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Cardiff to Exeter from $35: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Cardiff, United Kingdom
to
Exeter, United Kingdom

How to Get from Cardiff to Exeter: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$35 - OtherBest price
175 kmDistance
1h 52m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cardiff to Exeter with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Train
Average Duration
2h  5m
Estimated price
$68-184
Recommended
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
1h  52m
Estimated price
$35-55
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 175 km
Duration: 1h 52m

See more options

Company
various
Train
Average Duration
2h  22m
Estimated price
$65-150
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Traveling From Cardiff to Exeter

Traveling from Cardiff’s vibrant urban pulse to Exeter’s historic charm offers a fascinating mix of modern city life and rich cultural heritage.

Best Neighbourhoods in Exeter

Exeter boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering something special for visitors.

Quayside
• Scenic riverside views and vibrant café culture.
• Great for walking, cycling, and exploring local shops.
St. Leonards
• Picturesque streets with historic architecture.
• Home to art galleries and boutique shops.
Exeter City Centre
• Hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
• Close to major attractions like the Cathedral.

Best Times To Visit Exeter's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your experience at Exeter's attractions.

Exeter Cathedral
Visiting early on weekday mornings allows for quieter exploration and fewer crowds.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum
Weekdays during the school hours typically offer a more relaxed atmosphere.
Exeter Quayside
Late afternoon in spring or autumn provides beautiful lighting and a peaceful vibe.

Exeter Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Exeter enjoys a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it a delightful destination any time of year. Spring and early autumn typically present the best conditions for sightseeing, while rain can occasionally influence your outdoor plans.

Dining Recommendation in Exeter

For a distinctive culinary experience, try the famous Devon crab at The Nutmeg, where fresh, local seafood takes center stage in a charming, relaxed atmosphere. This contrasts with Cardiff’s multicultural dining scene, offering a taste of Exeter’s coastal heritage and a refreshing focus on local ingredients.

Cardiff - Exeter operators

Explore transport companies operating between Cardiff and Exeter, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+44 3457 000 125
Website
https://www.gwr.com/

Train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$22-55

Train from Cardiff Central to Exeter St Davids

Average Duration
2h 22m
Estimated price
$65-150
Contact phone
0344 736 9123
Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/

Train from Bristol Temple Meads to Exeter St Davids

Average Duration
1h 26m
Estimated price
$45-100

Cardiff to Exeter: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Cardiff and Exeter offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Cardiff to Exeter, covering a distance of 175.4 km in just under 2 hours. Enjoy the captivating landscapes of Wales and southwestern England along the way. 💸 The cost of this journey ranges from £28 to £43, offering budget-friendly options for travelers looking to explore the stunning city of Exeter.
Average price
£27 - £43
🚆 Traveling by train from Cardiff to Exeter is a convenient option, with direct services operating every four hours, every day. The journey typically takes around 2 hours and 22 minutes. 🚆 For a quicker route, consider taking a combination of trains with a transfer along the way. This can reduce the travel time to as little as 2 hours and 3 minutes, although it involves changing trains at stations like Bristol Parkway or Bristol Temple Meads. 🚆 If you prefer a more scenic journey or have more time to spare, there are routes with transfers that provide alternative travel experiences, with varying durations ranging up to 3 hours and 26 minutes. Whichever route you choose, the train journey from Cardiff to Exeter offers a comfortable and efficient way to reach your destination in the UK.
Departure Point
Cardiff Central station
Arrival Point
Exeter St Davids station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard catering services on the Great Western Railway (GWR) trains from Cardiff to Exeter include a selection of refreshments available for purchase. You'll typically find light snacks, beverages, and sometimes a trolley service with hot drinks. You can also pre-order a meal through GWR's website for a seamless onboard dining experience.
• The train service from Cardiff to Exeter usually offers Standard Class and First Class seating options. Standard Class provides comfortable seating suitable for most travelers, while First Class offers more spacious seating, table service, and complimentary refreshments. Check availability for upgrades when booking your ticket on GWR's site.
• For your journey, Great Western Railway and Transport for Wales are the main operators on this route. You can find information and book tickets via the following websites: Great Western Railway (gwr.com) and Transport for Wales (tfw.wales). Be sure to compare prices and schedules for the best option.
🚌 Starting from Cardiff you will embark on a bus journey to Exeter. The route covers a distance of 194 km and takes approximately 4 hours and 16 minutes to reach your destination. 🚏 The first step of the journey involves boarding a bus towards London Victoria. This leg of the trip lasts about 1 hour and 5 minutes and includes a transfer at Bristol Bond St. Your next bus, the megabus M10N, will take you from Cardiff University Park Place to Bristol Bond St. 📍 The final leg of the journey consists of a bus ride towards Plymouth. This portion of the trip lasts roughly 2 hours and 31 minutes, with the megabus FALC departing from Bristol Bond St and arriving at Exeter Honiton Road Park and Ride.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Upon arriving at Exeter Honiton Road Park and Ride, take a moment to check the local bus schedules or use the Stagecoach app (https://www.stagecoachbus.com) to navigate your way seamlessly to Exeter city center, as this is a common starting point for local transport.

Trips from Cardiff