- Recommended
Barnstaple Museum
Local museum on the square covering North Devon history, archaeology and everyday life in an accessible town-centre setting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Barnstaple
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 21 Sept
Cheapest price on 21 Sept
£9
Average ticket price on 21 Sept
£9
Fastest journey on 21 Sept
1 h 6 m
Average journey duration on 21 Sept
1 h 8 m
Trains on 21 Sept
6
Distance
54 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Barnstaple is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Barnstaple will cost around £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £9.
Fast trains
On Mon 21 Sept, we found 6 trains from Exeter to Barnstaple, including 6 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 54 km distance in an average of 1 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 6 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 10 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.
9:191h06Exeter10:25Barnstaple£91One-way0 changes- 10:191h06Exeter11:25Barnstaple£91One-way0 changes
- 18:211h10Exeter19:31Barnstaple£91One-way0 changes
- 19:231h10Exeter20:33Barnstaple£91One-way0 changes
- 21:291h34Exeter23:03Barnstaple£91One-way0 changes
- 10:191h06Exeter11:25Barnstaple£91One-way0 changes
- 9:191h06Exeter10:25Barnstaple£91One-way0 changes
- 13:191h08Exeter14:27Barnstaple£91One-way0 changes
- 18:211h10Exeter19:31Barnstaple£91One-way0 changes
- 19:231h10Exeter20:33Barnstaple£91One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Exeter to Barnstaple
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Barnstaple among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £9 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 42m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £9, while a train costs an average of £9.
Distance: 54 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£9 Average Price Cheapest | £12 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Barnstaple is a train with an average price of £9.
The fastest way to travel from Exeter to Barnstaple is by train with an average journey time of 1h 12m.
Yes, you can take a train between Exeter and Barnstaple.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £9 compared to roughly £12 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £2. The journey takes 1h 12m versus 1h 11m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Great Western Railway.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Exeter to Barnstaple train times
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Barnstaple trains for today, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:18 Exeter | 1h10 | 10:28 Barnstaple | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:18 Exeter | 1h10 | 11:28 Barnstaple | 0 changesdirect | |
| 19:17 Exeter | 1h14 | 20:31 Barnstaple | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Barnstaple by train
Compare 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.
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21 Sept
21 Sept
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22 Sept
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27 Sept
Why should you book Exeter to Barnstaple trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Exeter to Barnstaple.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Exeter to Barnstaple.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Exeter to Barnstaple
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Exeter to Barnstaple run on average 16 times per day, taking around 1h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:13. The fastest train covers the 54 km distance in 57m.
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 54 km |
Average train duration 1h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 57m |
First train 0:07 |
Last train 23:13 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Exeter to Barnstaple trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Exeter and Barnstaple from £9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
57m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£9
Great Western Railway frequency
18 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Barnstaple
Things to do in Barnstaple
Discover the best of Barnstaple — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barnstaple trip today.
- Recommended
The Burton at Bideford
Contemporary art gallery inside The Burton, showing changing exhibitions and craft-focused displays in a central modern venue.
Barnstaple Railway Museum
Family-focused heritage attraction with model railways, transport displays and interactive exhibits linked to local engineering history.
- Must visit
Tarka Trail
Long traffic-free walking and cycling route on a former railway line, linking Barnstaple with estuary scenery and nearby villages.
- Recommended
Rock Park
Riverside park with gardens, play areas and open lawns, popular for relaxed walks beside the River Taw near the town centre.
- Recommended
Butchers Row
Historic shopping street with period buildings, independent shops and a strong sense of Barnstaple’s traditional market-town character.
- Vegetarian
Devon Cream Tea
A rich Devon cream tea of scones, clotted cream and jam. In Devon tradition, cream goes on before jam, making it a local point of pride.
Devon Splits
Small sweet buns flavoured with dried fruit, lemon and spice. Traditionally eaten in Devon around festivals and with tea.
- Gluten-free
Kedgeree
A lightly curried rice dish with fish, often smoked haddock, plus eggs and butter. Popular across Devon as a hearty seaside supper.
Claytons & The Glasshouse
Popular Turkish restaurant known for grilled meats, meze and warm service. Lively yet comfortable for casual dinners in town.
62 The Bank + Bar + Bistro
Established town-centre bistro serving British and European dishes in a relaxed, polished setting. Good for lunch or an easy evening meal.
Giovanni's & Luca's
Long-running Italian restaurant with pizzas, pasta and classic mains. Friendly, dependable and suited to families and groups.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining cost less than in major tourist cities, while local buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- >£2.00 cap
To the city centre
Barnstaple railway station -> Barnstaple Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Most local buses in Barnstaple are Stagecoach services; the Stagecoach Bus app is the official tool for tickets, live tracking and journey planning.
- The official capped single fare shown by Stagecoach is £2.00, and contactless payment is generally available on Stagecoach buses.
FAQs: Exeter to Barnstaple train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Exeter to Barnstaple can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £9, while the average price tends to be around £9.
The train journey from Exeter to Barnstaple covers a distance of 54 km and takes approximately 57m. Trains run 16 per day.
The train distance from Exeter to Barnstaple is 54 km.
The first train from Exeter to Barnstaple leaves at 0:07.
The last train from Exeter to Barnstaple departs at 23:13.
Trains from Exeter to Barnstaple run approximately 16 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Exeter to Barnstaple.
Yes, there is a direct train between Exeter and Barnstaple. The service operates 8 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway (GWR).
To travel from Exeter to Barnstaple, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Exeter to Barnstaple.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Barnstaple is Exeter St Davids (EXD), and it arrives at Barnstaple station (BNP).
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Barnstaple is by train, costing approximately £9.
Booking trains from Exeter to Barnstaple in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Exeter to Barnstaple is considered scenic, offering views of the Devon countryside, including rolling hills, rivers, and charming villages along the Tarka Line.
Yes, a day trip from Exeter to Barnstaple is feasible with a travel duration of 57m and a distance of 54 km. Trains run 15 times per day, allowing for flexible travel.
A visit to Barnstaple can typically be enjoyed over 2 to 3 days, giving you enough time to explore the town's historic centre, visit the Pannier Market, and enjoy the nearby countryside and coast.
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter to Barnstaple.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and Barnstaple
Most Exeter to Barnstaple trains use the Exeter St Davids to Barnstaple station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Barnstaple train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Exeter
Arrival train stations in Barnstaple
Which Exeter station do trains to Barnstaple leave from?
Trains from Exeter to Barnstaple leave from Exeter St Davids. The station is 1 km from Exeter city centre at Exeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT.
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.
Exeter CentralExeter Central station, Queen Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3SB+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter Central from Exeter city centre
BusH, K, Uni, 4A, 4 · 3m · £2 · every ~27 min
Exeter Central train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Which Barnstaple station do trains from Exeter arrive at?
Trains from Exeter to Barnstaple arrive at Barnstaple. Barnstaple is 1 km from Barnstaple city centre.
BarnstapleBarnstaple station, Station Road, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 2AU+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Barnstaple from Barnstaple city centre
Bus21, 21A, 372, 301, 71, 72, 319, 155, 15, 21B, 310, 309, 303, 19, 5B, 85 · 5m · £2 · every ~31 min
301, 921, 21B, 310, 309, 303, 19 · 9m · £2 · every ~14 min
Barnstaple train station facilities and services
Barnstaple has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Station Masters Cafe
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Barnstaple.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Barnstaple: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Barnstaple: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Barnstaple: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - step free access available to the 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 car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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 toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Exeter to Barnstaple
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Barnstaple and Exeter
Most popular train connections to Barnstaple
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