
No booking fees on the app

Best Price Promise

Delay Repay

24/7 customer support
Alton to Exeter train times and prices
Plan your journey from Alton to Exeter with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
£28.74
On Wed 21
Live timetable and departures
From Alton to Exeter, take the fastest train in 4h 29m, typically 4h 29m. Daily, 1 trains depart from Alton, with the first at 05:39 and the last at 05:39. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
13:43 Alton | 4h 26m, 4 change | 18:09 Exeter St Davids | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
13:43 Alton | 4h 32m, 1 change | 18:15 Exeter St Davids | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
14:14 Alton | 4h 49m, 1 change | 19:03 Exeter St Davids | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
14:43 Alton | 3h 32m, 2 change | 18:15 Exeter St Davids | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
14:43 Alton | 4h 25m, 2 change | 19:08 Exeter Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Alton to Exeter
- South Western Railway
- Great Western Railway
- London Underground

First Class

Standard
Essential onboard policies
-
Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
-
Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
-
Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
-
Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
- Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
-
Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Arriving in Exeter


Top Things to Do:
Visit Exeter Cathedral for striking Gothic architecture and one of Europe’s longest uninterrupted vaulted ceilings.
Explore the Royal Albert Memorial Museum for local history and wide-ranging collections.
Walk Exeter’s City Walls to trace nearly 2,000 years of Roman and medieval history.
Discover the historic Quayside for riverside walks and waterside cafés.
Tour Exeter’s Underground Passages for a rare glimpse beneath the city’s medieval streets.

Popular Areas in Exeter:
Cathedral Green, Gandy Street, Princesshay, Magdalen Road, Southernhay.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience

"Visiting Exeter: The Underground Passages are one of the city’s best unsung attractions and something you will not find in many other UK cities. They were built to carry fresh water beneath the streets, and today you can walk through sections of the medieval network on a guided tour. It is a much more distinctive Exeter experience than simply sticking to the cathedral and main shopping streets like most do."
FAQ
-
How much is a train from Alton to Exeter?
Tickets from Alton to Exeter typically cost £79.97, but can be as cheap as £28.74 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
-
How long is the train from Alton to Exeter?
The journey should take, on average, 4h 29m, though it can be as quick as 4h 29m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
-
Is there a direct train from Alton to Exeter?
Yes, there is a direct train between Alton and Exeter. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
-
How far in advance can I book my train from Alton to Exeter?
You can typically book tickets from Alton to Exeter up to 12 weeks before departure.
-
Do Alton to Exeter trains offer Wi-Fi?
Although WiFi is becoming increasingly present on rail services, it can still depend on who provides your specific route. For instance, Merseyrail and older Northern models do not offer WiFi currently; all other providers do, however.
-
How far is Alton from Exeter?
The distance between Alton and Exeter is approximately 115 miles (185km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
-
How frequent are trains from Alton to Exeter?
There is 1 train running from Alton to Exeter per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
-
How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Alton to Exeter?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
-
How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
-
Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
More train routes
* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.























New user welcome pack