Trains from Exeter to London from €43.09

With nearly 200 miles between them, Exeter and London might feel worlds apart, one steeped in ancient cathedral charm, the other buzzing with the big city energy London is known for, but the train makes the journey feel surprisingly seamless. Whether you’re escaping to the capital for work, heading off on a weekend adventure, or catching up with friends and family, travelling by rail offers comfort, convenience and the chance to simply sit back and enjoy the ride. The rolling countryside views, the ease of direct connections, and the calm of avoiding motorway traffic make the train one of the most relaxing and reliable ways to get from Exeter to London.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the journey — from train times and ticket prices to station tips and what to do once you arrive at either end.

Exeter is actually home to two main train stations, which are Exeter Central and Exeter St David’s. Exeter St David’s is the primary departure point for most long-distance services, including those to London. It’s located just a short distance from the city centre and offers all the essentials, including six platforms, a ticket office, self-service machines, refreshments, waiting rooms and step-free access. Services from this station are managed by Great Western Railway, with trains heading not only to London but also to Exmouth, Barnstaple and Paignton.

Exeter Central is slightly smaller but still well-connected. It’s located to the east of Queen Street and is also managed by Great Western Railway. With three platforms, its own ticketing facilities and easy access to local cafés and shops, it serves as a convenient starting point for travellers located closer to the centre of town. Whether you board at Central or St David’s, you’ll be just minutes away from Exeter’s historic streets, riverside walks and independent food spots.

What line is the Exeter to London route on?

There are two main rail routes from Exeter to London, depending on which station in the capital you’re heading for. The journey from Exeter St David’s to London Paddington follows the Great Western Main Line via Reading and is typically the faster option, with some trains making the trip in just over two hours. 

Alternatively, the journey to London Waterloo travels along the West of England Line, winding through the countryside via Salisbury and Woking. This route is often more scenic and peaceful but can take a little longer depending on the number of stops.

Which train company goes from Exeter to London? 

The majority of trains from Exeter to London are operated by Great Western Railway or South Western Railway. Great Western Railway handles the route to London Paddington, and South Western Railway runs to London Waterloo.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all ticket price for trains from Exeter to London, with prices being determined by the time of day that you travel, the day of the week and how far in advance you book. The majority of tickets are between £30 and £100, but booking early could see you secure a ticket for closer to €43.09. You can reduce the cost of train tickets from Exeter to London by using a Railcard, such as the Two Together Railcard if you’re travelling with a partner, or the Family & Friends Railcard if you’re travelling with loved ones, which lowers the price by one third.

There are two main routes connecting Exeter and London. One will take you from Exeter St David’s to London Paddington, a faster service that stops at key stations such as Tiverton Parkway, Taunton and Reading. 

The other will carry you from Exeter to London Waterloo, a more scenic journey with stops at places like Axminster, Yeovil Junction, Salisbury and Clapham Junction. Depending on which service you choose, your journey will take anywhere between two and three hours. The earliest trains depart around 05:15, and the last services typically run until just after 22:00. Whether you’re travelling first thing in the morning or heading back later in the day, there’s always a train ready to get you where you need to go.

You can buy tickets from Exeter to London in person at both Exeter St David’s and Exeter Central Station. Both have self-service ticket machines, as well as ticket offices with knowledgeable staff. Alternatively, you can buy tickets online using Trip.com, which simplifies the process. Compare train times and prices, buy online and have your tickets ready before you travel. This tends to be the more convenient way of buying tickets from Exeter to London, as there’s no risk of you having to queue at the station and missing your train.

If you’ve got time to spare before your train, Exeter offers plenty to enjoy right on the doorstep of its stations. The city centre is compact, historic and packed with character. You can wander the cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter, explore the stunning Gothic architecture of Exeter Cathedral itself, or take a stroll along the Quayside for riverside views and independent shops. If the sun’s shining, green spaces like Northernhay Gardens or Rougemont Gardens offer a quiet moment to relax before your journey.

Once you arrive in London, you’ll find that both Waterloo and Paddington stations place you in the heart of the city. From London Paddington, it’s a short walk or tube ride to Hyde Park, Oxford Street or Notting Hill. If you’re heading into London Waterloo, you’ll be right next to the South Bank, with the London Eye, National Theatre, and views across the Thames just steps away. Both stations are well connected to the London Underground, making it easy to reach wherever you’re going in the capital, whether that’s a business meeting, a theatre show or a day of sightseeing.