- 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.
Cheapest price on 30 Aug
£58
Average ticket price on 30 Aug
£58
Fastest journey on 30 Aug
1 h 41 m
Average journey duration on 30 Aug
1 h 42 m
Trains on 30 Aug
22
Distance
196 km
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 £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £58.
On Sun 30 Aug, we found 22 trains from Reading to Exeter, including 9 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 196 km distance in an average of 1 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 41 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 42 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.
C00167
C00796 · C48012
C00796
W34793 · C48002
C01222
W34812
C01221
C00167
C00796
W34816Omio 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 an average ticket price of £53 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 56m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £53, while a flight costs an average of £287.
Distance: 196 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£53 Average Price Cheapest | £58 Average Price | £287 Average Price |
2h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 36m Average total duration 8h 36m Onboard + 2h 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.
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Exeter trains for today, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C42207 · C48001 | On time 8:29 Reading station (RDG) | 2h04 | 10:33 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
C42207 | On time 8:29 Reading station (RDG) | 1h41 | 10:10 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42209 | On time 9:02 Reading station (RDG) | 2h05 | 11:07 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42211 | On time 9:29 Reading station (RDG) | 1h43 | 11:12 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42211 · C48005 | On time 9:29 Reading station (RDG) | 2h03 | 11:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
C42213 · C48011 | On time 10:30 Reading station (RDG) | 2h02 | 12:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
C42213 | On time 10:30 Reading station (RDG) | 1h42 | 12:12 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42188 | On time 10:55 Reading station (RDG) | 2h11 | 13:06 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42215 | On time 11:01 Reading station (RDG) | 1h57 | 12:58 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42215 · C42479 | On time 11:01 Reading station (RDG) | 2h29 | 13:30 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
C42217 · C48016 | On time 11:29 Reading station (RDG) | 2h09 | 13:38 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
C42219 · C48022 | On time 12:30 Reading station (RDG) | 2h01 | 14:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Trains from Reading to Exeter run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 if you book in advance.
There are 6 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 57m.
Distance 196 km |
Average train duration 2h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 1h 57m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:44 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.
City museum with local history, archaeology, world cultures and changing exhibitions in a landmark Victorian building.
Underground medieval passages beneath the city, explored on guided tours that reveal Exeter’s engineering and history.
Working print museum with historic presses, typesetting equipment and hands-on insight into traditional printing methods.
Historic quay with waterside walks, canal heritage, independent shops and easy access to cycling and boat trips.
Well-kept Victorian park with broad lawns, flower beds, mature trees and links to the castle and city walls.
Historic shopping street lined with timber-framed buildings, independent businesses and one of Exeter’s most distinctive walks.
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.
Traditional Devon split bread roll filled with thick slices of cured ham. It is a classic county snack and picnic staple around Exeter.
Sweet fried dough pieces once sold at Devon fairs, often dusted with sugar. They are a nostalgic West Country treat associated with local baking.
Stylish city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking with Devon produce. Smart but approachable setting for a more refined meal.
Historic quayside pub known for pies, British classics and local drinks. Relaxed atmosphere in one of Exeter’s most characterful old buildings.
Lively indoor market food hall with several independent traders. Good for sampling local produce, casual meals and coffee in a social setting.
Moderate for the UK: stays and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is fine. Taxis: round up or add about 10% for good service.
Official public transport app
Exeter St Davids -> Exeter city centre
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.

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.
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 options are available at Reading.
ATMs are available at Reading.
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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 West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Reading West.
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
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 Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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 Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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 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 options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need