Cheap train tickets from Exeter to Southampton
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Exeter to Southampton Train Timetable
Trip Summary
You can pick from 16 daily train trips between Exeter and Southampton. The average train journey from Exeter to Southampton takes 4 hours and 32 minutes, but some CrossCountry + Connections train trips are as short as 3 hours and 16 minutes.
| Distance | 94 mi (151 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 16m |
| Lowest price | £38.05 |
| Most frequent service | CrossCountry + Connections |
| Train lines | 4 |
Which train should you take from Exeter to Southampton?
There are 4 train lines with service from Exeter to Southampton. CrossCountry + Connections is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 7 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry + Connections | 7 | 4h 5m | £84.38 |
| Great Western Railway | 1 | 9h 12m | £42.06 |
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 5 | 4h 17m | £84.75 |
| South Western Railway + Connections | 3 | 4h 33m | £39.16 |
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Exeter to Southampton start from £42, and on average cost . Daily there are 7 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Southampton. CrossCountry + Connections in Exeter leaves from Exeter St David's . And in Southampton trains arrive at Overline House and one other train station.
From Exeter to Southampton train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 4 hours and 5 minutes. If you are looking to get to Southampton faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 16 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 Exeter to Southampton start from £45, and on average cost . Daily there are 5 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to Southampton. Great Western Railway + Connections in Exeter leaves from Exeter St David's . And in Southampton trains arrive at Woolston .
From Exeter to Southampton train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 4 hours and 17 minutes. If you are looking to get to Southampton faster, Great Western Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 16 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.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Exeter to Southampton
The distance between Exeter and Southampton is approximately 94 miles, or 151 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 32 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 16 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Exeter to Southampton. 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 Exeter at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:00. 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 Southampton to Exeter.
City Information
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 coach services to the town from various locations across the country.
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 coach service from London and other cities throughout the United Kingdom.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Exeter?
Image credit: dksesh
Link to image attributionMain departure 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 centre, 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 car hire agency all await right outside of the station.
All train stations in Exeter:
Exeter St David's
Where is the train station in Southampton?
Main arrival 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.
Train stations in Southampton:
Woolston
Overline House
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Need a return trip from Southampton to Exeter?
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