Bristol to Exeter train with CrossCountry

Sat 13 Dec
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Great Western Rail
Cross Country
first_great_western
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Great Western Rail
Cross Country
first_great_western
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Exeter

Showing times and prices for 15 Dec

Cheapest price

£18

Average price

£56

Fastest journey

57 m

Average duration

1 h 2 m

Trains per day

18

Distance

104 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bristol to Exeter will cost around £56 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.

Fast trains

Of the 18 trains that leave Bristol for Exeter every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 104 km distance in an average of 1 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 57 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 7 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

CrossCountryC75054
08:451h01
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
09:46Exeter St Davids (EXD)
£181One-way
0 changes
CrossCountryC75459+Great Western RailP33359
10:451h47
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
12:32Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
£291One-way
1 change
CrossCountryC75133+Great Western RailP33351
09:451h47
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
11:32Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
£291One-way
1 change
CrossCountryC75054+Great Western RailP33344
08:451h48
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
10:33Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
£291One-way
1 change
CrossCountryC75054+Great Western RailP31593
08:451h12
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
09:57Exeter Central (EXC)
£291One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Bristol to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £6, and a train costs an average of £8.

Distance: 104 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£24

Average Price

£11

Average Price

Cheapest

1h 44m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 28m

Average total duration

1h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Bristol to Exeter train times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Exeter trains for today, Sunday 14 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 08:29
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
great_westernV37514 · P31580
On time
09:25 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h24
10:49 Exeter Central (EXC)
1 change
great_westernV37514 · P33340
On time
09:25 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h09
10:34 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
great_westernV37514
On time
09:25 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h00
10:25 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
cross_countryC72067+great_westernL17207
On time
09:50 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h15
11:05 Exeter Central (EXC)
1 change
cross_countryC72067
On time
09:50 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h00
10:50 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
cross_countryC72067+great_westernP33347
On time
09:50 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h42
11:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
great_westernP31376
On time
09:55 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h35
11:30 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
great_westernV37513 · P33347
On time
10:05 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h27
11:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
great_westernV37513
On time
10:05 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h04
11:09 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
great_westernV37513 · P31583
On time
10:05 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h13
11:18 Exeter Central (EXC)
1 change
cross_countryC74852
On time
10:55 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
0h57
11:52 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
cross_countryC74852+great_westernL17208
On time
10:55 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h10
12:05 Exeter Central (EXC)
1 change
great_westernV37512 · P33354
On time
11:07 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h25
12:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
great_westernV37512 · P31589
On time
11:07 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h12
12:19 Exeter Central (EXC)
1 change
cross_countryC75135+great_westernP33362
On time
11:57 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h35
13:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
great_westernV63819 · P33362
On time
12:09 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h23
13:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
Monday 15 December
cross_countryC74896+great_westernP31581
On time
06:40 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h07
07:47 Exeter Central (EXC)
1 change
cross_countryC74896
On time
06:40 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
0h57
07:37 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
cross_countryC74896+great_westernP33324
On time
06:40 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h22
08:02 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
great_westernP31363 · P33329
On time
06:47 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h48
08:35 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
great_westernP31363 · P31584
On time
06:47 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h33
08:20 Exeter Central (EXC)
1 change
great_westernP31363
On time
06:47 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h21
08:08 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP22660
On time
07:38 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h06
08:44 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP22660 · P23174
On time
07:38 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h27
09:05 Exeter Central (EXC)
1 change
great_westernP31367
On time
07:52 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h42
09:34 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
cross_countryC74848
On time
08:11 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
0h57
09:08 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
cross_countryC74848+great_westernP33336
On time
08:11 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h24
09:35 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
cross_countryC74848+great_westernP31590
On time
08:11 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1h08
09:19 Exeter Central (EXC)
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Exeter by coach or train

Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bristol to Exeter?

