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Just 70 miles separate Exeter and Bristol, making it the perfect destination for a day trip or even an extended stay if you’d like to stay over and spend more time exploring the city. Direct trains usually depart from Exeter St Davids as early as 05:47 up until approximately 22:00, with some trains arriving in less than an hour. 
Train operators Great Western Railway and CrossCountry run frequent train services throughout the day from Exeter to Bristol, averaging around 2 per hour. But this can vary depending on the time of day you choose to travel. So, it’s worth checking in advance before buying your ticket. 
Prices from Exeter to Bristol can start from HK$91.96. If you have an eligible Railcard, don’t forget to add this when you book - it could save you up to a third on your fare.
*Please Note: Prices and schedules are for guidance only. Check live search for exact details.

What are the train times from Exeter to Bristol?

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DepartsArrivesOperator
Find Tickets
17:17
1h 7m, 1 change
Exeter St Davids
18:24
Bristol Temple Meads
CrossCountryGreat Western Railway
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17:17
1h 59m, 1 change
Exeter St Davids
19:16
Bristol Temple Meads
Great Western Railway
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17:27
57m, Direct
Exeter St Davids
18:24
Bristol Temple Meads
CrossCountry
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18:27
59m, Direct
Exeter St Davids
19:26
Bristol Temple Meads
CrossCountry
Find Tickets
18:55
1h 14m, Direct
Exeter St Davids
20:09
Bristol Temple Meads
Great Western Railway
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19:27
57m, Direct
Exeter St Davids
20:24
Paris
CrossCountry
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Everything you need to know about Bristol

First train
First train
05:42
Last train
Last train
21:17
Departure city
Departure city
Exeter
Arrival city
Arrival city
Bristol
Journey time
Journey time
57m
Distance
Distance
66 miles
Price
Price
HK$91.96
Train Operators
Train Operators
CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
Most trains from Exeter to Bristol arrive at Temple Meads station. Located on Station Approach (off Bath Road), the station has step-free access, lifts, and Passenger Assistance meeting points. 
There are several amenities at Bristol Temple Meads, including: 

  • Toilets and baby changing 

  • Public Wi-Fi

  • A designated seating area 

  • Bicycle storage 

  • Shops and places to grab refreshments.

However, the following are not available:

  • Changing Places toilet

  • Bicycle hire 

Should you need onward transport for your journey, you have the option of:

  • Buses from the station forecourt and on the main road at Temple Gate. 
  • Taxis from the rank outside in Station Approach.
  • The Airport Flyer bus service takes you to Bristol Airport. This leaves from the station forecourt every 8 minutes throughout the day. It takes approximately 25 minutes.

Upon arriving at Bristol Temple Meads, the world is your oyster. Within a short walk, you can access the following tourist attractions: 

*Please Note: Station amenities and onward travel are for guidance only. Check locally for updates.

Local expert insight

avatar
Kieran Read
Updated: Oct 9, 2026
Bristol is a popular tourist destination, famous for its vibrant artistic scenery, rich maritime heritage, and independent buzz that fills the city day and night. 
Culture and street art
  • As the hometown of Banksy, one of Britain’s most notorious street artists, people flock to the streets of Bristol to see original pieces of his artwork dotted around the city. See how many you can find as part of a self-guided tour or grab tickets for one of the pre-organised walks. 
  • Really into your street art? Then head to Bristol in May for Upfest - Europe’s largest live street art and graffiti festival. Featuring live painting, workshops, and musical performances, this artistic bonanza is free to attend and well worth a visit. 
  • Bristol Museum and Art Galleryis a worthwhile stop if you want some time away from the bustling streets of Bristol. Enjoy some downtime as you meander through an extensive collection of artwork, natural history artefacts, and archaeological finds. Even better, entry is free. 
Bristol
Historic attractions
  • All aboard Brunel's SS Great Britain in the historic Great Western Dockyard to visit the floating museum and learn how engineering transformed long-distance sea travel. 
  • No visit to Bristol would be complete without a visit to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. Finished in 1864 as a memorial to its designer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this behemoth took 33 years to build and hosted the world’s first modern bungee jump in April 1979. 
  • Cabot Tower is located in Brandon Hill, one of Bristol’s oldest public parks. A climb to the top gives you stunning views across the city and is completely free - perfect for anyone looking to enjoy Bristol on a budget. 
Food, drink, and shopping
  • Gloucester Road offers countless opportunities to sample Bristol's independent shops, cafes, and pubs. Look out for the traditional cider pubs floating on the water or nestled into historic cellars as you eat and drink your way through the city. 
  • St Nicholas Market has been a cornerstone of Bristol’s economy since 1743 and is a fantastic place to explore unique food and craft stalls in the heart of the old town.
  • The Harbourside represents Bristol’s regenerated waterfront and is packed with museums, restaurants, and ferry boats, and you can explore the city by water. Bristol Harbour Festival usually takes place at the end of July and is good fun for all the family. 

Whatever your interests or budget, Bristol has something for everyone and is guaranteed to offer a worthwhile experience, no matter how long you stay. Perfect for a day trip, but enough to leave you wanting to come back for more.

Explore the cheapest prices to Bristol from Exeter this week

Ticket prices for Exeter to Bristol typically cost around HK$91.96, though we recommend exploring options such as Off-Peak and Advance tickets for even cheaper travel. Browse below to find your perfect price!

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Sat17Oct
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*Price changes due to the real-time price fluctuations, please refer to the latest price.

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FAQs

  • Are there direct trains from Exeter to Bristol?

    Yes. CrossCountry and Great Western Railway usually run direct trains from Exeter to Bristol throughout the day, from Exeter St Davids to Bristol Temple Meads.

  • How long is the train from Exeter to Bristol?

    The fastest trains from Exeter to Bristol can take less than an hour, depending on the time of day you travel and which provider you travel with.

  • How can I find cheaper Exeter to Bristol train tickets?

    There are many different types of tickets available when travelling on trains between Exeter and Bristol, some of which can offer you cheaper fares. The cheapest train tickets from Exeter to Bristol usually involve booking in advance or travelling Off-Peak. Split ticketing or a Railcardcan also help you get the best price possible.

    Prices from Trip.com can start as low as HK$91.96 for train tickets from Exeter to Bristol.

  • What time do trains run from Exeter to Bristol?

    Trains from Exeter to Bristol run from around 05:47 to 22:00. They operate roughly every 30 minutes, but this can vary by time and day of the week. Book your Advance tickets for Exeter to Bristol to ensure you get a seat on the train you want.

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