- Must visit
Tate St Ives
Seafront gallery showing modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and dramatic views over Porthmeor Beach.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Exeter to St Ives
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£7
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£10
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 15 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 38 m
Buses on 18 Sept
2
Distance
150 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Exeter to St Ives is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to St Ives will cost around £10 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £7.
Fast coaches
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 buses from Exeter to St Ives, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 150 km distance in an average of 3 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .
The slowest buses will take 4 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
13:154h00Exeter17:15St Ives£71One-way0 changes- 20:253h15Exeter23:40St Ives£131One-way0 changes
- 20:253h15Exeter23:40St Ives£131One-way0 changes
- 13:154h00Exeter17:15St Ives£71One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Exeter to St Ives
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter to St Ives among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £8 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 41m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, while a train costs an average of £17.
Distance: 150 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£8 Average Price Cheapest | £17 Average Price | £30 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 52m Average total duration 4h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 41m Average total duration Fastest 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Exeter to St Ives is a coach with an average price of £8.
This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to St Ives:
A coach is £9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to St Ives costing on average £17.
The fastest way to travel from Exeter to St Ives is by train with an average journey time of 3h 11m.
Other travel options to St Ives take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 22m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Exeter and St Ives including taking a coach and train.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £8 compared to roughly £30 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £21. The journey takes 4h 22m versus 2h 2m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Exeter to St Ives bus times
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to St Ives coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:15 Exeter | 4h00 | 16:15 St Ives | 0 changesdirect | |
| 13:15 Exeter | 4h00 | 17:15 St Ives | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Exeter to St Ives by coach or train
Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
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20 Sept
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24 Sept
Why should you book Exeter to St Ives coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Exeter to St Ives.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Exeter to St Ives.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Exeter to St Ives.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to St Ives.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Exeter to St Ives
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Exeter to St Ives run on average 16 times per day, taking around 4h 22m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £7 if you book in advance.
There are 11 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:40, the last at 23:05. The fastest coach covers the 150 km distance in 3h 10m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 150 km |
Average bus duration 4h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Buses per day 16 |
Direct buses 11 |
Fastest bus 3h 10m |
First bus 1:40 |
Last bus 23:05 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: National Express from Exeter to St IvesYou can travel by bus between Exeter to St Ives with National Express for as low as £7. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
4h 33m
Cheapest National Express Price
£31
National Express frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to St Ives
Things to do in St Ives
Discover the best of St Ives — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect St Ives trip today.
- Must visit
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
Former artists’ studio and home of Barbara Hepworth, featuring sculptures displayed in the garden and preserved rooms.
- Recommended
St Ives Museum
Local museum covering fishing, mining, art and maritime life, with varied exhibits that explain St Ives past.
- Must visit
St Ives Harbour
Compact harbour area with beaches, boats, galleries and winding lanes; ideal for soaking up the town’s atmosphere.
- Must visit
Porthmeor Beach
Sheltered beach and promenade beneath Tate St Ives, loved for surfing, sunsets and easy access to the coast path.
- Recommended
The Island
Headland path and grassy viewpoint above the beaches, popular for sea views, picnics and watching the sunset.
Cornish Pasty
Cornish pasty is a baked pastry with beef, potato, swede and onion. It is Cornwall’s best-known portable meal and strongly tied to local mining history.
Stargazy Pie
Stargazy pie is a traditional Cornish fish pie, usually with pilchards baked under pastry with the fish heads showing. It is a famous local winter speciality.
- Gluten-free
Cornish Sardines
Cornish sardines, often called pilchards locally, are a signature catch of Cornwall. They are prized for their freshness and long fishing heritage.
St Ives Bakery
Popular traditional bakery for Cornish pasties, pies and sweet treats. A dependable stop for classic local food in casual surroundings.
Porthminster Beach Cafe
Harbourside seafood restaurant known for fresh local fish and shellfish. Relaxed modern setting with strong views over St Ives harbour.
Porthgwidden Beach Cafe
Established seafood restaurant by the harbour, focused on local catch, oysters and crab. Smart but approachable atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
St Ives is pricier than many UK seaside towns, especially in summer. Hotels, seafood meals and parking add up, though buses and simple cafés can keep costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food, pasties or a simple café meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino or flat white.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and spare change is fine in cafés.
FAQs: Exeter to St Ives coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to St Ives by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at St Ives, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Exeter to St Ives can start from as little as £7 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Exeter to St Ives is £8; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Exeter to St Ives is 3h 10m to travel the 150 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Exeter to St Ives leaves at 1:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Exeter to St Ives leaves at 23:05.
Yes, there are 11 direct coaches a day from Exeter to St Ives with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Exeter to St Ives, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to St Ives. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Exeter and St Ives and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Exeter , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court, Cullompton, Station Road . When arriving in St Ives , you can end your route in coach stations like Hayle, Penpol Terrace (The Big Pink Tree), St Erth, A30, Crowlas, A30, Penzance, Station Road, Penryn, Falmouth University, Hayle, Fore Street.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at St Erth, A30, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to St Ives from Exeter is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Exeter to St Ives is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Exeter and St Ives including taking a coach and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Exeter to St Ives for coach company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Exeter to St Ives:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Exeter to St Ives depends on the coach companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Exeter to St Ives.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Exeter to St Ives:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Exeter to St Ives:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Exeter to St Ives.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Exeter to St Ives with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Exeter to St Ives with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Exeter to St Ives with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and St Ives
Most Exeter to St Ives buses use the Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court to St Erth, A30 station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter and St Ives bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Exeter
Arrival bus stations in St Ives
Which Exeter station do buses to St Ives leave from?
Buses from Exeter to St Ives leave from Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court. The station is from Exeter city centre at Exeter Coach Station, Bampfylde St, Exeter EX1 2JX, UK.
Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover CourtExeter Coach Station, Bampfylde St, Exeter EX1 2JX, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court from Exeter city centre
Bus173 · 5m · £0.90 · every ~1 min
A, E · 6m · £2 · every ~21 min
Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court bus station facilities and services
Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court. ATMs are available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court: Wheelchair accessible.
Most popular bus connections from Exeter
More options for your journey from Exeter to St Ives
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from St Ives and Exeter
Most popular bus connections
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