Exeter St Davids to London Paddington Trains From £31.30*

Depart from Exeter St Davids onboard a direct Great Western Railway train, and you can be in London Paddington in just over around 2 hours. Relax and enjoy the journey on your Exeter to London train, arriving in the capital refreshed and stress-free.

Soak up the landscapes from your window seat as you travel past the river valleys of the Blackdown Hills and on through Devon, Somerset and Berkshire.

Great Western Railway operates long-distance and regional services connecting London Paddington with the South West, South Wales and the Cotswolds. From Exeter St Davids, Great Western Railway trains run directly to the capital as well as key destinations, including Bristol, Cardiff, Oxford and Penzance.

Departing from Exeter St Davids

Just a mile from the city centre, Exeter St Davids is easily reached by bus or taxi, or on foot with a 20-minute (uphill) walk. Regular train connections from Exeter Central (every 5 minutes) and St Thomas (every 30 minutes) provide quick and convenient access to the station.

Devon’s busiest railway station, Exeter St Davids offers direct Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, and CrossCountry services to London Paddington, London Waterloo, Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh, as well as local routes to Exmouth, Paignton, Barnstaple and Okehampton.

Managed by Great Western Railway, Exeter St Davids offers a range of passenger facilities, including a staffed ticket office, step-free access to all platforms, and comfortable waiting rooms, as well as retail outlets and a variety of food and drink options, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your journey.

Main stops

Aboard your Exeter St Davids to London Paddington train, the main stops you’ll pass through are Taunton and Reading.

Arriving at London Paddington

As your Great Western Railway service rolls into London Paddington, you’ll arrive into one of the capital’s main transport hubs. Located in west central London, Paddington links the city with the West of England and South Wales, as well as Heathrow Airport via the Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth Line. You can also catch direct trains from here to major destinations including Oxford, Bath and Bristol.

A short walk from the station brings you to some of London’s best attractions. Explore leafy Regent’s Park, go wild at London Zoo, or take a selfie with a celebrity or two at nearby Madame Tussaud’s. At Baker Street, you can pay homage to Sherlock Holmes at a museum dedicated to the fictional sleuth, or head into the stylish Marylebone area for boutique shopping and elegant eateries. 

Great Western Railway train classes 

• Standard Class: Enjoy a comfortable journey onboard your Exeter St Davids to London Paddington train with free Wi-Fi, generous seating, and a restaurant car offering locally sourced food and drink on most Great Western Railway services.
• First Class: Travelling from Exeter St Davids to London Paddington, First Class offers a more comfortable and convenient experience with plug and USB sockets at your table, fast Wi-Fi, and spacious seats with extra legroom. On selected services, complimentary drinks and snacks are available, and some routes also offer Pullman Dining, featuring freshly prepared meals served at your seat. Upon arrival, First Class passengers can also access the exclusive lounge at London Paddington, and on weekends, upgrades are available from just £10.

Great Western Railway train travel advice

Here’s everything you need to know before your Exeter St Davids to London Paddington journey, from tips on travelling with children or pets to luggage guidelines and accessible travel support.

• Luggage: Passengers may bring up to three items of luggage, such as suitcases, holdalls or rucksacks, at no extra charge. Baggage should be stowed in overhead or end-of-car racks to make sure they don’t block aisles or doors.
• Bicycles: You can travel on board Great Western Railway services with a standard bike or e-bike with a free reservation. Space is limited, so it’s best to book ahead. Folding bikes are permitted on all services, but should be folded and stowed in luggage racks. E-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: Under-fives can travel for free, while children aged between 5-15 are eligible for half-price rail fares. 16- and 17-year-olds are also eligible for a 50% discount with the 16-17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Up to two pets can be carried onboard free of charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead, and any other small pets should be transported in a carrier. All pets should be kept off seats.
• Passenger Assist: Passengers requiring assistance with boarding and disembarking, navigating stations, or who wish to reserve a wheelchair space can arrange for help via Passenger Assist at the time of booking, through the app, or at staffed stations on the same day. 

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.