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Trip Summary
16 trains operate daily from Southampton to Exeter. The train trip from Southampton to Exeter is usually about 3 hours and 59 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Great Western Railway train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 21 minutes.
| Distance | 94 mi (151 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 21m |
| Lowest price | $35.32 |
| Most frequent service | South Western Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 6 |
Train service from Southampton to Exeter
- CrossCountry + Connections tickets: C$225 one-way
- Great Western Railway tickets: C$36 one-way
- Great Western Railway + Connections tickets: C$69 one-way
- South Western Railway tickets: C$69 one-way
- South Western Railway + Connections tickets: C$48 one-way
- Southern + Connections tickets: C$75 one-way
Which train should you take from Southampton to Exeter?
There are 6 train lines with service from Southampton to Exeter. South Western Railway + Connections is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 8 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry + Connections | 1 | 3h 2m | $225.53 |
| Great Western Railway | 3 | 2h 32m | $62.40 |
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 1 | 2h 57m | $68.70 |
| South Western Railway | 1 | 8h 32m | $68.70 |
| South Western Railway + Connections | 8 | 4h 20m | $109.32 |
| Southern + Connections | 2 | 3h 30m | $153.48 |
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Southampton to Exeter start from $226, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Exeter. CrossCountry + Connections in Southampton leaves from Overline House . And in Exeter trains arrive at Exeter St David's .
From Southampton to Exeter train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 3 hours and 2 minutes. If you are looking to get to Exeter faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 21 minutes.
Great Western Railway is a train company in the United Kingdom responsible for rail services in the west of England and south Wales, including many intercity services to and from London. Whether you book a seat on a standard or first-class carriage, you can expect plenty of legroom, complimentary WiFi, power outlets/USB charging points, and onboard restrooms. There are also café cars or snacks trolleys onboard.
Great Western Railway + Connections train tickets from Southampton to Exeter start from $69, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to Exeter. Great Western Railway + Connections in Southampton leaves from Overline House . And in Exeter trains arrive at Exeter St David's .
From Southampton to Exeter train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 2 hours and 57 minutes. If you are looking to get to Exeter faster, Great Western Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 21 minutes.
UK's South Western Railway operates passenger rail services in London, Windsor, Reading, and Southampton. Both standard class and first-class seating are available, with the first-class section clearly marked and physically separated from the rest of the train by internal doorways. These cars offer more space and quiet away from the more crowded areas.
UK's South Western Railway operates passenger rail services in London, Windsor, Reading, and Southampton. Both standard class and first-class seating are available, with the first-class section clearly marked and physically separated from the rest of the train by internal doorways. These cars offer more space and quiet away from the more crowded areas.
Southern Railway is part of the British rail network serving stations predominantly between central London and the British south coast. Destinations include Brighton, Gatwick Airport, and Worthing. WiFi and accessible restrooms are available on most trains, plus the option to upgrade to a first-class ticket with extra legroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Southampton to Exeter. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Saturday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Southampton at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 16 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Exeter to Southampton.
City Information
Southampton
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Southampton is a scenic city along England's south coast, known for its history as an important port. No matter the time of year you visit, Southampton has a wealth of activities and attractions.
Your first stop is the SeaCity Museum, where you can discover the city's history and engage with the model of the RMS Titanic. Next, the Solent Sky Museum turns your attention skyward as it details Southampton's aviation history. The Southampton City Art Gallery is a hidden gem to view painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, print, and video exhibits. And if you’re on a tour of England’s premier league stadiums, Southampton’s St. Mary’s Stadium is a must.
For a unique dining experience, try the café at the Tudor House and Garden Museum. They serve local food and fantastic coffee in a home that's over 800 years old. Then, as you walk through the nearby Cultural Quarter, keep your eyes peeled for remnants of the city's medieval walls amidst the chic bars and stores.
Southampton Airport does serve international flights, but it's easy to reach Southampton even if you fly into one of London's airports. South Western Railway and Megabus provide train and bus service from London and other cities throughout the United Kingdom.
Exeter
Located on the River Exe in the southwest of England, Exeter is one of England's most historically-varied towns. It's easy to forget what year it is while walking down the cobbled streets surrounded by Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and Georgian facades interspersed with modern glass buildings and contemporary bars.
One of the greatest examples of this town's historical architecture is Exeter Cathedral. The 12th-century building took around 300 years to complete, but every moment was worth it for the exterior’s extremely detailed stonework. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is another unmissable building, housing a wide range of attractions from antiquities to zoology.
Take a walk along Exeter's historic quayside for some of the most spectacular scenery in the city, as well as some of Exeter's best bars and restaurants. If you're looking for something to entertain the children, Crealy Great Adventure Park is the place to be. The park contains over 60 rides and an Animal Barn showcasing farm and exotic animals.
Exeter can be easily reached from London via the Great Western Railway, with trains leaving roughly every hour from the city. Trains arrive at Exeter St. David's station, only a short walk away from the city center. In addition, National Express and Megabus provide bus services to the town from various locations across the country.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Southampton?
Main departure station: Woolston
Many trains to Southampton stop across the river in one of its suburbs, Woolston. The Woolston Station dates to 1866, and its blanched Italianate facade has been preserved despite damage during World War II. The small station offers basic amenities and is surrounded by suburban shops and homes. Routes through Woolston include the West Coastway line from Brighton to Southampton. Past the Woolston Station, South Western trains round the River Itchen for a beautiful view of Southampton.
All train stations in Southampton:
Woolston
Overline House
Where is the train station in Exeter?
Image credit: dksesh
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Exeter St David's
St David's Train Station is the principal railway station that serves Exeter. Great Western Railway and CrossCountry operate several routes through this station, the most popular being the line to London Paddington. The station is a 15-minute walk from the city center, but frequent local bus services also connect to the rest of Exeter. Inside the station, you'll find a bookshop and cafe along with amenities like restrooms and notice boards with train information. Several local shops, a Premier Inn Hotel, and a rental car agency all await right outside of the station.
Train stations in Exeter:
Exeter St David's
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Need a return trip from Exeter to Southampton?
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