- 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 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
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.
To travel from Southampton to Exeter you need to make at least one change.
W35006+
L79385+
C48034
C42263+
L79373
C42263+
L79373+
C42683
W34995+
L79361
W35006+
L79385
C42263+
L79373
W34995+
L79361
W35006+
L79385
C42263+
L79373+
C42683
C42229+
G00886Omio 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
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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
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.
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 31m.
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.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34995+ L79361 | 12:10 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h32 | 14:42 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
W34995 · C42221 · C48026 | 12:10 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h21 | 15:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
W34995+ L79361+ C48026 | 12:10 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h21 | 15:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
C42223 · C48026+ G00873 | 12:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h16 | 15:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
C42223+ G00873 | 12:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h57 | 15:12 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
C42263+ L79373 | 13:10 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h32 | 15:42 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
C42263+ L79373+ C42683 | 13:10 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h57 | 16:07 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
C42225 · C48031+ G00881 | 13:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h17 | 16:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
C42225+ G00881 | 13:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h58 | 16:13 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
W35006+ L79385+ C48034 | 14:10 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h58 | 17:08 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 changes | |
W35006+ L79385 | 14:10 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h33 | 16:43 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 change | |
C42229+ G00886 | 14:15 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 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.
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.
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 |
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 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.

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.
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 options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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 Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
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) is 2 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Millbrook (Hants) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking and Lost and Found Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Millbrook (Hants).
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Millbrook (Hants): Parking.
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.
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