Southampton to Exeter train with South Western Railway

Sat 05 Sept
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South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton to Exeter

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept

Cheapest price on 05 Sept

£52

Average ticket price on 05 Sept

£88

Fastest journey on 05 Sept

2 h 32 m

Average journey duration on 05 Sept

2 h 42 m

Trains on 05 Sept

12

Distance

151 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Southampton to Exeter will cost around £88 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.

Fast trains

To travel from Southampton to Exeter you need to make at least one change.

  • Great Western RailwayW35006+South Western RailwayL79385+Great Western RailwayC48034
    14:102h58
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    17:08Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
    £521One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayC42263+South Western RailwayL79373
    13:102h32
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    15:42Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    £521One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayC42263+South Western RailwayL79373+Great Western RailwayC42683
    13:102h57
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    16:07Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
    £521One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW34995+South Western RailwayL79361
    12:102h32
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    14:42Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    £521One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayW35006+South Western RailwayL79385
    14:102h33
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    16:43Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    £521One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Southampton to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £33 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 48m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £33, while a coach costs an average of £55.

Distance: 151 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£33

Average Price

Cheapest

£55

Average Price

£29

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 48m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 1m

Average total duration

4h 31m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 41m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

The cheapest way to travel from Southampton to Exeter is a train with an average price of £33.

This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Exeter:

A train is £21 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Southampton to Exeter costing on average £55.

The fastest way to travel from Southampton to Exeter is by train with an average journey time of 2h 18m.

Other travel options to Exeter take longer:

Coach takes on average 4h 31m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Exeter including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 23m sooner (2h 18m by train vs 2h 41m by car). Tickets start at around £33 compared to roughly £29 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Southampton to Exeter train times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayW34995+South Western RailwayL7936112:10 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h32
14:42 Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 change
Great Western RailwayW34995 · C42221 · C4802612:10 Southampton Central (SOU)
3h21
15:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 changes
Great Western RailwayW34995+South Western RailwayL79361+Great Western RailwayC4802612:10 Southampton Central (SOU)
3h21
15:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 changes
Great Western RailwayC42223 · C48026+CrossCountryG0087312:15 Southampton Central (SOU)
3h16
15:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 changes
Great Western RailwayC42223+CrossCountryG0087312:15 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h57
15:12 Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 change
Great Western RailwayC42263+South Western RailwayL7937313:10 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h32
15:42 Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 change
Great Western RailwayC42263+South Western RailwayL79373+Great Western RailwayC4268313:10 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h57
16:07 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 changes
Great Western RailwayC42225 · C48031+CrossCountryG0088113:15 Southampton Central (SOU)
3h17
16:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 changes
Great Western RailwayC42225+CrossCountryG0088113:15 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h58
16:13 Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 change
Great Western RailwayW35006+South Western RailwayL79385+Great Western RailwayC4803414:10 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h58
17:08 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)2 changes
Great Western RailwayW35006+South Western RailwayL7938514:10 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h33
16:43 Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 change
Great Western RailwayC42229+CrossCountryG0088614:15 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h57
17:12 Exeter St Davids (EXD)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton 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.

Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept

Why should you book Southampton to Exeter trains with Omio?

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

Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Exeter.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Exeter.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Southampton to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Southampton to Exeter run on average 21 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 151 km distance in 2h 31m.

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
151 km
Average train duration
2h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
£13
Trains per day
21
Fastest train
2h 31m
First train
0:02
Last train
23:48
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
6 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: South Western Railway, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Southampton to Exeter trainsSouth Western Railway, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Southampton and Exeter from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
2h 31m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£13
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

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
2h 37m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£21
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 Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
2h 18m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£106
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
12 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: Southampton to Exeter train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton 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 Southampton to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £13, while the average price tends to be around £33.
The train journey from Southampton to Exeter covers a distance of 151 km and takes approximately 2h 31m. Trains run 21 per day.
The train distance from Southampton to Exeter is 151 km.
The first train from Southampton to Exeter leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Southampton to Exeter departs at 23:48.
Trains from Southampton to Exeter run approximately 21 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Southampton to Exeter.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Southampton to Exeter.
To get from Southampton to Exeter, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Southampton to Exeter.
The train station in Southampton that goes to Exeter is Southampton Central (SOU), and it arrives at Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The cheapest way to get from Southampton to Exeter is by train, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Southampton 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 Southampton to Exeter offers a scenic experience, featuring views of the rolling countryside, picturesque villages, and stretches along the beautiful coastline, enhancing the travel experience.
A day trip from Southampton to Exeter is not feasible, as the journey takes 2h 31m. However, trains run 19 times 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 Southampton to Exeter.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Exeter

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

Departure train stations in Southampton
Arrival train stations in Exeter

Which Southampton station do trains to Exeter leave from?

Trains from Southampton to Exeter leave from Southampton Central. The station is 1 km from Southampton city centre at Southampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL.
Southampton CentralSouthampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL+44 345 600 0650WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton Central from Southampton city centre

BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min

Southampton Central train station facilities and services

Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Southampton Airport ParkwaySouthampton Airport Parkway station, Wide Lane, Southampton, Hampshire, SO18 2HW+44 345 600 0650WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton Airport Parkway from Southampton city centre

Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSalisbury - Romsey, Weymouth - London Waterloo, Bournemouth - Winchester, Poole - London Waterloo, Southampton Central - London Waterloo, Weymouth - Woking, Bournemouth - Basingstoke, Poole - Winchester, Southampton Central - Basingstoke, Bournemouth - London Waterloo, Poole - Eastleigh, Weymouth - Eastleigh, Romsey - Romsey, Southampton Central - Woking, Salisbury - Salisbury, Salisbury - Eastleigh, Southampton Central - Eastleigh, Southampton Central - Romsey · 10m · £3 · every ~8 min
BusU1a, U1e · 34m · £2 · every ~21 min
U1a, U1e · 40m · £2 · every ~37 min

Southampton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services

Southampton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Millbrook (Hants)Millbrook station, Millbrook Road West, Millbrook, Hampshire, SO15 0ABWifiParkingLost and Found Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Millbrook (Hants) from Southampton city centre

Millbrook (Hants) is 2 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRomsey - Romsey, Romsey - Salisbury, Salisbury - Salisbury, Southampton Central - Romsey, Eastleigh - Salisbury, Southampton Central - Salisbury · 3m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus86 · 4m · £2 · every ~2 min
86 · 9m · £2 · every ~2 min

Millbrook (Hants) train station facilities and services

Millbrook (Hants) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking and Lost and Found Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Millbrook (Hants).

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Millbrook (Hants): Parking.

More options for your journey from Southampton to Exeter

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Exeter Southampton to Exeter train

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