Reading to Exeter train with Great Western Railway

Sun 30 Aug
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Great Western Railway
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
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Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Exeter

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Aug

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

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 £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £58.

Fast trains

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.

  • Great Western RailwayC00167
    10:281h42
    Reading station (RDG)
    12:10Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    £581One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayC00796 · C48012
    11:282h04
    Reading station (RDG)
    13:32Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
    £581One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayC00796
    11:281h42
    Reading station (RDG)
    13:10Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    £581One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW34793 · C48002
    9:092h23
    Reading station (RDG)
    11:32Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
    £581One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayC01222
    8:291h57
    Reading station (RDG)
    10:26Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    £581One-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 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

Compare train with

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.

Live departures

Reading to Exeter train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayC42207 · C48001
On time
8:29 Reading station (RDG)
2h04
10:33 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC42207
On time
8:29 Reading station (RDG)
1h41
10:10 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42209
On time
9:02 Reading station (RDG)
2h05
11:07 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42211
On time
9:29 Reading station (RDG)
1h43
11:12 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42211 · C48005
On time
9:29 Reading station (RDG)
2h03
11:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC42213 · C48011
On time
10:30 Reading station (RDG)
2h02
12:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC42213
On time
10:30 Reading station (RDG)
1h42
12:12 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42188
On time
10:55 Reading station (RDG)
2h11
13:06 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42215
On time
11:01 Reading station (RDG)
1h57
12:58 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42215 · C42479
On time
11:01 Reading station (RDG)
2h29
13:30 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC42217 · C48016
On time
11:29 Reading station (RDG)
2h09
13:38 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC42219 · 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 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.

Sun
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept

Why should you book Reading to Exeter trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as South Western Railway or 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 South Western Railway or 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?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Exeter.
  • 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 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.

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
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
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: Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Reading to Exeter trainsGreat Western Railway, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Reading and Exeter from £43. 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 Great Western Railway Duration
1h 57m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£43
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

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
4h 9m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£52
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 (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
1h 35m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£126
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

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 £43, while the average price tends to be around £53.
The train journey from Reading to Exeter covers a distance of 196 km and takes approximately 1h 57m. Trains run 18 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 18 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 6 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, 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 train, costing approximately £43.
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 57m 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

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