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Exeter Central to London Waterloo train ticket prices
For a train from Exeter Central to London Waterloo, Advance Tickets are available starting at €12.62*, with the average fare being €39.00. Find out about different ticket types and options by checking out our Advance Tickets, Off-Peak Train Tickets, Return Train Tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets. Explore more affordable choices in our UK cheap train ticket Guide!
Average
€39.00
From 14 Nov to 20 Nov
Cheapest
€12.62
On Sat 15 Nov
Exeter Central to London Waterloo train times
Travelling from Exeter Central to London Waterloo, the fastest train takes 2h 53m with an average travel time of 3h 33m. With 41 daily trains, the first departs at 00:47 and the last at 22:26. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:14 Exeter Central | 4h 2m, Direct | 09:16 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:42 Exeter Central | 2h 53m, 1 change | 09:35 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:24 Exeter Central | 3h 6m, 1 change | 10:30 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:27 Exeter Central | 4h 20m, 1 change | 11:47 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:27 Exeter Central | 4h 22m, Direct | 11:49 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
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Exeter Central to London Waterloo Train journey information
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.
First train
00:47
Last train
22:26
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
2h 53m
Distance
158 miles (254 km)
Price
From €12.62
Train operators
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 2h 53m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
1. How can I find cheap train tickets from Exeter Central to London Waterloo?
To find discounted train tickets, use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also save money. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal offers cheaper options through split tickets and discount codes. Learn more about buying cheap train tickets in the UK.
2. What is the best way to travel from Exeter Central to London Waterloo by train?
Use TrainPal Train Journey Planner to enter your departure and destination points for routes, schedules, and prices. Compare Exeter Central to London Waterloo train prices for the best deals and book in advance for discounts. The TrainPal app offers real-time updates and ticket booking options. Explore the TrainPal app and start planning your journey!
3. What is the fastest train from Exeter Central to London Waterloo?
The fastest train journey time from Exeter Central to London Waterloo is 2h 53m . 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.
4. Are there direct trains from Exeter Central to London Waterloo?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Exeter Central to London Waterloo. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Check timetables and during the journey
1. Are Exeter Central to London Waterloo trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While Exeter Central to London Waterloo trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Exeter Central to London Waterloo is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
2. 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.
3. Do Exeter Central to London Waterloo trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Exeter Central to London Waterloo route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
4. 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.
Other things you might be interested
1. Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Yes, in the UK, students and seniors can benefit from various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard offers students up to 1/3 off most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy similar savings. Both Railcards can be purchased online or at train stations and are valid for one year, providing great value for frequent travellers
2. Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, the refund and exchange policies for train tickets vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. Advance Tickets are usually non-refundable but can sometimes be exchanged for a fee. Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets offer more generous refund and exchange options. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket or visit UK train ticket types for specific details.
3. 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
Save 1/3 with Railcards† from Exeter Central to London Waterloo
Family & Friends Railcard
€26.00
With Family & Friends Railcard
€39.00
Without
How to buy cheap Exeter Central to London Waterloo train tickets
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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.
* Save an average of 73% by combining Advance Ticket savings of 73% with an additional 30% through split tickets. These savings apply to Advance fares booked at least one week before travel, excluding Anytime fares purchased on the day of travel. Availability may vary by route and may not be combined with other offers.
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