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Exeter to Cardiff from $65: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Exeter, United Kingdom
to
Cardiff, United Kingdom

How to Get from Exeter to Cardiff: 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.

$65 by trainBest price
88.5 kmDistance
1h 52m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Exeter to Cardiff 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  10m
Estimated price
$69-185
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
2h  25m
Estimated price
$65-150
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 88.5 km
Duration: 1h 52m

See more options

Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
1h  52m
Estimated price
$35-55
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Traveling From Exeter to Cardiff

The journey from Exeter, known for its charming cathedral and picturesque quayside, to Cardiff, Wales’ vibrant capital rich in culture and history, offers a fascinating contrast in experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cardiff

Cardiff boasts a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own character.

Cardiff Bay
• Home to stunning waterfront views.
• Features diverse restaurants and bars.
Bute Park
• Expansive green space ideal for relaxation.
• Hosts outdoor events and festivals.
Cathays
• Popular with students and young professionals.
• Vibrant nightlife and cultural venues.

Best Times To Visit Cardiff's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your Cardiff experience significantly.

Cardiff Castle
Visit early on weekday mornings for a quieter exploration.
National Museum Cardiff
Afternoons during weekdays offer fewer crowds and better viewing.
Cardiff Bay
Late afternoons on weekdays provide stunning sunsets with fewer tourists.

Cardiff Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cardiff experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and cool summers, with rain possible at any time. Spring and early autumn typically offer the best conditions for exploring outdoors, helping to enhance your overall travel experience.

Dining in Cardiff: A Culinary Adventure

At The Potted Pig, indulge in their signature dish—pork belly served with a rich cider sauce that showcases the robust flavors of Welsh cuisine. This dining experience, set in a converted bank vault, provides a vibrant atmosphere and a creative twist on traditional ingredients, offering a refreshing departure from the more understated food scene in Exeter.

Exeter - Cardiff operators

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

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
0344 736 9123
Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/

Train from Exeter St Davids to Bristol Parkway

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$50-130

Train from Bristol Parkway to Cardiff Central

Average Duration
43m
Estimated price
$30-55
Contact phone
+44 3457 000 125
Website
https://www.gwr.com/

Train from Exeter St Davids to Bristol Parkway

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$45-110

Train from Bristol Parkway to Cardiff Central

Average Duration
31m
Estimated price
$20-50

Train from Exeter St Davids to Cardiff Central

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$65-150

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

Traveling between Exeter and Cardiff 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 picturesque journey from Exeter to Cardiff, spanning a driving distance of 173.8 km. Enjoy the scenic views as you traverse through the English countryside towards the bustling capital of Wales. 💷 Prices for the road trip from Exeter to Cardiff range from £28 to £43, offering flexibility for different budgets. 🌆 Arrive in Cardiff after approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes of driving, immersing yourself in the vibrant cityscape and historical landmarks.
Average price
£27 - £43
🚆 Traveling from Exeter to Cardiff by train is a convenient option, with direct services departing from Exeter St Davids and arriving at Cardiff Central every three hours, taking approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes. 🛤️ The journey covers a distance of 184 km and offers several routes with a transfer along the way. Depending on the route chosen, travelers may experience a change of trains at stations such as Bristol Parkway or Bristol Temple Meads before reaching Cardiff Central. 🎫 Train ticket prices between Exeter and Cardiff vary from £55 to £146, and passengers can enjoy a comfortable and scenic rail journey through the beautiful English and Welsh countryside on their way to the capital of Wales.
Departure Point
Exeter St Davids station
Arrival Point
Cardiff Central station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your journey from Exeter to Cardiff include a catering option provided by Great Western Railway. You can enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks available for purchase. Additionally, First Class passengers are offered complimentary light refreshments during the trip. For more details on their menu, visit the Great Western Railway catering page at gwr.com
• Great Western Railway provides several seating options, including Standard Class and First Class. In Standard Class, you can expect comfortable seating with a clean and spacious environment, while First Class offers more spacious seats with extra legroom, complimentary snacks, and a quieter atmosphere. For the latest booking options, check their website at gwr.com
• When you arrive in Cardiff, navigation is straightforward as the main train station, Cardiff Central, is very close to the city center. You can leave your luggage at the station’s left luggage facility, which is available for a fee (£8 for up to 24 hours). You’ll also find restroom facilities at Cardiff Central, though there are no showers available. To reach the city center quickly, hop on the Cardiff Metro, specifically the number 7 or 8 bus, which takes you to the heart of Cardiff in approximately 10-15 minutes.
🚌 Take a scenic bus journey from Exeter to Cardiff that spans 194 km and requires a transfer. The first leg involves a 2-hour 20-minute ride from Exeter Honiton Road to Bristol Bond St via megabus FALC. 🚏 After arriving in Bristol, board another bus towards Cardiff University for the final stretch of the trip, which takes about 50 minutes. The megabus M10N will transport you from Bristol Bond St to your destination in Cardiff. 🌉 Enjoy the convenience of bus travel on this route, which offers a smooth and comfortable journey from Exeter to Cardiff in approximately 3 hours and 32 minutes. Make the most of the scenic views along the way as you move between cities in the UK.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• For the quickest route, consider taking the Megabus from Exeter Honiton Road to Bristol Bond Street, which takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, and is followed by another Megabus to Cardiff, lasting around 50 minutes. You can check schedules at megabus.com
• As you transfer at Bristol Bond Street, be aware that it is a busy hub, so plan ahead by checking the layout of the bus station to ensure a smooth transfer to your next bus. A station map can be found here: bristol.gov.uk
• Upon arriving in Cardiff, note that the Cardiff University stop is centrally located, making it easy to explore nearby attractions like the National Museum Cardiff and the beautiful Bute Park; consider grabbing a quick bite at the nearby ‘The Secret Garden’ cafe.

Trips to Cardiff