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London Waterloo to Exeter Central train ticket prices
€12.08
On Thu 01 Jan
London Waterloo to Exeter Central train timetable
Journey from London Waterloo to Exeter Central on the fastest train in 2h 59m, usually 3h 19m. Every day, 35 trains leave from London Waterloo, starting at 06:21 and ending at 22:51. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
09:20 London Waterloo | 3h 18m, Direct | 12:38 Exeter Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
10:00 London Waterloo | 3h 16m, 1 change | 13:16 Exeter Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
10:20 London Waterloo | 3h 18m, Direct | 13:38 Exeter Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
10:27 London Waterloo | 3h 19m, 1 change | 13:46 Exeter Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
11:20 London Waterloo | 3h 18m, Direct | 14:38 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.
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
Travelling by train from London Waterloo to Exeter Central is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London Waterloo, you can reach Exeter Central in just 2h 59m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel 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 €12.08, 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 59m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
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
Are London Waterloo to Exeter Central trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
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?
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?
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 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
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
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
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee 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.
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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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