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London Waterloo to Exeter Central train ticket prices
€27.51
On Mon 5
London Waterloo to Exeter Central train timetable
Travelling from London Waterloo to Exeter Central, the fastest train takes 2h 51m with an average travel time of 3h 42m. With 28 daily trains, the first departs at 05:48 and the last at 13:14. Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 on weekdays, and all-day Off-Peak on weekends and bank holidays. Keep informed of live train status, times, delays, and cancellations with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
23:09 London Waterloo | 6h 14m, 2 change | 05:23 Exeter Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
23:35 London Waterloo | 9h 3m, 1 change | 08:38 Exeter Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
23:55 London Waterloo | 9h 10m, 3 change | 09:05 Exeter Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
London Waterloo to Exeter Central train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London Waterloo to Exeter Central 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.
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.
Departing from London Waterloo
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.
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.
Why book London Waterloo to Exeter Central trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from London Waterloo to Exeter Central start from just €27.51 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., South Western Railway on the London Waterloo to Exeter Central route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
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 €27.51, 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 quickest train journey from London Waterloo to Exeter Central takes 2h 51m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
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, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
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
How do I find London Waterloo to Exeter Central train timetables?
London Waterloo to Exeter Central trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do London Waterloo to Exeter Central trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London Waterloo to Exeter Central 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?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the London Waterloo to Exeter Central route?
The route from London Waterloo to Exeter Central is operated by South Western Railway. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. 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 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
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.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
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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