Bristol Temple Meads to Exeter St Davids Trains From £3.35*

Looking for a day trip near Bristol? Travel by train from Bristol Temple Meads to Exeter St Davids on direct routes with CrossCountry for a convenient day out filled with heritage and beauty.an

On the train through South West England, race through 65 miles of beautiful sights, from quaint Somerset towns to stunning Devon landscapes. From Bristol to Exeter St Davids, you can arrive at the historic and charming city of Exeter in under one hour when travelling with CrossCountry.

Choose fast, comfortable trains for a more environmentally friendly journey on day trips to Exeter. What’s more, prices start from just £3.35 when you buy in advance with TrainPal. Add split ticket, family, and Railcard discounts, and getting to Exeter by train is affordable for the whole family.

CrossCountry is a national operator, providing speedy links between major destinations across all four corners of the country. Travel to Manchester, Plymouth, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Birmingham.

Departing from Bristol Temple Meads

Bristol Temple Meads is a charming old railway station, and the main station serving Bristol city centre. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, most of the site is Grade I listed. 

Following several renovations, Temple Meads is today equipped with all the modern facilities you would expect for a major UK rail hub. While you wait, relax in comfortable seating areas, treat yourself to a coffee and cake, or get connected to free station Wi-Fi. The station has waiting rooms on Platform 5/7 and Platform 13/15, plus accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.

Getting to Temple Meads is simple from Bristol City Centre. Board local buses from across the city, or walk or cycle to the centrally located station. Cycle parking is available at the station, with room for up to 450 bikes.

As the busiest station in South West England, Bristol Temple Meads has connections to most of the region’s top destinations, plus national connections to places like London, Cardiff, and Manchester. Take trains operated by Great Western Railway and CrossCountry.

Main stops

On the Bristol Temple Meads to Exeter St Davids train with CrossCountry, you’ll call at Weston-Super-Mare, Taunton, and Tiverton Parkway, before arriving at Exeter St Davids.

Arriving at Exeter St Davids

Exeter St Davids Station is a popular rail hub in Devon, connecting passengers around South West England. The largest of Exeter’s railway stations, St Davids is conveniently located to the north west of the city centre. Exeter has a rich history and an abundance of city centre attractions for visitors of all tastes.

Walk to Exeter Cathedral, a striking Medieval Gothic building with an iconic vaulted ceiling, or Bury Meadow Park, a popular city park established in 1850. St Davids is also the ideal arrival point for the University of Exeter, Exwick Sports Hub, and Hoopern Valley.

When you arrive at Exeter St Davids, you’ll be able to board local buses that can take you around the town and surrounding areas, hire a bike, or wait for a taxi. At Exeter St Davids Station, accessibility is well-provided, whether it’s step-free access from all platforms, an induction loop, tactile paving, accessible toilets, or Help Points.

From Exeter St Davids, board trains to Plymouth, London Paddington, Exmouth, and Okehampton, with CrossCountry or Great Western Railway.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: The cheapest tickets from Bristol Temple Meads to Exeter St Davids are Standard Class. With CrossCountry, get free Wi-Fi, plug sockets, and optional seat reservations at low prices, ensuring a modern and comfortable travel experience.
• First Class: To benefit from the most enhanced rail experience, upgrade to Bristol Temple Meads to Exeter St Davids First Class tickets. On CrossCountry trains, enjoy a premium service that comes with larger, reclining seats and complimentary refreshments.

CrossCountry train travel advice

• Bicycles: Bring your bike from Bristol to Exeter with a dedicated bike space on CrossCountry trains. Remember to book before you travel.
• Pets: Passengers can travel with up to two dogs, cats, or other small animals on CrossCountry trains at no extra cost, provided they stay in a container or on a lead at all times.
• Children: Under 5s go free and older children get reduced rates on CrossCountry services, allowing the whole family to explore Exeter for less.
• Luggage: CrossCountry allows passengers to bring three items of luggage onto its trains. Note: the largest suitcase should measure no more than 90cm x 70cm x 30 cm.
• Passenger Assist: If you need support on your journey with CrossCountry, book support via the operator’s website or by speaking to station staff.

Travel from Bristol Temple Meads to Exeter St Davids with Great Western Railway for a convenient, fast trip into the heart of Devon. From Bristol to Exeter with Great Western Railway, take the train in under 1 hour and 30 minutes. As you pass through miles of countryside, enjoy the green views from your window.

Great Western Railway (GWR) operates an extensive network of trains across South West England and Wales, including services between London, Oxford, Bristol, Exeter, and Penzance.

Main stops

On the Bristol Temple Meads to Exeter St Davids train with GWR, you’ll call at some or all of Nailsea & Backwell, Yatton, Worle, Weston Milton, Weston-Super-Mare, Highbridge & Burnham, Bridgwater, and Taunton before arriving at Exeter St Davids.

Great Western Railway train classes 

• Standard Class: For the cheapest tickets from Bristol Temple Meads to Exeter St Davids by train, choose GWR Standard Class trains. Sit back and enjoy the ride, while benefitting from free Wi-Fi, and optional tables with power sockets.
• First Class: For maximum luxury, upgrade to a Bristol Temple Meads to Exeter St Davids First Class ticket. At premium prices, experience the greatest train comfort, including spacious seats, and exclusive onboard dining.

Great Western Railway train travel advice

• Luggage: Take up to three bags to Exeter, so long as you can comfortably transport all items.
• Bicycles: Bikes are allowed from Bristol to Exeter. Remember to reserve a (free) space onboard your Great Western Railway service.
• Children: Travel with two children under 5 per adult passenger at no extra cost, while older kids (aged 5 to 15) get half-price tickets.
• Pets: Bring up to two pets on GWR trains, remembering that dogs must remain on a lead and other small animals should be kept in a carrier.
• Passenger Assist: If you need extra support completing your journey, book Passenger Assist, whether it’s help boarding or transferring trains, station navigation, or something else.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.