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London Waterloo to Exeter Central train timetable
From London Waterloo to Exeter Central, take the fastest train in 2h 51m, typically 3h 18m. Daily, 38 trains depart from London Waterloo, with the first at 06:21 and the last at 23:04. During Off-Peak times starting at 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter space with fewer people. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. We save you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
17:00 London Waterloo | 3h 14m, 1 change | 20:14 Exeter Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
17:23 London Waterloo | 3h 16m, Direct | 20:39 Exeter Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
17:27 London Waterloo | 3h 1m, 1 change | 20:28 Exeter Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
18:23 London Waterloo | 3h 16m, Direct | 21:39 Exeter Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
18:28 London Waterloo | 2h 55m, 1 change | 21:23 Exeter Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
London Waterloo to Exeter Central train tickets and times
South Western Railway: London Waterloo to Exeter Central Trains
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.
London Waterloo to Exeter Central train travel guide
Taking the train from London Waterloo to Exeter Central is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from London Waterloo, you can arrive at Exeter Central in just 2h 51m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London Waterloo to Exeter Central?
The average ticket fare from London Waterloo to Exeter Central is about €12.11, 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 Waterloo to Exeter Central by train?
What is the fastest train from London Waterloo to Exeter Central?
The fastest train journey time from London Waterloo to Exeter Central is 2h 51m. 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 Waterloo to Exeter Central?
No, there are no direct trains from London Waterloo to Exeter Central. 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 Waterloo to Exeter Central?
Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find London Waterloo to Exeter Central train timetables?
While London Waterloo to Exeter Central 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 Waterloo to Exeter Central 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?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
Do London Waterloo to Exeter Central trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from London Waterloo to Exeter Central are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
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?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
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.
Which train companies operate the London Waterloo to Exeter Central route?
The London Waterloo to Exeter Central 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
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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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.
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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.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. 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
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 Waterloo to Exeter Central train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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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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