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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Exeter
Showing times and prices for 12 Jan
Cheapest price
£58
Average price
£59
Fastest journey
1 h 44 m
Average duration
2 h 39 m
Trains per day
3
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 £59 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £58.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Reading for Exeter every day 3 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 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 44 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 14 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.
11:312h00
Reading13:31Exeter
£581One-way
0 changes
10:291h44
Reading12:13Exeter
£591One-way
0 changes
07:284h14
Reading11:42Exeter
£591One-way
0 changes
10:291h44
Reading12:13Exeter
£591One-way
0 changes
11:312h00
Reading13:31Exeter
£581One-way
0 changes
07:284h14
Reading11:42Exeter
£591One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach 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 £39. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 27m. 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 £39, and a coach costs an average of £14.
Distance: 196 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£57 Average Price Cheapest | £70 Average Price |
2h 57m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration 4h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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
Reading to Exeter train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Exeter trains for today, Sunday 11 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 08:14
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 10:10 Reading | 2h39 | 12:49 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:28 Reading | 1h41 | 12:09 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 12 January | |||||
| 07:28 Reading | 4h14 | 11:42 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
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 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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12 Jan
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Exeter
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Exeter run on average 16 times per day, taking around 2h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £39 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 41m.
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 2h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 41m |
First train 00:02 |
Last train 23:44 |
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 Rail, South Western Railway, first_great_western from Reading to Exeter trainsGreat Western Rail, South Western Railway, first_great_western 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 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
1h 41m
Cheapest Price
£51
Great Western Rail frequency
14 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
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 15m
Cheapest Price
£59
South Western Railway frequency
2 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
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 35m
Cheapest Price
£124
first_great_western 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £39, while the average price tends to be around £57.
Yes, a day trip from Reading to Exeter is feasible with a travel time of 1h 41m 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.
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.
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 distance from Reading to Exeter is 196 km.
The last train from Reading to Exeter departs at 23:44.
The train journey from Reading to Exeter covers a distance of 196 km and takes approximately 1h 41m. Trains run 16 per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Reading and Exeter. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, first_great_western.
The train station in Reading that goes to Exeter is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Exeter St Davids (EXD).
There is no night train service from Reading to Exeter.
The first train from Reading to Exeter leaves at 0:02.
Trains from Reading to Exeter run approximately 16 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Exeter.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Exeter.
To get from Reading to Exeter, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Exeter
Reading
Exeter
The major train station for departures in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your trip from Reading to Exeter.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
Parking
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotel
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading West
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Reading: Bus Stop on Oxford Road under Railway Bridge. Heading away from Reading Bus Stop on Oxford Road, outside McDonalds.
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityThe major train station for arrivals in Exeter is Exeter St Davids. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Exeter St Davids for your journey to Exeter from Reading.
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
WifiShoppingParkingDining
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost 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
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 Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Exeter
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Exeter and Reading
Most popular train connections to Exeter
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