Train from Cardiff to Exeter: Tickets & Schedules

Previously seen trips

Next departures for Cardiff to Exeter on March 21
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Great Western RailwayTrain
Cardiff Central
Exeter St David'sNo tags
Great Western RailwayTrain
Cardiff Central
Exeter St David'sNo tags
Great Western RailwayTrain
Cardiff Central
Exeter St David'sNo tags
Great Western RailwayTrain
Cardiff Central
Exeter St David'sNo tags
Great Western RailwayTrain
Cardiff Central
Exeter St David'sNo tags

Compare 2 ways to go from Cardiff to Exeter

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Bus stands out as a good way to reach Exeter. The journey takes about 5 hours 20 minutes, and with fares starting at just $20, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

5bus per day
5h 20mAverage Duration
88 kmDistance
2kgCO₂ emissions
Average Price$20 - $50Average Duration5h 20m
2kg CO₂e
Average Price$52 - $164Average Duration2h 31m
2kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cardiff to Exeter by train

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

  1. How much is the train ticket from Cardiff to Exeter?

    The cheapest train tickets from Cardiff to Exeter start at $52. The average price for this train route is around $131. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the train ride from Cardiff to Exeter?

    The average train trip from Cardiff to Exeter takes 2h 31m and covers 87 km. The quickest train gets you there in 1h 59m and is operated by CrossCountry.

  3. Which train operators serve the Cardiff to Exeter route?

    Several major train operators serve this route, with 3 trains available per day, including services from Great Western Railway, CrossCountry.

  4. What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Cardiff to Exeter?

    The earliest train from Cardiff to Exeter departs at 7:59am. The latest train departs at 7:00pm.

  5. What is the best train operator from Cardiff to Exeter?

    According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated train operator on this route is CrossCountry, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 46 reviews.

  6. Which train operator has the best Wi-Fi from Cardiff to Exeter?

    Based on reviews on Busbud, the train operator Great Western Railway has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 4.0.

  7. Which train operator has the best on-time performance from Cardiff to Exeter?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual train operator on this route is Great Western Railway, with a punctuality rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

  8. Which train operator has the cleanest trains from Cardiff to Exeter?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the train operator with the cleanest trains on this route is Great Western Railway, with a cleanliness rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found
03-19
No data
03-20
$123
Today
No data
03-22
No data
03-23
No data
03-24
No data
03-25
$124
03-26
No data
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cardiff to Exeter was searched and found on Mar 20, 2026 with a price of $123

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Cardiff to Exeter, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $123 to $153 for a train ticket from Cardiff to Exeter based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $124 which is on 2026-03-25.

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