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Travelling from Exeter Central to London Waterloo, the fastest train takes 2 hours 48 minutes with an average travel time of 3 hours 20 minutes. With 46 daily trains, the first departs at 00:47 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
14:30 Exeter Central | 3 hours 19 minutes, Direct | 17:49 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
14:32 Exeter Central | 3 hours 11 minutes, 1 change | 17:43 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
14:51 Exeter Central | 3 hours 14 minutes, 1 change | 18:05 London Waterloo | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:30 Exeter Central | 3 hours 19 minutes, Direct | 18:49 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:32 Exeter Central | 3 hours 11 minutes, 1 change | 18:43 London Waterloo | Great 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 2 hours 48 minutes, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

The quickest train journey from Exeter Central to London Waterloo takes 2 hours 48 minutes . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
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.

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.
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
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.
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.

Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
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