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London Waterloo to Exeter Central train ticket prices
€26.54
On Thu 06 Aug
London Waterloo to Exeter Central train timetable
Journey from London Waterloo to Exeter Central on the fastest train in 2h 51m, usually 3h 18m. Every day, 17 trains leave from London Waterloo, starting at 06:21 and ending at 14:27. During Off-Peak Times from 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter and less crowded journey. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
22:20 London Waterloo | 9h 18m, 1 change | 07:38 Exeter Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
23:04 London Waterloo | 6h 9m, 2 change | 05:13 Exeter Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
23:40 London Waterloo | 8h 38m, 1 change | 08:18 Exeter Central | South 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 2h 51m, 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?
The average ticket fare from London Waterloo to Exeter Central is about €26.54, 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.
How do I find the best train route from London Waterloo to Exeter Central?
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?
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?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the 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 train from London Waterloo to Exeter Central is operated by Great Western Railway. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
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
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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