Exeter rail passengers face changes as GWR introduces new winter timetable

Exeter travellers are being urged to check their journeys as Great Western Railway (GWR) introduces its new winter timetable from Sunday 14 December. 

The changes affect routes across the network, including services to and from Exeter St Davids and Exeter Central, as the company aims to improve performance and respond to seasonal demand.

Passengers planning festive travel are advised to book ahead and reserve seats, particularly during the busy run-up to Christmas. 

Journey planners are already updated with information covering Christmas and New Year travel, and advance fares are available online at GWR.com.

GWR has warned that trains will be busiest on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December, and Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 December, with services between 10am and 2pm in highest demand. Services will shut down earlier on Christmas Eve, with no trains running on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

READ NEXT: Alanis Morissette announced for Exeter's Powderham concert in 2026

The timetable change also marks the retirement of GWR’s three remaining Castle Class train sets, which currently operate on local routes in the South-West. 

These nearly 50-year-old trains are due to run their final services on Saturday 13 December, with other fleet units, including recommissioned Class 175s, set to replace them throughout 2026.

While some maintenance and improvement work will take place over the festive period, the impact on services is expected to be lower than in previous years. 

Passengers are also reminded to be considerate with luggage. Cabin-style bags, laptop bags, and handbags can be stored under seats or in overhead racks, while space for larger suitcases is limited. 

GWR advises travellers to avoid extra-large luggage, which staff cannot assist with on board.

From 27 December to 4 January, track renewal work will affect services to and from London Paddington. Some trains will be busier than usual, and no direct services will run between London Paddington and Cheltenham Spa, with passengers advised to change at Swindon or Bristol Parkway. 

Further work west of Cardiff Central will result in diverted services between Cardiff and Bridgend.

For full timetable information and guidance on festive travel, visit the GWR website.