- Recommended
Penlee House Gallery & Museum
Local museum with archaeology, natural history and social history collections. A strong introduction to West Cornwall and Mount's Bay.
Cheapest price on 15 Sept
£25
Average ticket price on 15 Sept
£34
Fastest journey on 15 Sept
2 h 54 m
Average journey duration on 15 Sept
3 h 1 m
Trains on 15 Sept
18
Distance
157 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Penzance is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Penzance will cost around £34 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £25.
On Tue 15 Sept, we found 18 trains from Exeter to Penzance, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 157 km distance in an average of 3 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 54 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 13 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.
Y41864 · G14977
G14977
C47991 · G14977
C48003 · G14978 · Y41595
G15229 · G15169
G14977
W34782
G14978 · Y41595
Y41578
G15169Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Penzance 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 28m. 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 £16.
Distance: 157 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£16 Average Price | £8 Average Price Cheapest | £30 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration 4h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Penzance:
A coach is £8 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Penzance costing on average £16.
Other travel options to Penzance take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 4m.
Tickets start at around £16 compared to roughly £30 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £13. The journey takes 2h 58m versus 2h 5m 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, CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR).
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Penzance trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 15 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Y41578 | 8:09 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h03 | 11:12 Penzance station (PNZ) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y41864 · G14977 | 8:09 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h31 | 11:40 Penzance station (PNZ) | 1 change | |
C47991 · G14977 | 8:21 St James' Park (SJP) | 3h19 | 11:40 Penzance station (PNZ) | 1 change | |
G14977 | 8:46 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h54 | 11:40 Penzance station (PNZ) | 0 changesdirect | |
C47993 · G15166 | 8:50 St James' Park (SJP) | 3h50 | 12:40 Penzance station (PNZ) | 1 change | |
Y41870 · G15166 | 9:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h35 | 12:40 Penzance station (PNZ) | 1 change | |
G15166 | 9:26 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h14 | 12:40 Penzance station (PNZ) | 0 changesdirect | |
C47995 · W34782 | 9:36 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h31 | 13:07 Penzance station (PNZ) | 1 change | |
C47998 · W34782 | 9:49 St James' Park (SJP) | 3h18 | 13:07 Penzance station (PNZ) | 1 change | |
G15229 · G15169 | 10:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h34 | 13:40 Penzance station (PNZ) | 1 change | |
W34782 | 10:12 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h55 | 13:07 Penzance station (PNZ) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15169 | 10:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h13 | 13:40 Penzance station (PNZ) | 0 changesdirect | |
C48000 · G14978 · Y41595 | 10:34 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h38 | 14:12 Penzance station (PNZ) | 2 changes | |
C48003 · G14978 · Y41595 | 10:50 St James' Park (SJP) | 3h22 | 14:12 Penzance station (PNZ) | 2 changes | |
G14978 · Y41595 | 11:14 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h58 | 14:12 Penzance station (PNZ) | 1 change | |
Y80248 · W34791 | 11:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h26 | 15:08 Penzance station (PNZ) | 1 change | |
C48007 · W34791 | 11:48 St James' Park (SJP) | 3h20 | 15:08 Penzance station (PNZ) | 1 change | |
C48013 · W34797 · G15171 | 12:48 St James' Park (SJP) | 3h24 | 16:12 Penzance station (PNZ) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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.
Trains from Exeter to Penzance run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £10 but you can travel from only £7 by coach.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:10, the last at 21:45. The fastest train covers the 157 km distance in 2h 51m.
Distance 157 km |
Average train duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 51m |
First train 4:10 |
Last train 21:45 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Penzance — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Penzance trip today.
Local museum with archaeology, natural history and social history collections. A strong introduction to West Cornwall and Mount's Bay.
Contemporary gallery and arts venue in a restored market building. Visit for changing exhibitions by Cornish and wider British artists.
Artist-led gallery and studio complex with contemporary exhibitions. A good stop for current Cornish art near the seafront.
Long seafront promenade linking the harbour with Newlyn views. Ideal for a breezy walk, sea air and classic Mount's Bay scenery.
Historic subtropical garden with winding paths, rare plants and a bandstand. A peaceful green retreat close to the town centre.
Lively pedestrian-friendly town centre street with independent shops and historic buildings. Good for browsing and local atmosphere.
A rich Cornish saffron bread studded with dried fruit. Traditionally baked for celebrations and known for its distinctive yellow colour and sweet, spiced flavour.
A baked pastry filled with beef, potato, swede and onion. It is Cornwall’s best-known traditional food, made as a sturdy handheld meal for workers.
A hearty fish stew from West Cornwall, usually made with white fish, potatoes, onion and parsley. It reflects the area’s long fishing heritage.
Popular harbourside seafood restaurant known for fresh local fish, shellfish and relaxed coastal dining near the promenade.
Stylish modern restaurant at Artist Residence, serving seasonal small plates and British cooking in a relaxed boutique atmosphere.
Established pub and restaurant serving Cornish favourites, seafood and ales in a traditional, friendly setting on Chapel Street.
Moderate for the UK. Accommodation rises in peak season, but dining and local buses are similar to other popular seaside towns.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares; cafe tipping is not expected but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Penzance station -> Penzance Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to Penzance 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 Penzance, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Exeter to Penzance trains use the Exeter St Davids to Penzance station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Penzance train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Penzance has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Penzance.
Wi-Fi is available at Penzance.
Ticket office support is available at Penzance.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Penzance: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Penzance: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Penzance: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A station - This station has step free access to the platforms. 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 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.
Nearby hotels include Shoreline bed and breakfast by the sea.
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