London Paddington to Exeter St Davids Trains From £34.50*

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.