Reading to Exeter train with Great Western Railway

Thu 16 Jul
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Exeter

Showing times and prices for 16 Jul

Cheapest price

£44

Average price

£51

Fastest journey

1 h 58 m

Average duration

2 h 6 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

196 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Reading to Exeter will cost around £51 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Reading 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 196 km distance in an average of 2 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 58 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 20 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.

  • Great Western Railway
    14:011h58
    Reading
    15:59Exeter
    £441One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western Railway
    10:012h06
    Reading
    12:07Exeter
    £501One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western Railway
    12:312h00
    Reading
    14:31Exeter
    £541One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western Railway
    13:012h20
    Reading
    15:21Exeter
    £541One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Reading to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £44. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 55m. 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 train costs an average of £44, and a flight costs an average of £184.

Distance: 196 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£54

Average Price

Cheapest

£66

Average Price

£338

Average Price

2h 25m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 36m

Average total duration

4h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 22m

Average total duration

6h 22m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Reading to Exeter train times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Exeter trains for today, Wednesday 15 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayC48469+South Western RailwayL79329
On time
8:25 Reading station (RDG)
3h18
11:43 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC48469+South Western RailwayL79329+Great Western RailwayC48007 · Y80254
On time
8:28 Reading West (RDW)
4h13
12:41 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayW34782 · C48000
On time
8:29 Reading station (RDG)
2h04
10:33 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW34782
On time
8:29 Reading station (RDG)
1h39
10:08 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG14989
On time
9:29 Reading station (RDG)
1h44
11:13 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG14989 · C48004
On time
9:29 Reading station (RDG)
2h03
11:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW34788
On time
10:02 Reading station (RDG)
1h52
11:54 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC48555 · G14979
On time
10:14 Reading West (RDW)
2h53
13:07 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC48555 · G14979 · C48015
On time
10:14 Reading West (RDW)
3h17
13:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayW34791
On time
10:29 Reading station (RDG)
1h34
12:03 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW34791 · C48010
On time
10:29 Reading station (RDG)
2h03
12:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW34797 · C48015
On time
11:29 Reading station (RDG)
2h02
13:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to Exeter by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach and flight 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.

Thu
16 Jul
Fri
17 Jul
Sat
18 Jul
Sun
19 Jul
Mon
20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul
Wed
22 Jul

Why should you book Reading to Exeter trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Reading to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Exeter.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Exeter.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Exeter.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Reading to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Reading to Exeter run on average 17 times per day, taking around 1h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £44 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 196 km distance in 1h 44m.

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 £14
Distance
196 km
Average train duration
1h 55m
Cheapest ticket price
£44
Trains per day
17
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
1h 44m
First train
0:02
Last train
23:44
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
1 day
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 £14

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Reading to Exeter trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Reading and Exeter from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
1h 44m
Cheapest Price
£44
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
1h 35m
Cheapest Price
£126
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day

FAQs: Reading to Exeter train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £44, while the average price tends to be around £54.
The train journey from Reading to Exeter covers a distance of 196 km and takes approximately 1h 44m. Trains run 17 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Exeter is 196 km.
The first train from Reading to Exeter leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Reading to Exeter departs at 23:44.
Trains from Reading to Exeter run approximately 17 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Exeter.
Yes, there is a direct train between Reading and Exeter. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway (GWR).
To get from Reading to Exeter, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Reading to Exeter.
The train station in Reading that goes to Exeter is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Exeter is by coach, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Reading 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 Reading to Exeter is considered scenic, offering views of the English countryside, including rolling hills and quaint villages, particularly as it travels through areas like the North Wessex Downs and the edge of the Exmoor National Park.
Yes, a day trip from Reading to Exeter is feasible with a travel time of 1h 44m and a distance of 196 km. There are 16 trains available per day.
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 Reading to Exeter.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Exeter

Most Reading to Exeter trains use the Reading to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Reading and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Exeter

Which Reading station do trains to Exeter leave from?

Trains from Reading to Exeter leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading from Reading city centre

Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · £2 · every ~15 min

Reading train station facilities and services

Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Reading.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Reading.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Reading.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Reading: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, 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 and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Reading WestReading West station, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PYParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre

Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainReading - Basingstoke, Reading - Newbury, Reading - Bedwyn, London Paddington - Bedwyn · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
Bus15, 15a, 16, 17, 91, 85, 88, 93, 43 · 4m · £2 · every ~49 min

Reading West train station facilities and services

Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Reading West.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Reading West.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Reading West: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. 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 available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Reading Green ParkReading RG2 6AU, UKAccessibility
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading Green Park from Reading city centre

Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainReading - Basingstoke · 6m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus9 · 39m · £2 · every ~3 min

Reading Green Park train station facilities and services

Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.

More options for your journey from Reading to Exeter

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Exeter Reading to Exeter train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone