Is Exeter a good place to visit?

Yes, it is a historic city with a great cultural scene.

How long is the train journey?

Approximately 7.5 hours including transfers.

Are there direct trains?

No, you will need to change in London.

What is the best route by car?

The M6/M5 route is the most direct.

No, there are no direct ferries from Cumbria to Exeter.

Keswick

Exeter

Train Driving

Keswick to Exeter

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Keswick to Exeter is a very long-distance trip of approximately 550 kilometers. By car, you will travel south on the M6, then take the M5 to reach Exeter. By train, the most common route is to travel to London Euston, then take the Underground to Paddington, and finally a train to Exeter. This journey takes you from the mountainous Lake District to the historic city of Exeter in Devon.

Total Distance: 550 km driving distance; 480 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest, taking approximately 7 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally more cost-effective for groups.

Compare Keswick to Exeter Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	7 hours 30 mins	7 hours
Avg Price	150-300 GBP	120-200 GBP
Operator	Avanti West Coast / GWR	N/A
Route	Bus to Penrith, train to London Euston, tube to Paddington, train to Exeter.	M6 South, M5 South to Exeter.
Tip	The train from London Paddington to Exeter is very frequent.	The M5 is a major route; plan your journey to avoid peak hours.

Travel Tips

London Transfer
Allow plenty of time for the transfer between London Euston and Paddington.
Traffic
The M5 is a major route; check for accidents before you leave.
Booking
Book train tickets well in advance to avoid high prices.
Parking
Exeter has several large car parks; check for pre-booking options.
Weather
Devon is generally warmer than Cumbria.