Compensation and refunds
Trainpal is here to help with all your travel needs, including changing plans, getting ticket refunds, and requesting Delay Repay.
Best Price Promise
If you find trains for a cheaper price elsewhere, let us know and we'll refund the difference*
Book Cheaper Tickets
Save more with a variety of promo codes. Book on the TrainPal app with no booking fees.
Efficient Customer Service
24/7 fast customer service with prompt responses to your queries
Fast Changes and Refunds
Seamless rail travel with easy changes and refunds for peace of mind.
Exeter Central to London Waterloo train ticket prices
Travelling from Exeter Central to London Waterloo by train? Advance Tickets can be as low as €17.37*, with average fares of €39.27. Benefit from Off-Peak train tickets, Return train tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets 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.
Average
€39.27
From 18 Nov to 24 Nov
Cheapest
€17.37
On Tue 18 Nov
Exeter Central to London Waterloo train times
Journey from Exeter Central to London Waterloo on the fastest train in 2h 53m, usually 3h 34m. Every day, 42 trains leave from Exeter Central, starting at 00:54 and ending at 21:30. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
01:26 Exeter Central | 7h 45m, 1 change | 09:11 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
05:14 Exeter Central | 4h 4m, Direct | 09:18 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 |
View More Trains
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
00:54
Last train
21:30
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
2h 53m
Distance
158 miles (254 km)
Price
From €17.37
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
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 53m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
1. How can I save money on Exeter Central to London Waterloo train tickets?
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?
Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. Find the best train route from Exeter Central to London Waterloo.
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 . 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.
4. 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
Check timetables and during the journey
1. 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.
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?
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.
Other things you might be interested
1. 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.
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
€26.19
With Family & Friends Railcard
€39.27
Without
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.
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
More train routes
* 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.
New user welcome pack