London Waterloo to Exeter Central Trains From £15.30*

Travel from London Waterloo to Exeter Central in around 3 hours and 15 minutes with South Western Railway trains.

Travelling from London to Exeter Central with South Western Railway offers a scenic journey through the south of England. From the rolling hills of Surrey to the picturesque countryside of Devon, the views are hard to beat.

South Western Railway runs direct services between London Waterloo and Exeter Central, as well as to other key destinations including Woking, Basingstoke, Salisbury and Honiton, making it a convenient route for locals, commuters and holidaymakers.

Departing from London Waterloo

London Waterloo is one of the busiest railway stations in the city, as well as one of the best connected. It is easily accessible via the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City lines on the London Underground, and is served by a wide range of bus routes and taxi services. Plus, Waterloo is within walking distance of iconic London landmarks such as the London Eye, Southbank Centre and Westminster Bridge, making it a central and convenient departure point for travellers. 

The station is the main hub for South Western Railway, offering services to destinations across the South and South West of England, including trains from London to Exeter, Salisbury, Basingstoke, Portsmouth, Bournemouth and other towns along the West of England line.

Main stops

The main stops along this journey include Basingstoke, Andover, Salisbury, Tisbury, Yeovil Junction, Axminster, Honiton, Pinhoe, before arriving in Exeter Central.

Arriving at Exeter Central 

South Western Railway trains from London to Exeter arrive at Exeter Central Station, which is a short walk from the centre of the city. The station is easy to get to using buses and taxi services, and is within walking distance of many key attractions. 

Exeter Central is on the West of England Main Line and is one of two main stations in the city, the other being Exeter St Davids. Services are primarily operated by South Western Railway, which connects Exeter to London Waterloo, Salisbury, Honiton and Axminster, with onward travel options across the South West.

From the station, you can explore the historic city centre, including attractions like Exeter Cathedral and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. With a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cultural sights all within walking distance, Exeter Central is a well-equipped arrival point for visitors.

South Western Railway train classes 

• Standard Class: Travelling in Standard Class from London to Exeter with South Western Railway offers a comfortable and affordable experience. You shouldn’t struggle to buy cheap train tickets, especially if you have a valid railcard. There’s comfortable seating, lots of legroom and access to free onboard Wi-Fi on most services. There are power sockets on select routes, as well as large tables and fold-down tray tables. 
• First Class: London Waterloo to Exeter Central First Class is also an option. Though it requires a more expensive ticket, it also provides larger seats, extra legroom and enhanced privacy. Wi-Fi is available, and power sockets are typically provided at each seat, as is at-seat wireless charging.

South Western Railway train travel advice

Check out the information below to make your train journey from London Waterloo to Exeter Central as simple as possible.

• Luggage - South Western Railway provides overhead racks and designated luggage areas for storing large bags, cabin cases and smaller personal items. 
• Bicycles - Small folding bicycles are welcome on all trains, as long as they can be safely stowed without causing an obstruction. Non-folding bikes may be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
• Children - Children under 5 travel for free with a paying adult, and those aged 5 to 15 pay half the price of an adult ticket. Passengers aged 16 and above will need to pay the full adult fare, unless they hold a 16 - 17 discount or another valid railcard.
• Pets - Pets are welcome onboard free of charge. You can take up to two dogs, which must be kept on a lead at all times during the journey. Smaller animals must be in a secure pet carrier. 
• Passenger Assist - South Western Railway is committed to making travel accessible for all passengers. Most trains are equipped with step-free access, accessible toilets and priority seating.

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