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Exeter Central to London Waterloo train ticket prices

Travelling from Exeter Central to London Waterloo by train? Find fares from as low as €22.13. 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

€22.13󰄽

On Sun 21 Jun

  • Sun21 Jun
  • €57.24󰄽
    Mon22 Jun
  • €60.75󰄽
    Tue23 Jun
  • €26.68󰄽
    Wed24 Jun
  • €30.56󰄽
    Thu25 Jun
  • €44.87󰄽
    Fri26 Jun
  • €44.87󰄽
    Sat27 Jun

Exeter Central to London Waterloo train timetable

Journey from Exeter Central to London Waterloo on the fastest train in 3h 9m, usually 3h 24m. Every day, 35 trains leave from Exeter Central, starting at 08:28 and ending at 23:18. 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.

DepartsArrivesOperator

12:55

Exeter Central
3h 10m, 1 change

16:05

London Waterloo
Great Western Railway
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13:14

Exeter Central
3h 36m, 2 change

16:50

London Waterloo
Great Western Railway
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13:30

Exeter Central
3h 24m, Direct

16:54

London Waterloo
South Western Railway
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13:52

Exeter Central
3h 12m, 1 change

17:04

London Waterloo
Great Western Railway
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14:14

Exeter Central
3h 36m, 2 change

17:50

London Waterloo
Great Western Railway
Find tickets
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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.

Price
From €22.13
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
158 miles (254km)
Journey time
3h 9m
First train
08:28
Last train
23:18
Frequency
35

South Western Railway: Exeter Central to London Waterloo trains

By Jay Harlow | Updated May 20, 2026

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

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 3h 9m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

Planning and booking

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 €22.13, 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?

Make full use of the TrainPal app or website. Our Train Journey Planner is an excellent online planning tool. Simply fill in the cities or stations you depart from and arrive at. Then check timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and see if there are food supplies or other amenities you need. You can get the best train route from Exeter Central to London Waterloo.

What is the fastest train from Exeter Central to London Waterloo?

The fastest train journey time from Exeter Central to London Waterloo is 3h 9m . 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.

Are there direct trains from Exeter Central to London Waterloo?

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.

Is it worth taking a train from Exeter Central to London Waterloo?

Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.

How far in advance can I book my train ticket?

To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.

Check timetables and during the journey

Check timetables and during the journey

Are Exeter Central to London Waterloo trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?

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?

Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.

What is the difference between Standard and First Class?

Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by train operator.

Other things you might be interested

Other things you might be interested

Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes. Our Railcards offer discounts on UK train tickets. Students can use the 16-17 Saver or 16-25 Railcard for up to 1/3 off most fares. Seniors aged 60 and over can use the Senior Railcard for 1/3 off. Railcards can be purchased online with a choice of one-year or three-year validity. The more you travel, the more you save.

Can UK train 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 Train Tickets and Off-Peak train 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.

How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?

Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone

Which train companies operate the Exeter Central to London Waterloo route?

The Exeter Central to London Waterloo route is operated by CrossCountry. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.

Essential onboard rules and facilities

  • Luggage

    You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.

  • Bicycle

    Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. 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 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.

  • Pets

    You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.

  • Passenger assistance

    Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.

How to buy cheap Exeter Central to London Waterloo train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
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Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

Step-by-step instructions for changing your journey or requesting a refund are available on our ticket refunds and changes page.

Your train was disrupted?

If your journey was affected by a delay, cancellation, or strike, please visit our delays and disruptions page or UK rail strike page. There, you will find live service information and instructions on how to claim Delay Repay compensation.

* 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.