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London Waterloo to Exeter Central train ticket prices
£20.67
On Sun 07 Jun
London Waterloo to Exeter Central train timetable
Travelling from London Waterloo to Exeter Central, the fastest train takes 3h 23m with an average travel time of 3h 46m. With 29 daily trains, the first departs at 07:18 and the last at 23:09. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
22:49 London Waterloo | 10h 39m, 2 change | 09:28 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.
London Waterloo to Exeter Central train travel guide
The train journey from London Waterloo to Exeter Central combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London Waterloo, you can get to Exeter Central in just 3h 23m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London Waterloo to Exeter Central?
Ticket prices from London Waterloo to Exeter Central average around £20.67, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred 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 3h 23m . 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?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
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?
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 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?
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?
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 CrossCountry. 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
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals 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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