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  1. Home
  2. Train Journey
  3. Bristol to Exeter

Bristol to Exeter train times and prices

Plan your journey from Bristol 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.
Price*
From €11.65
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
57m
Distance
65 miles (104km)
First/last train
05:04 / 23:50
Frequency
41

* 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

Travelling from Bristol to Exeter by train? Find fares from as low as €11.65. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest

€11.65󰄽

On Wed 21

  • Wed21Oct
  • €11.65󰄽
    Thu22Oct
  • €11.65󰄽
    Fri23Oct
  • €11.65󰄽
    Sat24Oct
  • €11.65󰄽
    Sun25Oct
  • €11.65󰄽
    Mon26Oct
  • €11.65󰄽
    Tue27Oct

Live timetable and departures

From Bristol to Exeter, take the fastest train in 57m, typically 1h 21m. Daily, 41 trains depart from Bristol, with the first at 05:04 and the last at 23:50. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
DepartsArrivesOperator

09:45

Bristol Temple Meads
59m, Direct

10:44

Exeter St Davids
CrossCountry
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09:57

Bristol Temple Meads
1h 35m, Direct

11:32

Exeter St Davids
Great Western Railway
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10:45

Bristol Temple Meads
59m, Direct

11:44

Exeter St Davids
CrossCountry
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10:55

Bristol Temple Meads
1h 37m, Direct

12:32

Exeter St Davids
Great Western Railway
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11:13

Bristol Temple Meads
1h 12m, Direct

12:25

Exeter St Davids
CrossCountry
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View More Trains

Compare train operators from Bristol to Exeter

  • Great Western Railway
  • CrossCountry
First Class

First Class

Luggage
Luggage
Pet
Pet
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Bike
Bike
Seat Facilities
Seat Facilities
Lounge Access
Lounge Access
Seat Types
Seat Types
Onboard facilities
Onboard facilities
Standard

Standard

Luggage
Luggage
Pet
Pet
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Bike
Bike
Seat Facilities
Seat Facilities
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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

Exeter (Any)
Top Things to Do

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

Popular Areas in Exeter:

  • Cathedral Green, Gandy Street, Princesshay, Magdalen Road, Southernhay.

TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience

Joshua Pearson
Joshua Pearson
Updated: October 21, 2026

"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 Bristol to Exeter?

    Tickets from Bristol to Exeter typically cost €45.49, but can be as cheap as €11.65 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 Bristol to Exeter?

    The journey should take, on average, 1h 21m, though it can be as quick as 57m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.

  • Is there a direct train from Bristol to Exeter?

    Yes, there is a direct train between Bristol 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 Bristol to Exeter?

    You can typically book tickets from Bristol to Exeter up to 12 weeks before departure.

  • Do Bristol 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 Bristol from Exeter?

    The distance between Bristol and Exeter is approximately 65 miles (104km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.

  • How frequent are trains from Bristol to Exeter?

    There is 41 train running from Bristol to Exeter per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.

  • How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Bristol 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.

* 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.