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Trip Summary
You can pick from 20 daily train trips between Exeter and Portsmouth. The average train journey from Exeter to Portsmouth takes 3 hours and 25 minutes, but some Great Western Railway train trips are as short as 2 hours and 48 minutes.
| Distance | 107 mi (172 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 48m |
| Lowest price | $61.50 |
| Most frequent service | South Western Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 4 |
Which train should you take from Exeter to Portsmouth?
There are 4 train lines with service from Exeter to Portsmouth. South Western Railway + Connections is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 11 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry + Connections | 3 | 4h 0m | $67.45 |
| Great Western Railway | 2 | 3h 3m | $67.45 |
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 4 | 3h 35m | $100.57 |
| South Western Railway + Connections | 11 | 3h 16m | $61.50 |
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Exeter to Portsmouth start from $67, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Portsmouth. CrossCountry + Connections in Exeter leaves from Exeter St David's . And in Portsmouth trains arrive at Hilsea Station and 2 other train stations.
From Exeter to Portsmouth train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 4 hours and 0 minutes. If you are looking to get to Portsmouth faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 48 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 Portsmouth start from $67, and on average cost . Daily there are 4 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to Portsmouth. Great Western Railway + Connections in Exeter leaves from Exeter St David's . And in Portsmouth trains arrive at Hilsea Station and one other train station.
From Exeter to Portsmouth train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 3 hours and 35 minutes. If you are looking to get to Portsmouth faster, Great Western Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 48 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
Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Exeter to Portsmouth. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Exeter at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. 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 20 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 Portsmouth 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 bus services to the town from various locations across the country.
Portsmouth
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Portsmouth, located on the South coast of England, is home to several important historical dockyards and thus a storied maritime heritage. Though many people travel here to experience the nautical atmosphere, Portsmouth also offers many attractions and experiences to suit every taste.
For a taste of the sea, Henry VIII's Mary Rose is a must-see attraction, as well as Lord Nelson's famous HMS Victory. Both ships are accompanied by museums where visitors can learn more about these significant historical warships. If the weather drives you inside, take a walk around the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, hosting a variety of displays and recreations of how life has changed in Portsmouth over the centuries. To see the whole city all at once, climb Spinnaker Tower to see the city from 170 meters high. Finally, if you're feeling brave, walk across the glass Sky Walk to see the waves crash on the shore beneath your feet.
Due to its many ports, Portsmouth is accessible via ferry, as well as train, car, and bus. The South Western Railway makes getting to Portsmouth from London and other southern towns easy, while National Express and Megabus provide bus services that link many other major towns and cities.
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 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.
All train stations in Exeter:
Exeter St David's
Where is the train station in Portsmouth?
Main arrival station: Fratton
There are more train stations and stops in Portsmouth than most cities. Most trains from Exeter will stop at one (or more) of the 3 following stations in Portsmouth:
All train stations in Portsmouth:
Fratton
Cosham Train Station
Hilsea Station
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Need a return trip from Portsmouth to Exeter?
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