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Trains from Portsmouth to Exeter

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CrossCountry
Great Western Railway

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Portsmouth to Exeter

Portsmouth to Exeter by train

It takes an average of 5h 14m to travel from Portsmouth to Exeter by train, over a distance of around 107 miles (172 km). There are normally 180 trains per day traveling from Portsmouth to Exeter and tickets for this journey start from $72.43 when you book in advance.

First train

3:25 am

Last train

11:22 pm

Departure station

Portsmouth

Arrival station

Exeter

Journey time

From 2h 56m

Distance

107 miles (172 km)

Frequency

180 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From $72.43

Train operators

CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Southern

How to travel from Portsmouth to Exeter by train

Want to find out more about taking the train from Portsmouth to Exeter? Look no further.

You'll usually find 180 trains per day running between Portsmouth and Exeter, which usually take 5 hours 14 minutes to complete the 172 km journey. It can take as little as 2 hours 56 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Exeter from Portsmouth, you'll just need to make 1 change along the way.

You can save money on train tickets from Portsmouth to Exeter if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from $72.43. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for train schedules (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Portsmouth to Exeter?

Want to know more about your journey from Portsmouth to Exeter? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you travel to Exeter from Portsmouth?

To get to Exeter from Portsmouth, why not take the train? With 180 trains per day and an average journey time of 5 hours and 14 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Portsmouth to Exeter by train?

On average it takes around 5 hours and 14 minutes to travel from Portsmouth to Exeter by train, although you can get there in 2 hours and 56 minutes on the fastest services. With 180 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How much is the train ticket from Portsmouth to Exeter?

The price of a train ticket from Portsmouth to Exeter can start from as little as $72.43, depending on the time of day, route and class you book. Train tickets may also be cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day.

How fast can trains travel from Portsmouth to Exeter?

The fastest time a train can travel the 107 miles (172 km) from Portsmouth to Exeter is 2 hours and 56 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Portsmouth to Exeter?

Planning a trip to the UK soon? As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Book in advance

Train tickets from Portsmouth to Exeter start at $72.43§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

3. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will ‘split’ your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

4. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper than Anytime tickets in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.

What are my ticket options for this journey?

If you're like us, you've probably seen the sheer number of ticket types available in the UK and wondered "Why are there so many?!" To help, we've put together a handy guide to the main UK ticket types, simply tap the one you’re interested in to find out more.

Advance train tickets

Single tickets released ahead of time for a specific time and date. Generally, the sooner you book, the cheaper these tickets are likely to be.

Anytime train tickets

Flexible tickets that allow you to travel at any time of the day. Perfect if you have to be somewhere but aren’t sure for how long.

First Class train tickets

Fancy traveling in style? Enjoy perks like more spacious seating, complimentary refreshments and lounge access with First Class train tickets.

GroupSave train tickets

Save up to 1/3 when traveling with a group of 3 to 9 people on eligible single or return journeys at Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak times.

Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak train tickets

Available at quieter times of the day, Off-Peak tickets offer the flexibility of traveling at any time during the Off-Peak window and discounted fares.

Return train tickets

Return tickets combine your outward and return journey into a single ticket. Choose from a Day or Open Return ticket for more flexibility on travel dates.

Family train tickets

Traveling with your family? There are plenty of family offers to help you save money, including Kids for a Quid tickets for children aged 5-15 and Off-Peak Family Travelcards.

* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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