Train from Cardiff to Exeter: Tickets & Timetables

Previously seen journeys

Next departures from Cardiff to Exeter on 21 March
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 travel 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 R 239, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

5bus per day
5h 20mAverage duration
88 kmDistance
2kgCO₂ emissions
Average priceR 239 - R 619Average duration5h 20m
2kg CO₂e
Average priceR 638 - R 2 037Average duration2h 31m
2kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cardiff to Exeter by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ 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 from R 638. The average price for this train route is around R 1 615. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

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

    The average train journey time from Cardiff to Exeter is 2h 31m, covering a distance of 87 km. The quickest train can get 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 07:59. And the latest train departs at 19:00.

  5. Which 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 highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 4.0.

  7. Which train operator offers the most punctual service 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
19/03
No data
20/03
R 1 522
Today
No data
22/03
No data
23/03
No data
24/03
No data
25/03
R 1 529
26/03
No data
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cardiff to Exeter was searched and found on 20 Mar 2026 with a price of R 1 522

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 R 1 522 to R 1 900 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 R 1 529, which is on 2026-03-25.

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