Southend-on-Sea to Exeter train with South Western Railway

Fri 18 Sept
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South Western Railway
Greater Anglia
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Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
South Western Railway
Greater Anglia
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

Cheapest price on 18 Sept

£33

Average ticket price on 18 Sept

£44

Fastest journey on 18 Sept

5 h 12 m

Average journey duration on 18 Sept

5 h 33 m

Trains on 18 Sept

2

Distance

309 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter will cost around £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.

Fast trains

On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 309 km distance in an average of 5 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 12 m .

The slowest trains will take 5 h 54 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.

  • South Western Railway
    8:305h12
    Southend-on-Sea
    13:42Exeter
    £331One-way
    0 changes
  • South Western Railway
    10:065h54
    Southend-on-Sea
    16:00Exeter
    £551One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and flight for Southend-on-Sea to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £58 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 15m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £58, while a flight costs an average of £378.

Distance: 309 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

£58

Average Price

Cheapest

£378

Average Price

£58

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 15m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 50m

Average total duration

5h 50m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

4h 31m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter is a train with an average price of £58.

This is compared to other travel options from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter:

A train is £321 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter costing on average £378.

The fastest way to travel from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter is by train with an average journey time of 4h 45m.

Other travel options to Exeter take longer:

Flight takes on average 5h 50m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southend-on-Sea and Exeter including taking a train and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £58 compared to roughly £58 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £0.04. The journey takes 4h 45m versus 4h 31m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Southend-on-Sea to Exeter train times

The table below shows live departures for Southend-on-Sea to Exeter trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
South Western Railway10:06 Southend-on-Sea
5h54
16:00 Exeter0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southend-on-Sea to Exeter by train or flight

Compare train 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.

Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Why should you book Southend-on-Sea to Exeter trains with Omio?

South Western Railway as well as Greater Anglia offer trains services from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southend-on-Sea 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 Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Southend-on-Sea 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 flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter run on average 18 times per day, taking around 4h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 22:01. The fastest train covers the 309 km distance in 4h 22m.

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
309 km
Average train duration
4h 45m
Cheapest ticket price
£35
Trains per day
18
Fastest train
4h 22m
First train
0:02
Last train
22:01
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
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, Greater Anglia from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter trainsSouth Western Railway, Greater Anglia trains will get you between Southend-on-Sea and Exeter from £35. 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
5h 29m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£35
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

Greater Anglia

About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greater Anglia Duration
3h 29m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£176
Greater Anglia frequency
16 a day
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class tickets.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
Quiet zone

Train companies: South Western Railway, Greater Anglia from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter trainsSouth Western Railway, Greater Anglia trains will get you between Southend-on-Sea and Exeter from £35. 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
5h 29m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£35
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

Greater Anglia

About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greater Anglia Duration
3h 29m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£176
Greater Anglia frequency
16 a day
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class tickets.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
Quiet zone

What's included in each class

Compare Greater Anglia classes and the amenities included in each one.

First Class
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs
Standard
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs

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: Southend-on-Sea to Exeter train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southend-on-Sea 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 Southend-on-Sea to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £35, while the average price tends to be around £58.
The train journey from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter covers a distance of 309 km and takes approximately 4h 22m. Trains run 18 per day.
The train distance from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter is 309 km.
The first train from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter departs at 22:01.
Trains from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter run approximately 18 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter.
To get from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter, you can choose from several travel options including train and flight.
There is no night train service from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter.
The train station in Southend-on-Sea that goes to Exeter is Southend Victoria (SOV), and it arrives at Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The cheapest way to get from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter is by train, costing approximately £35.
Booking trains from Southend-on-Sea 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 Southend-on-Sea to Exeter offers a mix of urban and countryside views. Travellers can enjoy scenic landscapes as the route passes through the picturesque countryside of the South West, including parts of Somerset and Devon, especially as it nears Exeter.
A day trip from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 22m each way. However, there are 13 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 Southend-on-Sea to Exeter.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Southend-on-Sea and Exeter

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

Departure train stations in Southend-on-Sea
Arrival train stations in Exeter

Which Southend-on-Sea station do trains to Exeter leave from?

Trains from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter leave from Southend Central. The station is from Southend-on-Sea city centre at Southend Central station, Clifftown Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1AB.
Southend CentralSouthend Central station, Clifftown Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1AB+44 8450507080WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Southend Central from Southend-on-Sea city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesBus stops on Clifftown Road near The Last Public House

Southend Central train station facilities and services

Southend Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Southend Central.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

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

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southend Central. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03457 44 44 22, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southend Central: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Southend Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southend Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Southend VictoriaSouthend Victoria station, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6AZWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Southend Victoria from Southend-on-Sea city centre

Bus25, 7, 20, 825, 827, 21S, 28, 21, 3, 26, 20S · 3m · £3 · every ~69 min

Southend Victoria train station facilities and services

Southend Victoria has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Southend Victoria.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Southend Victoria. ATMs are available at Southend Victoria.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southend Victoria. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southend Victoria: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Southend Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southend Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Taxi rank at front of station, 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.

More options for your journey from Southend-on-Sea to Exeter

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