- 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.
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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Stafford to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Stafford to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £43 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 41m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £43, while a train costs an average of £134.
Distance: 251 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£134 Average Price | £43 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 41m Average total duration Fastest 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 4m Average total duration 8h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Stafford to Exeter is a coach with an average price of £43.
This is compared to other travel options from Stafford to Exeter:
A coach is £91 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stafford to Exeter costing on average £134.
The fastest way to travel from Stafford to Exeter is by train with an average journey time of 3h 11m.
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 34m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Stafford and Exeter including taking a coach and train.
Why should you book Stafford to Exeter trains with Omio?
CrossCountry operates all trains services from Stafford to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Stafford to Exeter.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Stafford to Exeter.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Stafford to Exeter.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Stafford to Exeter
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Stafford to Exeter run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £74 but you can travel from only £35 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:42, the last at 19:22. The fastest train covers the 251 km distance in 3h 7m.
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 £35
Distance 251 km |
Average train duration 3h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £74 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 7m |
First train 5:42 |
Last train 19:22 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 7 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £35
Train companies: CrossCountry from Stafford to Exeter trainsCrossCountry trains will get you between Stafford and Exeter from £35. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
3h 7m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£74
CrossCountry frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
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.
- 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.
- Must visit
Exeter Quayside
Historic quay with waterside walks, canal heritage, independent shops and easy access to cycling and boat trips.
- Recommended
Northernhay Gardens
Well-kept Victorian park with broad lawns, flower beds, mature trees and links to the castle and city walls.
- Recommended
Gandy Street
Historic shopping street lined with timber-framed buildings, independent businesses and one of Exeter’s most distinctive walks.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Devon cider brandy
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.
Devon split and ham
Traditional Devon split bread roll filled with thick slices of cured ham. It is a classic county snack and picnic staple around Exeter.
- Vegetarian
Devon fairings
Sweet fried dough pieces once sold at Devon fairs, often dusted with sugar. They are a nostalgic West Country treat associated with local baking.
Rendezvous Wine Bar
Stylish city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking with Devon produce. Smart but approachable setting for a more refined meal.
The Old Firehouse
Historic quayside pub known for pies, British classics and local drinks. Relaxed atmosphere in one of Exeter’s most characterful old buildings.
Exeter Farmers Market
Lively indoor market food hall with several independent traders. Good for sampling local produce, casual meals and coffee in a social setting.
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.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Exeter St Davids -> Exeter city centre
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Buses from Exeter St Davids run to the city centre, but the centre is also about a 15-minute walk from the station.
- Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach buses. Check the operator app before travel for the best-value day ticket.
FAQs: Stafford to Exeter train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stafford 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 Stafford to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £74, while the average price tends to be around £134.
The train journey from Stafford to Exeter covers a distance of 251 km and takes approximately 3h 7m. Trains run 12 per day.
The train distance from Stafford to Exeter is 251 km.
The first train from Stafford to Exeter leaves at 5:42.
The last train from Stafford to Exeter departs at 19:22.
Trains from Stafford to Exeter run approximately 12 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Stafford to Exeter.
Yes, there is a direct train between Stafford and Exeter. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by CrossCountry.
There is no night train service from Stafford to Exeter.
The train station in Stafford that goes to Exeter is Stafford station (STA), and it arrives at Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The cheapest way to get from Stafford to Exeter is by coach, costing approximately £35.
Booking trains from Stafford to Exeter in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Stafford to Exeter.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Stafford and Exeter
Most Stafford to Exeter trains use the Stafford to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Stafford and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Stafford
Arrival train stations in Exeter
Which Stafford station do trains to Exeter leave from?
Trains from Stafford to Exeter leave from Stafford. The station is from Stafford city centre at Stafford station, Station Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 2AA.
StaffordStafford station, Station Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 2AA
City-centre transport
Getting to Stafford from Stafford city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesRail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station on the left hand side.
Stafford train station facilities and services
Stafford has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Stafford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Stafford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Stafford. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, 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 Stafford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Stafford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Stafford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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: Yes.
Which Exeter station do trains from Stafford arrive at?
Trains from Stafford to Exeter most often arrive at Exeter St Davids. Some services arrive at Exeter St Thomas, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Exeter arrival station.
Exeter St DavidsExeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus355, 6A, 5B, 4A, 4, 66 · 6m · £2 · every ~20 min
4, 4A, Uni, K · 8m · £2 · every ~19 min
Exeter St Davids train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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 ThomasExeter St Thomas station, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1AJ
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainExmouth - Paignton · 21m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
BusA, B, C, E, P · 9m · £2 · every ~44 min
Exeter St Thomas train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Stafford
More options for your journey from Stafford to Exeter
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Exeter and Stafford
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