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Travelling from Exeter Central to London Waterloo, the fastest train takes 2h 48m with an average travel time of 3h 19m. With 44 daily trains, the first departs at 05:14 and the last at 23:10. Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 on weekdays, and all-day Off-Peak on weekends and bank holidays. Keep informed of live train status, times, delays, and cancellations with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
11:30 Exeter Central | 3h 19m, Direct | 14:49 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
11:32 Exeter Central | 3h 20m, 1 change | 14:52 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
11:53 Exeter Central | 3h 10m, 1 change | 15:03 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
12:14 Exeter Central | 3h 34m, 2 change | 15:48 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
12:30 Exeter Central | 3h 19m, Direct | 15:49 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
Plan your journey from Exeter Central to London Waterloo 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.
The direct train from Exeter Central to London Waterloo takes around 3 hours 30 minutes. South Western Railway runs this service and there are hourly departures throughout the day. Along the way, you'll enjoy views of the Devon countryside, historic Salisbury with its famous cathedral spire, and the New Forest's pleasant woodland.
South Western Railway runs trains across southern England, connecting London with Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth and Exeter. They're the main operator for commuter services through southwest London and longer-distance trains to the south coast.
As the name suggests, Exeter Central station is located in the centre of town and within walking distance of the high street. If you're coming from the university or St David's area, you can catch a bus or hop on a local train.
South Western Railway and Great Western Railway are the two operators at Exeter Central. This is the city's smaller station, with services operating mainly to local stations like Exmouth and Paignton. Exeter St David's is one stop away and has trains to other parts of the UK.
The main stops from Exeter Central to London Waterloo are Salisbury, Basingstoke, Woking and Clapham Junction.
Once you arrive at London Waterloo, getting to other parts of the city is a breeze. The station has direct access to the Waterloo & City, Northern, Jubilee and Bakerloo lines of the Underground, and there are countless rail services to towns and cities across Surrey, Hampshire and beyond. Waterloo East is next door - trains depart from here into Kent.
Some of the city's most popular attractions are just a short walk away. You're minutes from the South Bank, where you'll find the Royal Festival Hall and the London Eye. Cross the bridge for Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and even Buckingham Palace.
South Western Railway offers two classes on the Exeter to London route. Free Wi-Fi is available in both classes.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Travelling by train from Exeter Central to London Waterloo is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Exeter Central, you can reach London Waterloo in just 2h 48m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

The fastest train journey time from Exeter Central to London Waterloo is 2h 48m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Exeter Central to London Waterloo. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.

Exeter Central to London Waterloo trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
Yes, most trains on the route from Exeter Central to London Waterloo are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.

Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
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