CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.
Trains to Exeter from Portsmouth
It takes an average of 5h 0m to travel from Portsmouth to Exeter by train, over a distance of around 107 miles (172 km). There are normally 167 trains per day travelling from Portsmouth to Exeter and tickets for this journey start from £36.90 when you book in advance.
| First train | 03:05 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:29 | |
| Departure station | Portsmouth | |
| Arrival station | Exeter | |
| Journey time | From 2h 56m | |
| Distance | 107 miles (172 km) | |
| Frequency | 167 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £36.90 | |
| Train operators | CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Southern |
Plan your journey from Portsmouth to Exeter
Considering a trip to Exeter and need more information on how to take the train from Portsmouth to Exeter? Start your search with us today!
Usually, the train from Portsmouth to Exeter takes around 5 hours. Every day, there are around 167 trains running on this popular route.
There will be 1 change on your journey from Portsmouth to Exeter, as there are no direct trains.
Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, CrossCountry and Southern trains run on this route.
From Portsmouth to Exeter, tickets start from just £36.90. Booking tickets in advance can be cheaper than buying on the day of travel.
Use our Journey Planner to pick the dates and times you want to travel, and we’ll give you all the options.
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.
Are there any direct trains from Portsmouth to Exeter?
How far is the train ride from Portsmouth to Exeter?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Portsmouth to Exeter?
What is the best way to travel to Exeter from Portsmouth?
What time does the first train run from Portsmouth to Exeter?
How late does the train from Portsmouth to Exeter run?
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Planning a round trip from Portsmouth to Exeter?
How do I find cheap train tickets from Portsmouth to Exeter?
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 £36.90§ 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. Use a Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.
4. 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.
5. Travel Off-Peak
If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.
6. Consider a Season Ticket
Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Portsmouth to Exeter is right for you.
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.