Exeter is well-served by Great Western Railway and South Western Railway, with direct trains from London Paddington (approx. 2-3 hours) and regional connections from Bristol, Plymouth, and other cities.  There are also direct services to London Waterloo via Bath, Salisbury and Woking which typically take over 3hrs.

There are two main train Stations in Exeter: Exeter St. David’s, which is the primary hub for long-distance trains and Exeter Central which is closer to the city centre and convenient for local connections. Both stations have step-free access and facilities to support travellers with mobility needs.

If you are travelling from Europe, Eurostar train services operate to / from London St Pancras Station, from where there are trains to Exeter with a change at London Waterloo or London Paddington.

To plan your train journey, visit National Rail Enquiries website.

National Express offers coaches from major UK cities to Exeter Bus and Coach Station in the city centre. These services run frequently from cities like London, Birmingham, and Bristol, and offer an affordable option.

Exeter is easily accessible by car, located near the M5 motorway. The A30 and A38 also provide easy access from the west. From London, Exeter is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes away (175 miles via M4 and M5). The city is around 2 hours 30 minutes (150 miles via M5) from Birmingham, and roughly 1 hour 15 minutes from Bristol (75 miles via M5).

Exeter has good access to both Exeter Airport within 5 miles of the centre, and Bristol Airport which is reachable within an hour and a half.

• Exeter Airport is about a 15-minute drive from the city centre. You have several options for getting between the airport and the city. Stagecoach bus 56 and 4 operates regularly between the airport, Exeter City Centre and the train station, with multiple stops in the city. Travel time is approximately 25-30 minutes.
• Bristol Airport is approximately 70 miles from Exeter. Travellers can catch the Air Decker bus from the airport to Bristol Temple Meads, departing every 30 minutes and taking about 25 minutes. From there, a direct train runs to Exeter St Davids, with a travel time of around one hour. Alternatively, National Express offers direct services from Bristol Airport to Exeter. Though these services run less frequently than trains, they provide a convenient, budget-friendly option with an approximate travel time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

There are designated taxi services from the airport terminals. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer. For further information on local taxis refer to the ‘Getting around Exeter’ section below.

Car hire is available at the airports for visitors looking to drive themselves. Several major rental companies operate here, and advance booking is recommended during peak travel times.