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Exeter to Liverpool train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
£34.70
On Wed 28
Live timetable and departures
Travelling from Exeter to Liverpool, the fastest train takes 4h 21m with an average travel time of 5h 46m. 58 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 01:07 and the last at 22:43. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
08:48 Exeter St Davids | 6h 21m, 2 change | 15:09 Liverpool James Street | Merseyrail | Find tickets |
09:27 Exeter St Davids | 4h 37m, 2 change | 14:04 Liverpool Lime Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
09:27 Exeter St Davids | 4h 50m, 1 change | 14:17 Liverpool Lime Street | LNR & WMR | Find tickets |
09:27 Exeter St Davids | 5h 42m, 3 change | 15:09 Liverpool James Street | Merseyrail | Find tickets |
09:50 Exeter St Davids | 5h 52m, 2 change | 15:42 Liverpool Lime Street | LNR & WMR | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Exeter to Liverpool
- CrossCountry
- Avanti West Coast
- Great Western Railway
CrossCountry combines one of the UK’s widest intercity networks with fast long-distance services linking the South West, South Coast, Midlands, Wales, Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland without relying on a London terminus.
Its Class 220 and 221 Voyager trains reach 125 mph, while Class 170 Turbostars cover regional routes. A Voyager fleet refurbishment is adding improved seating, lighting and Wi-Fi.
First Class
Standard
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"CrossCountry’s Voyager services can get busy as they progress along their routes, so choosing the right carriage can make a noticeable difference. On Class 220 and 221 trains, Coach B (on 5-car sets) or specific designated seats in Coach D (on 4-car sets) serve as the unreserved seating areas, making them worth checking if you are travelling with a flexible ticket or cannot reserve a seat."
"It is also worth checking if your service is being operated by one of the £75 million refurbished Voyager trains. The updated trains can be identified by their distinctive red livery with a white X and feature USB-A and USB-C charging ports built into the seat frames, making it easier to keep devices charged throughout a longer journey."
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- 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.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- 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 provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- 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
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Arriving in Liverpool
Top Things to Do:
Explore the Royal Albert Dock for Liverpool’s massive maritime heritage, museums, restaurants and some of the city’s best waterfront views.
Visit The Beatles Story to follow the band’s iconic journey from Liverpool clubs to worldwide fame.
Head to Liverpool ONE for major high-street brands, restaurants and some fun retail therapy in the city centre.
Experience the Cavern Quarter for amazing live music, or head to the Baltic Triangle for a more independent nightlife scene.
Popular Areas in Liverpool:
Ropewalks, Georgian Quarter, Bold Street, Chinatown, Sefton Park, St George’s Quarter, Hope Street, Baltic Market
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Liverpool: Liverpool city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, so you can pretty comfortably walk between the waterfront, Ropewalks and places like the Cavern Quarter. If you have more time, I’d head out to Sefton Park and nearby Lark Lane for a completely different side of the city, with green space and modern independent cafés. For Anfield, public transport is absolutely the better option."
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Exeter to Liverpool
Apply for CrossCountry Delay Repay
CrossCountry calculates Delay Repay compensation according to how late you arrive at your final destination, regardless of the cause of the delay. It operates under Delay Repay 30, so delays of less than 30 minutes are not eligible.
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket, or 50% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket, or 100% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of the total ticket cost, whether single, return or Season Ticket
Apply for Avanti West Coast Delay Repay
If your Avanti West Coast train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15-29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 12.5% of a return ticket and 25% of a Season ticket.
30-59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 50% of a season ticket.
60-119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of a season ticket.
120 minutes or more: 100% of a single, return or Season ticket (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
Apply for Great Western Railway Delay Repay
If your Great Western Railway train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15–29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 12.5% of a return ticket or 25% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
30–59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 50% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
60–119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
Over 120 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 100% of a return ticket or 200% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey. (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
FAQ
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How much is a train from Exeter to Liverpool?
Tickets from Exeter to Liverpool typically cost £132.44, but can be as cheap as £34.70 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Exeter to Liverpool?
The journey should take, on average, 5h 46m, though it can be as quick as 4h 21m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Exeter to Liverpool?
There is no direct service between Exeter and Liverpool. Instead, when browsing routes, you will see our recommendations for changeover stations that are the most convenient and time-efficient.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Exeter to Liverpool?
You can typically book tickets from Exeter to Liverpool up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Exeter to Liverpool trains offer Wi-Fi?
Although WiFi is becoming increasingly present on rail services, it can still depend on who provides your specific route. For instance, Merseyrail and older Northern models do not offer WiFi currently; all other providers do, however.
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How far is Exeter from Liverpool?
The distance between Exeter and Liverpool is approximately 187 miles (300km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Exeter to Liverpool?
There is 58 train running from Exeter to Liverpool per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Exeter to Liverpool?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my 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 and Off-Peak 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.
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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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