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London Paddington to Exeter St Davids train ticket prices

Travelling from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids by train? Find fares from as low as £28.80. 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

£28.80󰄽

On Wed 29 Jul

£37.00󰄽
Thu23 Jul
£37.00󰄽
Fri24 Jul
£35.80󰄽
Sat25 Jul
£40.30󰄽
Sun26 Jul
£32.30󰄽
Mon27 Jul
£32.30󰄽
Tue28 Jul
Wed29 Jul

London Paddington to Exeter St Davids train timetable

Journey from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids on the fastest train in 2h, usually 4h 1m. Every day, 82 trains leave from London Paddington, starting at 05:23 and ending at 23:45. 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
19:28 London Paddington	4h 37m, 2 change	00:05 Exeter St Davids	Southern	Find tickets
19:39 London Paddington	4h 26m, 1 change	00:05 Exeter St Davids	South Western Railway	Find tickets
20:03 London Paddington	2h 26m, Direct	22:29 Exeter St Davids	Great Western Railway	Find tickets
20:28 London Paddington	11h 17m, 3 change	07:45 Exeter St Davids	South Western Railway	Find tickets
20:30 London Paddington	4h 10m, 1 change	00:40 Exeter St Davids	Great Western Railway	Find tickets

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London Paddington to Exeter St Davids train tickets and times

Plan your journey from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids 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 £28.80

Departure station

London Paddington

Arrival station

Exeter St Davids

Distance

156 miles (251km)

Journey time

First train

05:23

Last train

23:45

Frequency

Train operators

CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Southern

Great Western Railway: London Paddington to Exeter St Davids trains

By Rosaline Nancy Kargbo | Updated May 20, 2026

Travel across the Thames Valley, charming English countryside and rolling hills on a Great Western Railway train from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids. Direct services run up to twice an hour, taking 2 hours and 16 minutes on average.

Great Western Railway (also known as GWR) operates intercity trains to the West Country, the West of England and South Wales. It also provides suburban services to the Thames Valley, regional services to the south coast, the Heathrow Express, and the Night Riviera sleeper from London to Penzance. Destinations include Weymouth, Guildford, Swindon and Cardiff.

Departing from London Paddington

Located on Praed Street, London Paddington station is the second busiest railway station in the UK. It has great connections to local transport and is one of the few stations on the London Underground network to have two Tube stations under the same name. One is on the Circle, Bakerloo and District lines, whereas the other provides direct access to the Hammersmith & City and Circle lines. A number of bus routes stop near the station, and a taxi rank is located outside.

Mainline trains are operated by Great Western Railway, Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express. Direct services travel to Plymouth, Newbury, Maidenhead, Cheltenham and other cities and towns.

Main stops

Services from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids may also stop at Reading, Pewsey, Castle Cary and Taunton. Depending on the time, operator and route, stops on the London to Exeter train can vary.

Arriving at Exeter St Davids

Exeter St Davids is the cathedral city’s main station and the second busiest in Devon. Services are operated by Great Western Railway, CrossCountry and South Western Railway, travelling to destinations such as Penzance, Salisbury, Birmingham New Street and Edinburgh Waverley. Stagecoach South West buses from the station serve many parts of the city and surrounding areas. A taxi rank is located at the station entrance.

Take in the city’s history - even before you leave the station. Many parts of the railway station, including the main façade, date back to its rebuild in 1864. Heading to the city centre takes roughly 25 minutes. It’s a fairly steep ascent, so travellers may prefer hopping on bus routes H, 5B or 6.

Surrounded by picturesque countryside, Exeter has no shortage of heritage buildings and cultural attractions. Explore the medieval Underground Passages, the magnificent cathedral and the River Exe and canal on a rented bike or canoe.

Great Western Railway train classes

Standard Class: Great Western Railway’s Standard Class coaches have a table at every seat, power sockets, luggage space and free Wi-Fi. Buy cheap train tickets when you book in advance.
First Class: Travel from London to Exeter First Class and enjoy complimentary drinks, snacks and cosy individual seating. You can also use the First Class lounge and Queen Victoria’s former waiting room in Paddington (platform 1).

Great Western Railway train travel advice

Luggage: Three pieces of luggage are permitted per passenger. The maximum dimensions for suitcases are 25 x 40 x 75 centimetres.
Bicycles: Reserving a bike space is recommended and compulsory on the Night Riviera Sleeper service. Great Western Railway no longer allows e-scooters on board.
Children: Travel is free for up to two under-5s, and 5–15-year-olds pay half price. 16–17 Saver Railcard holders get a 50% discount on Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance and Season tickets.
Pets: Up to two pets can travel and must be kept off seats and on a lead or in a pet carrier. Passengers must pay half the adult fare for additional pets.
Passenger Assist: Book any help you need, from getting around the station to alighting the train, up to two hours before departure. Non-booked requests may take longer.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

London Paddington to Exeter St Davids train travel guide

Travelling by train from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London Paddington, you can reach Exeter St Davids in just 2h, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

Planning and booking

How much does it cost for a train from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids?

The average ticket fare from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids is about £28.80, 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 London Paddington to Exeter St Davids 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 London Paddington to Exeter St Davids.

What is the fastest train from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids?

The fastest train journey time from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids is 2h. 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.

Are there direct trains from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids?

No, there are no direct trains from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids. 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

Is it worth taking a train from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids?

Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.

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

Are London Paddington to Exeter St Davids trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?

While London Paddington to Exeter St Davids 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 London Paddington to Exeter St Davids 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.

How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?

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.

Do London Paddington to Exeter St Davids trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the London Paddington to Exeter St Davids 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.

How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?

Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.

What is the difference between Standard and First Class?

While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.

Other things you might be interested

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

Yes, in the UK, students and seniors have access to various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard allows students to save up to 1/3 on most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy comparable savings. Both types of Railcards are available for purchase online or at train stations and are valid for one year, making them a valuable option for frequent travellers.

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?

Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.

Which train companies operate the London Paddington to Exeter St Davids route?

The London Paddington to Exeter St Davids 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
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
Bicycle
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules 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
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.

How to buy cheap London Paddington to Exeter St Davids train tickets

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

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Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

To change your journey or request a refund, please visit our dedicated ticket refunds and changes page for step-by-step instructions.

Your train was disrupted?

To claim compensation for a delay (Delay Repay): If your train was delayed, cancelled, or impacted by a strike, you can find live service updates and find out how to claim on our delays and disruptions page or UK rail strike page.

More train routes

Trains from London Paddington	Trains from Exeter St Davids
London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads	Exeter St Davids to Okehampton
London Paddington to Bristol	Exeter St Davids to Clapham
London Paddington to Bristol Parkway	Exeter St Davids to Birmingham
London Paddington to Bath	Exeter St Davids to Bristol Temple Meads
London Paddington to Exeter St Davids	Exeter St Davids to London

* 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.

London Paddington to Exeter St Davids Trains From £28.80*

Find the lowest fares: Book Advance tickets & travel off-peak