Trains from Exeter to London
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Exeter to London by train
It takes an average of 3h 20m to travel from Exeter to London by train, over a distance of around 157 miles (253 km). There are normally 91 trains per day travelling from Exeter to London and tickets for this journey start from £14.60 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 01:07 | |
| Departure station | Exeter | |
| Arrival station | London | |
| Journey time | From 2h 3m | |
| Distance | 157 miles (253 km) | |
| Frequency | 91 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £14.60 | |
| Train operators |
How to travel from Exeter to London by train in just 2 hours
Planning a day out in the capital and need more information on the journey from Exeter to London by train? Start your journey today!
Generally, the train journey from Exeter to London takes around 3 hours and 16 minutes but can be as quick as 2 hours and 2 minutes on the fastest services. As there around 80 direct trains running on this popular route each day, you don’t need to worry about making any changes along the way.
On this route, you’ll jump on a train at Exeter St David’s station operated by either South Western Railway or Great Western Railway. No matter who you end up travelling with, you’ll enjoy onboard amenities such as comfortable seating and free WiFi. After just over 2 hours of travelling through the English countryside, you’ll arrive promptly at either London Paddington or London Waterloo station.
Whichever station you arrive at, you’re perfectly placed to start exploring the city’s iconic landmarks. There are so many things to see and do in London, it can be a little overwhelming. To help you narrow it down, we’ve compiled a guide to the 14 best things to do in London, including a visit to the London Eye and Madame Tussauds.
Hoping to save money on your train tickets? We recommend you travel Off-Peak, as train tickets from Exeter to London are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends. Also, if you get yourself a Railcard, you’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.
Eager to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Exeter to London in our Journey Planner today! If you’d like to find more information about the journey first, keep reading for our timetable, where you can view first and last train times, tips on how to book cheap train fares and FAQs.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Exeter to London? 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 to London take?
The average journey time by train between Exeter and London is 3 hours and 20 minutes, with around 91 trains 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 and London by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Exeter to London is 2 hours and 3 minutes.
How much does the train from Exeter to London cost?
Train ticket prices from Exeter to London can start from as little as £14.60 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Exeter to London?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Exeter to London without having to change trains. There are 91 direct trains from Exeter to London each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Exeter to London leave?
The first train from Exeter to London leaves at 04:10. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Exeter to London leave?
The last train from Exeter to London leaves at 01:07. 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 and London by train?
Trains travelling from Exeter to London cover a distance of around 157 miles (253 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from London to Exeter. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Exeter to London.
Cheap train tickets from Exeter to London
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 to London 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.