- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
City museum with local history, archaeology, world cultures and changing exhibitions in a landmark Victorian building.
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4:525h52Darlington10:44Exeter£541One-way0 changes
- 4:525h52Darlington10:44Exeter£541One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Darlington to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Darlington to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 38m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £42, and a flight costs an average of £170.
Distance: 443 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£90 Average Price | £61 Average Price Cheapest | £485 Average Price |
6h 31m Average total duration 6h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 45m Average total duration 11h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 38m Average total duration Fastest 4h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Darlington to Exeter train times
The table below shows live departures for Darlington to Exeter trains for today, Sunday 9 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 10:06 Darlington | 5h40 | 15:46 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 11:11 Darlington | 5h35 | 16:46 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:10 Darlington | 5h36 | 17:46 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 13:10 Darlington | 5h35 | 18:45 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 14:11 Darlington | 5h34 | 19:45 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 15:11 Darlington | 5h33 | 20:44 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 16:10 Darlington | 5h39 | 21:49 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 17:12 Darlington | 5h31 | 22:43 Exeter | 0 changesdirect | |
| 19:11 Darlington | 11h25 | 6:36 Exeter | 1 change | |
| 20:09 Darlington | 12h58 | 9:07 Exeter | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Darlington to Exeter by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Darlington to Exeter
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Darlington to Exeter run on average 13 times per day, taking around 6h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £54 but you can travel from only £42 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:09. The fastest train covers the 443 km distance in 5h 52m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £42
Distance 443 km |
Average train duration 6h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £54 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 52m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:09 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £42
Train companies: Cross Country from Darlington to Exeter trainsCross Country trains will get you between Darlington and Exeter from £42. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 4m
Cheapest Price
£352
Cross Country frequency
12 a day
Complete guide to Exeter
Things to do in Exeter
Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.
- Recommended
Exeter's Underground Passages
Underground medieval passages beneath the city, explored on guided tours that reveal Exeter’s engineering and history.
- Recommended
The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum
Working print museum with historic presses, typesetting equipment and hands-on insight into traditional printing methods.
- Must visit
Exeter Quayside
Historic quay with waterside walks, canal heritage, independent shops and easy access to cycling and boat trips.
- Recommended
Northernhay Gardens
Well-kept Victorian park with broad lawns, flower beds, mature trees and links to the castle and city walls.
- Recommended
Gandy Street
Historic shopping street lined with timber-framed buildings, independent businesses and one of Exeter’s most distinctive walks.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Devon cider brandy
A cider brandy from nearby Topsham, distilled from West Country cider apples. It is a long-standing Devon drink linked to the area’s orchards.
Devon split and ham
Traditional Devon split bread roll filled with thick slices of cured ham. It is a classic county snack and picnic staple around Exeter.
- Vegetarian
Devon fairings
Sweet fried dough pieces once sold at Devon fairs, often dusted with sugar. They are a nostalgic West Country treat associated with local baking.
Rendezvous Wine Bar
Stylish city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking with Devon produce. Smart but approachable setting for a more refined meal.
The Old Firehouse
Historic quayside pub known for pies, British classics and local drinks. Relaxed atmosphere in one of Exeter’s most characterful old buildings.
Exeter Farmers Market
Lively indoor market food hall with several independent traders. Good for sampling local produce, casual meals and coffee in a social setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: stays and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is fine. Taxis: round up or add about 10% for good service.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Exeter St Davids -> Exeter city centre
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Buses from Exeter St Davids run to the city centre, but the centre is also about a 15-minute walk from the station.
- Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach buses. Check the operator app before travel for the best-value day ticket.
FAQs: Darlington to Exeter train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Darlington to Exeter by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Exeter, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Darlington to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £54, while the average price tends to be around £90.
The train journey from Darlington to Exeter covers a distance of 443 km and takes approximately 5h 52m. Trains run 13 per day.
The train distance from Darlington to Exeter is 443 km.
The first train from Darlington to Exeter leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Darlington to Exeter departs at 23:09.
Trains from Darlington to Exeter run approximately 13 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Darlington to Exeter.
Yes, there is a direct train between Darlington and Exeter. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
To get from Darlington to Exeter, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Darlington to Exeter.
The train station in Darlington that goes to Exeter is Darlington station (DAR), and it arrives at Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The cheapest way to get from Darlington to Exeter is by coach, costing approximately £42.
Booking trains from Darlington to Exeter in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Darlington to Exeter offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque Yorkshire countryside and the rolling landscapes of the South West. Travellers can enjoy sights of charming villages and lush greenery along the route.
A day trip from Darlington to Exeter is not feasible as the journey duration is 5h 52m. Trains run 12 times per day for this 443 km journey.
Two to three days in Exeter is ideal to explore its historic sites, enjoy the stunning quayside, and visit nearby attractions like Dartmoor National Park.
Yes, you can take the train from Darlington to Exeter.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Darlington and Exeter
Most Darlington to Exeter trains use the Darlington to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Darlington and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Darlington
Arrival train stations in Exeter
Which Darlington station do trains to Exeter leave from?
Trains from Darlington to Exeter leave from Darlington. The station is from Darlington city centre at Darlington station, Bank Top, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4AA.
DarlingtonDarlington station, Bank Top, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4AA
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington from Darlington city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement coach services depart from the station entrance
Darlington train station facilities and services
Darlington has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Darlington.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Darlington.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darlington.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darlington: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Darlington: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: text phones are available and staff are on hand to assist as required due to no low level phones, Accessible taxis: Generally available but advance booking recommended, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Exeter station do trains from Darlington arrive at?
Trains from Darlington to Exeter most often arrive at Exeter St Davids. Some services arrive at Exeter St Thomas, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Exeter arrival station.
Exeter St DavidsExeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus355, 6A, 5B, 4A, 4, 66 · 6m · £2 · every ~20 min
4, 4A, Uni, K · 8m · £2 · every ~19 min
Exeter St Davids train station facilities and services
Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Davids: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - All platforms can be accessed via Lifts from the sole main station entrance. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Exeter St ThomasExeter St Thomas station, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1AJ
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainExmouth - Paignton · 21m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
BusA, B, C, E, P · 9m · £2 · every ~44 min
Exeter St Thomas train station facilities and services
Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
St James' ParkSt James Park (Exeter) station, Well Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 6QB
City-centre transport
Getting to St James' Park from Exeter city centre
BusTg001 · 12m
G · 18m · every ~1 min
St James' Park train station facilities and services
St James' Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at St James' Park.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at St James' Park: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at St James' Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at St James' Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 Station - This station has a degree of step free access to the platforms, however the Exeter bound platform cannot be accessed step free and the Exmouth bound platform can be accessed step free but only via a very steep ramp, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Darlington
More options for your journey from Darlington to Exeter
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Exeter and Darlington
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