50 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £50, while a flight costs an average of £145.
Distance: 343 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£105 Average Price | £145 Average Price | £50 Average Price Cheapest | £71 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 13m Average total duration 4h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 50m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 10h 9m Average total duration 9h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Exeter is a coach with an average price of £50.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Exeter:
A coach is £55 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Exeter costing on average £105.
A coach is £95 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Exeter costing on average £145.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Exeter is by flight with an average journey time of 50m.
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 43m.
Coach takes on average 9h 39m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Exeter 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 £105 compared to roughly £71 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-33.45. The journey takes 4h 43m versus 4h 39m 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
Preston to Exeter train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W29862+W34271 | 8:17 Preston station (PRE) | 5h27 | 13:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
| W29862+C48021+W34271 | 8:17 Preston station (PRE) | 6h14 | 14:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
| W29868+W34265 | 9:19 Preston station (PRE) | 5h25 | 14:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
| W29868+C48025+W34265 | 9:19 Preston station (PRE) | 6h13 | 15:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
| W29873+W33903 | 10:18 Preston station (PRE) | 5h26 | 15:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
| W29873+C48028+W33903 | 10:18 Preston station (PRE) | 5h42 | 16:00 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
| G01148+W33933 | 11:18 Preston station (PRE) | 5h26 | 16:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
| G01148+C48033+W33933 | 11:18 Preston station (PRE) | 5h50 | 17:08 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
| W29884+C01362 | 12:18 Preston station (PRE) | 5h28 | 17:46 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
| W29884+C48037+C01362 | 12:18 Preston station (PRE) | 5h44 | 18:02 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
| G01150+W34060 | 13:17 Preston station (PRE) | 4h52 | 18:09 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
| G01150+C48039+W34060 | 13:17 Preston station (PRE) | 5h16 | 18:33 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 Preston 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.
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26 Sept
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29 Sept
29 Sept
Why should you book Preston to Exeter trains with Omio?
CrossCountry operates all trains services from Preston to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Exeter.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Exeter.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Exeter.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Exeter
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Exeter run on average 14 times per day, taking around 4h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 but you can travel from only £32 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:25, the last at 19:27. The fastest train covers the 343 km distance in 4h 20m.
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 £32
Distance 343 km |
Average train duration 4h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 14 |
Fastest train 4h 20m |
First train 5:25 |
Last train 19:27 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 5 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 £32
Train companies: CrossCountry from Preston to Exeter trainsCrossCountry trains will get you between Preston and Exeter from £32. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
4h 20m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£43
CrossCountry frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
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: Preston to Exeter train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston 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 Preston to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £43, while the average price tends to be around £105.
The train journey from Preston to Exeter covers a distance of 343 km and takes approximately 4h 20m. Trains run 14 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Exeter is 343 km.
The first train from Preston to Exeter leaves at 5:25.
The last train from Preston to Exeter departs at 19:27.
Trains from Preston to Exeter run approximately 14 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Exeter.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Exeter.
There is no night train service from Preston to Exeter.
The train station in Preston that goes to Exeter is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Exeter is by coach, costing approximately £32.
Booking trains from Preston 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 Preston to Exeter offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with scenic views of the English countryside, rolling hills, and quaint villages, particularly as you travel through the regions of the West Midlands and the South West.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Exeter.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Exeter
Most Preston to Exeter trains use the Preston to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Preston and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Preston
Arrival train stations in Exeter
Which Preston station do trains to Exeter leave from?
Trains from Preston to Exeter leave from Preston. The station is 1 km from Preston city centre at Fishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom.
PrestonFishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston from Preston city centre
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3, 2, 2A, 111, 111C · 13m · £8 · every ~36 min
Preston train station facilities and services
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Which Exeter station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston 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.
St James' ParkSt James Park (Exeter) station, Well Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 6QB
City-centre transport
Getting to St James' Park from Exeter city centre
BusTg001 · 12m
G · 18m · every ~1 min
St James' Park train station facilities and services
St James' Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at St James' Park.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at St James' Park: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at St James' Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at St James' Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 Station - This station has a degree of step free access to the platforms, however the Exeter bound platform cannot be accessed step free and the Exmouth bound platform can be accessed step free but only via a very steep ramp, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Exeter
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Most popular trains to and from Exeter and Preston
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