The best time to book your train from Bristol to Exeter is 49 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Bristol to Exeter route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Bristol to Exeter per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Bristol to Exeter.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bristol to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bristol to Exeter run on average 20 times per day, taking around 1h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:42, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 104 km distance in 57m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6
Distance
104 km
Average train duration
1h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
£8
Trains per day
20
Direct trains
7
Fastest train
57m
First train
00:42
Last train
23:50
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6

Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, first_great_western from Bristol to Exeter trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Bristol and Exeter from £6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
57m
Cheapest Price
£16
CrossCountry frequency
15 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Great Western Rail

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 30m
Cheapest Price
£17
Great Western Rail frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
56m
Cheapest Price
£84
Cross Country frequency
12 a day

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 6m
Cheapest Price
£71
first_great_western frequency
8 a day

Trains from Bristol to Exeter: Journey Details

Direct trains from Bristol to Exeter are provided by First Great Western and CrossCountry. The weekday timetable begins with an early morning departure, with around 3 trains an hour throughout the day. There is a roughly an hourly service until a final departure from Bristol just before midnight. Journey times range from 55 minutes to an hour and 40 minutes. Sunday services are less frequent, with an earlier final departure from Bristol. Weekday off-peak fares are available on departures from 8:44 a.m. onwards.

FAQs: Bristol to Exeter train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Exeter by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Exeter, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
A day trip from Bristol to Exeter is feasible with a travel duration of 57m and a distance of 104 km. Trains run 20 times per day, making it convenient to plan your journey.
The train journey from Bristol to Exeter is considered scenic, offering views of the Somerset countryside and the rolling hills of Devon, with sections running alongside rivers and picturesque landscapes.
Booking trains from Bristol to Exeter in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bristol and Exeter. The service operates 7 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, first_great_western.
The cost of a train ticket from Bristol to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £24.
The cheapest way to get from Bristol to Exeter is by coach, costing approximately £6.
The train station in Bristol that goes to Exeter is Bristol Temple Meads (BRI), and it arrives at Exeter St Davids (EXD).
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bristol to Exeter.
Yes, you can take the train from Bristol to Exeter.
To get from Bristol to Exeter, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
Two to three days in Exeter is ideal to explore its historic sites, enjoy the stunning quayside, and visit nearby attractions like Dartmoor National Park.
The train distance from Bristol to Exeter is 104 km.
The train journey from Bristol to Exeter covers a distance of 104 km and takes approximately 57m. Trains run 20 per day.
The first train from Bristol to Exeter leaves at 0:42.
The last train from Bristol to Exeter departs at 23:50.
Trains from Bristol to Exeter run approximately 20 times per day.
There is no night train service from Bristol to Exeter.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Exeter

Bristol
Exeter
The major train station for departures in Bristol is Bedminster. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bedminster for your trip from Bristol to Exeter.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Step Free Category B1 Station Step free access available to both platforms. Please note that access to the platforms is via steep ramps. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station.
  • Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Station entrance.
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Bedminster
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Bristol - bus stop outside ASDA East Street. Towards Weston super Mare, bus stop on Dalby Avenue by Artworks
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
  • Sun: 06:45 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: WHS/M&S; Uppercrust; Pumpkin; Pasty Shop; Starbucks; Lily's Flowers
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Dining
Dining
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Starbucks
  • Upper Crust
  • Pumpkin Café
  • Hart's Bakery
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: The taxi rank is available on the station forecourt. If you require an accessible taxi please approach a member of staff for assistance. To reach the station forecourt; exit through the ticket barriers, turn left and exit through the main doors. You can find more information about local taxi services here.
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators.
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Ladies, Gents and Baby Change are located in the Passenger Subway. The Baby Change is located next to the Ladies Toilets. An additional Baby Change facility is also located in the Accessible Toilet on Platform 13/15. Accessible Toilets are located on Platform 3 by the Help Desk and on Platform 13/15.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: Radar Key available from station staff.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center
  • Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Waiting Rooms are located on Platform 5/7 and on Platform 13/15
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
  • Sun: 06:45 - 21:30
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: The main storage location for bikes is at The Friary at Temple Quay, just to the right of the ramped exit from the long stay car park. A limited bike storage location can be found on Station Approach by Queen Anne's Gate. There is no longer any bike storage inside the station.
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the main entrance.
Public transport options for Bristol Temple Meads
  • Bus lines: A1, 1, 2, 8, 39/349/X39, 70, 73, 178, 376
  • Train lines: CrossCountry, Great Western Main Line, Severn Beach Line
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station front. Alternative: the lower approach road, outside the front of Bristol & Exeter House
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
phone
Phone Number
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access note: Step free Category B1 station - step free access available to both platforms via ramp and choice of drop off points, however adjacent car parks need to be used for full step free access. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station.
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Located on both platforms
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Clifton Down
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stops on either side of Whiteladies Road outside Clifton Down Shopping Centre

More options for your journey from Bristol to Exeter

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Exeter Bristol to Exeter train

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