The London to Exeter train route connects the capital with the historic cathedral city of Exeter in Devon. Frequent direct services operate along the Great Western Main Line, providing a fast and comfortable way to reach the South West from London.
1. Journey Overview
- Fastest journey: ~2 hours
- Typical journey time: 2h – 2h 30m
- Distance: ~170 miles (274 km)
- Direct trains: Yes
- Frequency: 2 trains per hour
- Main operator: Great Western Railway (GWR)
2. Departure and Arrival Stations
London Paddington
Most London to Exeter trains depart from London Paddington. For station facilities and connections, see the London Paddington Station Guide.
Exeter St Davids
Exeter St Davids is the city’s main long-distance station, with onward connections across Devon and Cornwall.
3. Route Highlights
Direct services commonly call at:
- Reading
- Taunton
The route includes scenic countryside and river valleys in Somerset and Devon.
4. Onboard Experience
- Free Wi-Fi on most services
- Power sockets at seats
- Air-conditioned carriages
- Onboard catering available
- First Class seating available
5. Best Time to Travel
- Peak: Weekday mornings and evenings
- Off-peak: Late morning, midday and evening
- Weekends: Busy in summer
6. Ticket Tips
- Book Advance tickets early for cheaper fares
- Railcards save up to 33%
- Seat reservations recommended
7. Useful Connections
- For longer South West travel, see the London to Plymouth Train Guide.
- For Bristol travel, check the Bristol to London Train Guide.
- For northern routes, see the London to Leeds Train Guide.
8. Why Choose the Train?
- Fast and direct route from London
- Comfortable long-distance services
- Scenic countryside sections
- City-centre arrival
Part of our Train Routes in the UK series.