- 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.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Derby to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Derby to Exeter will cost around £88 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 18 trains from Derby to Exeter, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 282 km distance in an average of 3 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 13 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 32 m 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.
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Trains from Derby to Exeter run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £22 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:42, the last at 22:29. The fastest train covers the 282 km distance in 3h 2m.
Distance 282 km |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 3h 2m |
First train 0:42 |
Last train 22:29 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Derby to Exeter.
The table below shows live departures for Derby to Exeter trains for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C00804 · C48012+ W70833+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington | Delayed 11:00 7:57Derby station (DBY) | 5h35 | 13:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
C00804+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+ W70833 | Delayed 11:00 7:57Derby station (DBY) | 5h13 | 13:10 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
C01221 · C48017+ C21857+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington | Delayed 12:00 8:54Derby station (DBY) | 5h36 | 14:30 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
C01221+ C21857+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington | Delayed 12:00 8:54Derby station (DBY) | 5h15 | 14:09 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
G01142 | On time 9:31 Derby station (DBY) | 4h19 | 13:50 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34812+ W70840+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington | Delayed 13:00 9:54Derby station (DBY) | 5h15 | 15:09 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
W34812 · C48023+ W70840+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington | Delayed 13:00 9:54Derby station (DBY) | 5h38 | 15:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
G01145 | On time 10:31 Derby station (DBY) | 4h14 | 14:45 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34816+ C21677+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington | Delayed 14:00 11:25Derby station (DBY) | 4h45 | 16:10 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2 changes | |
W34816 · C48027+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+ C21677 | Delayed 14:00 11:25Derby station (DBY) | 5h06 | 16:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3 changes | |
G01093+ C00853 · C48036+ C18021 | On time 11:40 Derby station (DBY) | 6h52 | 18:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.
City museum with local history, archaeology, world cultures and changing exhibitions in a landmark Victorian building.
Underground medieval passages beneath the city, explored on guided tours that reveal Exeter’s engineering and history.
Working print museum with historic presses, typesetting equipment and hands-on insight into traditional printing methods.
Historic quay with waterside walks, canal heritage, independent shops and easy access to cycling and boat trips.
Well-kept Victorian park with broad lawns, flower beds, mature trees and links to the castle and city walls.
Historic shopping street lined with timber-framed buildings, independent businesses and one of Exeter’s most distinctive walks.
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.
Traditional Devon split bread roll filled with thick slices of cured ham. It is a classic county snack and picnic staple around Exeter.
Sweet fried dough pieces once sold at Devon fairs, often dusted with sugar. They are a nostalgic West Country treat associated with local baking.
Stylish city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking with Devon produce. Smart but approachable setting for a more refined meal.
Historic quayside pub known for pies, British classics and local drinks. Relaxed atmosphere in one of Exeter’s most characterful old buildings.
Lively indoor market food hall with several independent traders. Good for sampling local produce, casual meals and coffee in a social setting.
Moderate for the UK: stays and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is fine. Taxis: round up or add about 10% for good service.
Official public transport app
Exeter St Davids -> Exeter city centre
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Exeter.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Derby 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.

Most Derby to Exeter trains use the Derby to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Derby and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Derby is 1 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:
Derby has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Derby.
ATMs are available at Derby.
Ticket office support is available at Derby.
Available at Derby: Parking, WC.
Available at Derby: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Derby: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A step free station. This station has step free access. There are lifts to all platforms. There is a subway to platforms 2,3,4 and 5. Platforms 6 and 7 are accessed by lift only. This station has tactile paving at the edges of all platforms and at the foot and top of stairwells, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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.
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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 Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Exeter Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - Both platforms can be accessed via lifts from the main station entrance, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, 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: No.
Check train stations information for Derby and Exeter, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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