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Exeter Central to Christchurch by train

First train

04:14

Last train

00:47

Departure station

Exeter Central

Arrival station

Christchurch

Journey time

From 3h 13m

Distance

76 miles (123 km)

Frequency

1 train per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway

How to travel from Exeter Central to Christchurch by train

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

You'll usually find 1 train per day running between Exeter Central and Christchurch, which usually take 4 hours 27 minutes to complete the 76 miles (123 km) journey. It can take as little as 3 hours 13 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 Christchurch by train, you'll just need to make 2 changes along the way. Great Western Railway, South Western Railway or CrossCountry are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.

Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Exeter Central to Christchurch if you book in advance. Travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard can also help you save.

Keen to book your train tickets to Christchurch? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable with live train times above, and tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs further down the page.

Journey details

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

How long does the train from Exeter Central to Christchurch take?

The average journey time by train between Exeter Central and Christchurch is 4 hours and 27 minutes, with around 1 train per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Exeter Central and Christchurch by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Exeter Central to Christchurch is 3 hours and 13 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Exeter Central to Christchurch?

No, there are no direct train services from Exeter Central to Christchurch. Travelling from Exeter Central to Christchurch by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

What time does the first train from Exeter Central to Christchurch leave?

The first train from Exeter Central to Christchurch leaves at 04:14. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Exeter Central to Christchurch leave?

The last train from Exeter Central to Christchurch leaves at 00:47. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Exeter Central and Christchurch by train?

Trains travelling from Exeter Central to Christchurch cover a distance of around 76 miles (123 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Christchurch to Exeter Central.

Cheap train tickets from Exeter Central to Christchurch

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Exeter Central to Christchurch is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

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

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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