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Trip Summary
7 trains operate daily from York to Exeter. The train trip from York to Exeter is usually about 5 hours and 13 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest CrossCountry train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 59 minutes.
| Distance | 247 mi (397 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 59m |
| Lowest price | £91.42 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | London North Eastern Railway |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train service from York to Exeter
- CrossCountry tickets: £92 one-way
- London North Eastern Railway tickets: £96 one-way
- Northern Rail tickets: £93 one-way
Which train should you take from York to Exeter?
There are 3 train lines with service from York to Exeter. London North Eastern Railway is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry | 3 | 5h 11m | £91.42 |
| London North Eastern Railway | 3 | 5h 11m | £96.11 |
| Northern Rail | 1 | 5h 25m | £93.47 |
CrossCountry operates an extensive rail network in the U.K., centered in Birmingham. In standard class, passengers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Trains also contain a small café or a trolley that passes through the carriages. An upgrade to first-class gives passengers more legroom and complimentary food. The journey from York to Exeter usually takes about 5 hours and 11 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 3 trips on this route every day, and 3 daily trips on weekends.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is a privately-owned train company that operates passenger services on behalf of the UK government. LNER manages the prestigious East Coast mainline route, connecting London King's Cross Station to various cities, including Leeds, Bradford, and Hull. With a comprehensive network of 55 stations and a fleet of approximately 75 trains, LNER facilitates numerous daily journeys, offering standard and first-class ticket options.
Northern Rail, branded simply as 'Northern' on its trains, travels to cities such as Manchester, Blackpool, Windermere, Newcastle, and York. Complimentary WiFi is usually available in first- and standard-class carriages, plus an onboard restroom. The newer trains boast extra legroom, and all services have space for luggage at the end of carriages.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between York and Exeter is approximately 247 miles, or 397 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 13 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 59 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from York to Exeter on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs York at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 15:00. 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 7 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to Exeter. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Exeter to York.
City Information
York
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
The ancient town of York in the northeast of England offers adventure and excitement, as well as opportunities to sit back and relax. With over 1,900 years of history within its walls, the city of York is home to an intriguing mix of Roman and Viking history. Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre to experience a recreation of life in a Viking city, as well as life-size dioramas and a ride experience.
For those with an architectural eye, a visit to York Minster is a must. With its intricate stained glass windows and elaborate tombs, this medieval cathedral is an impressive yet peaceful place to spend a couple of hours exploring. York also boasts Europe's most visited street: The Shambles. Dating back to medieval times, this street now hosts many unique and independent shops, cafes, and bakeries, all with the feeling that you have stepped back in time.
With its position in the heart of the country, accessing York could not be simpler. East Midlands and Northern Rail services offer direct and quick train service to the city. York is also within reach of four international airports and many major roads for access via car. Park-and-ride services around the city mean you won't have to worry about parking in those medieval streets.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in York?
Main departure station: York Station
There is one train station in York.
All train stations in York:
York Station
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 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.
Train stations in Exeter:
Exeter St David's
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Need a return trip from Exeter to York?
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