London to Exeter

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 4 min read

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Exeter is the gateway to Devon and Cornwall, and reaching it from London is straightforward: two different rail routes serve the city, coaches are cheap, and the drive through the West Country has a character all of its own. Here is how every option compares so you can make the best choice for your journey.

The quickest way: GWR from Paddington

The fastest trains from London to Exeter run on Great Western Railway (GWR) from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids, taking around 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes on the quickest services. These trains run several times an hour during the day, with some calling at Reading and a few at Bristol Parkway before reaching Devon.

Exeter has two central stations: St Davids, which GWR uses and which is the bigger of the two, and Exeter Central, a short uphill walk into the city. St Davids is a few minutes' walk from the riverside area and about 15 minutes on foot to the cathedral. A frequent bus service connects the two stations if needed.

Advance fares are substantially cheaper than walk-up prices on this route. Book several weeks ahead to find the best deals; fares rise sharply as the date approaches and on busy summer weekends when demand for Devon and Cornwall is high. Seat reservations are included with advance tickets and are worthwhile on peak services.

For a broader guide to train travel in the UK, see travelling around Britain by rail.

An alternative route: South Western Railway via Salisbury

South Western Railway (SWR) runs a slower but useful service from London Waterloo through Salisbury and Yeovil Junction to Exeter St Davids, typically taking 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes. This is a longer journey but runs through appealing countryside and serves different intermediate stops. If you are stopping off at Salisbury to see the cathedral and Stonehenge, this route makes sense.

SWR fares on this corridor are sometimes cheaper than GWR equivalents, particularly for off-peak travel, though the longer journey time means it suits leisure travellers rather than those in a hurry.

The cheapest way: long-distance coach

National Express runs regular coaches from London Victoria to Exeter Bus and Coach Station, with journey times of 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes depending on the service. Budget services can also be found via Megabus at certain times. Fares, especially booked in advance, are typically the lowest available for this corridor.

The coach station is central, just north of the city centre. For longer trips to Devon's coastal resorts or Dartmoor, coaches can be a practical way to get as far as Exeter cheaply before taking local transport onward. See our guide to Megabus and national coaches for booking advice.

Flying: rarely worth it

Exeter Airport has limited UK domestic connections and is not a practical option for travel from London. The train clearly wins on this corridor for time and convenience.

Driving: the scenic route through the West Country

The road distance from London to Exeter is around 170 miles (275 km), largely via the M4 and then the M5 through Bristol. In good conditions the drive takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, but summer weekends in particular can see heavy delays on the M5 south of Bristol, especially heading into July and August. Friday afternoons can be particularly slow.

Driving opens up the possibility of stopping at Bath, Wells, or the Exmoor National Park on the way, and is the practical choice if you are continuing into Cornwall, rural Devon or the Jurassic Coast where public transport is patchy. Exeter city centre parking is available but can fill quickly in summer.

Getting around Exeter and beyond

Exeter is a compact cathedral city and most of the main sights — the medieval Cathedral, the Roman walls, the Quayside — are walkable from either station. For day trips, Dartmoor is about 30 minutes by bus or car; the south Devon coast including Teignmouth and Dawlish is reachable by GWR trains that continue from St Davids along the famous sea-wall line. Stagecoach buses radiate across Devon.

Which should you choose?

For speed and comfort, the GWR train from Paddington is the standout choice: frequent, fast, and city-centre to city-centre. The South Western Railway route makes sense if you want to break the journey or prefer Waterloo. Choose the coach to save money at the cost of time. Drive if you plan to explore Devon and Cornwall or are travelling in a group with luggage.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the train from London to Exeter?

The fastest GWR services from London Paddington reach Exeter St Davids in about 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes. South Western Railway services via Salisbury take around 3 hours to 3h30.

Which London station do I use for Exeter?

GWR trains depart from London Paddington (quickest). South Western Railway services depart from London Waterloo and take longer but serve Salisbury en route.

Is it worth driving to Exeter?

Driving is worthwhile if you plan to explore rural Devon, Dartmoor or Cornwall, where public transport is limited. For Exeter alone, the train is faster and less stressful, particularly in summer when the M5 is heavily congested.

How do I get from Exeter St Davids to the city centre?

The city centre and cathedral are about 15 minutes' walk from St Davids, or you can take a local bus. Exeter Central station is closer to the centre but on a different, slower line.