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Exeter Central to London Waterloo train ticket prices
£7.65
On Thu 01 Jan
Exeter Central to London Waterloo train timetable
Journey from Exeter Central to London Waterloo on the fastest train in 3h 7m, usually 3h 23m. Every day, 43 trains leave from Exeter Central, starting at 05:14 and ending at 23:10. During Off-Peak Times from 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter and less crowded journey. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
15:30 Exeter Central | 3h 19m, Direct | 18:49 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:51 Exeter Central | 3h 9m, 1 change | 19:00 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:29 Exeter Central | 3h 20m, Direct | 19:49 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:58 Exeter Central | 3h 7m, 1 change | 20:05 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
17:15 Exeter Central | 3h 40m, 2 change | 20:55 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
Exeter Central to London Waterloo train tickets and times
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.
South Western Railway: Exeter Central to London Waterloo trains
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.
Departing from Exeter Central
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.
Main stops
The main stops from Exeter Central to London Waterloo are Salisbury, Basingstoke, Woking and Clapham Junction.
Arriving at London Waterloo
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 train classes
South Western Railway offers two classes on the Exeter to London route. Free Wi-Fi is available in both classes.
- Standard Class: Has a 2+2 layout on most trains with comfortable seating and decent legroom. Many seats have plugs and charging points, and you'll have free Wi-Fi throughout your journey.
- First Class: Includes wider seats with extra legroom in a different configuration to other South Western Railway routes. You'll still enjoy the comfortable seating and space to stretch out, though.
South Western Railway train travel advice
- Luggage: Bring what you can comfortably carry and what fits in the overhead racks or luggage areas. Keep bags out of aisles and doorways, and make sure you can see them during the journey.
- Bicycles: You must book a bike space at least 24 hours before travelling on this route. You can't bring bikes on trains arriving at London Waterloo between 07:15–10:00 Monday to Friday. There are also morning restrictions in place for Clapham Junction.
- Children: Kids under 5 travel free and children aged 5–15 get half-price tickets. Consider getting a Friends & Family Railcard – adults save a third on off-peak services.
- Pets: You can bring up to 2 pets for free as long as they don't take up a seat. Dogs need to be on a lead, and small animals must be in carriers.
- Passenger Assistance: Book help in advance online or through the Passenger Assistance app if you need assistance boarding or moving around the train.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Exeter Central to London Waterloo train travel guide
The train journey from Exeter Central to London Waterloo combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Exeter Central, you can get to London Waterloo in just 3h 7m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Exeter Central to London Waterloo?
The average ticket fare from Exeter Central to London Waterloo is about £7.65, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
What is the best way to travel from Exeter Central to London Waterloo by train?
What is the fastest train from Exeter Central to London Waterloo?
The fastest train journey time from Exeter Central to London Waterloo is 3h 7m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Exeter Central to London Waterloo?
No, there are no direct trains from Exeter Central to London Waterloo. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from Exeter Central to London Waterloo?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Exeter Central to London Waterloo train timetables?
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.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
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.
Do Exeter Central to London Waterloo trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
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
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
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.
Which train companies operate the Exeter Central to London Waterloo route?
The train from Exeter Central to London Waterloo is operated by Southeastern. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. 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.
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Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
How to buy cheap Exeter Central to London Waterloo train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* 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.
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