Exeter to Plymouth train with Great Western Rail

Tue 16 Dec
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Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
Cross Country
first_great_western
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Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
Cross Country
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Plymouth

Showing times and prices for 18 Dec

Cheapest price

£6

Average price

£15

Fastest journey

55 m

Average duration

57 m

Trains per day

36

Distance

59 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Plymouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Exeter to Plymouth will cost around £15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £6.

Fast trains

Of the 36 trains that leave Exeter for Plymouth every day 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 59 km distance in an average of 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 55 m .

The slowest trains will take 59 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.

Great Western RailP31584 · P22660
08:091h32
Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
09:41Plymouth station (PLY)
£61One-way
1 change
Great Western RailP23066 · P22660
08:341h07
Exeter Central (EXC)
09:41Plymouth station (PLY)
£61One-way
1 change
Great Western RailP22660
08:460h55
Exeter St Davids (EXD)
09:41Plymouth station (PLY)
£61One-way
0 changes
CrossCountryC75133
10:490h59
Exeter St Davids (EXD)
11:48Plymouth station (PLY)
£81One-way
0 changes
CrossCountryC75054
09:471h00
Exeter St Davids (EXD)
10:47Plymouth station (PLY)
£101One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Exeter to Plymouth

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Plymouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, and a train costs an average of £4.

Distance: 59 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£10

Average Price

£6

Average Price

Cheapest

1h 32m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 2m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 41m

Average total duration

1h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Exeter to Plymouth train times

The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Plymouth trains for today, Wednesday 17 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 16:15
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
great_western18:12 Exeter
1h03
19:15 Plymouth0 changesdirect
great_western21:31 Exeter
1h06
22:37 Plymouth0 changesdirect
Thursday 18 December
great_westernP31584 · P22660
On time
08:09 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1h32
09:41 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
great_westernP22965
On time
08:09 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1h03
09:12 Plymouth station (PLY)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP23066 · P22660
On time
08:34 Exeter Central (EXC)
1h07
09:41 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
great_westernP22660
On time
08:46 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0h55
09:41 Plymouth station (PLY)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP31590 · P31305
On time
09:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1h29
10:34 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
great_westernP22937 · P31305
On time
09:14 Exeter Central (EXC)
1h20
10:34 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
great_westernP31305
On time
09:26 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1h08
10:34 Plymouth station (PLY)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP23067+cross_countryC75054
On time
09:34 Exeter Central (EXC)
1h13
10:47 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
great_westernP33336 · P22661
On time
09:36 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1h34
11:10 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
cross_countryC75054
On time
09:47 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1h00
10:47 Plymouth station (PLY)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP33341 · P22661
On time
09:52 Exeter Central (EXC)
1h18
11:10 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
great_westernP31597 · P22968
On time
10:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1h29
11:35 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
great_westernP22661
On time
10:12 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0h58
11:10 Plymouth station (PLY)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP31233 · P22968
On time
10:14 Exeter Central (EXC)
1h21
11:35 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
great_westernP22968
On time
10:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1h08
11:35 Plymouth station (PLY)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP31601 · P22662
On time
10:39 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1h35
12:14 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
south_west_trainsP61128+cross_countryC75133
On time
10:40 Exeter Central (EXC)
1h08
11:48 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
cross_countryC75133
On time
10:49 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0h59
11:48 Plymouth station (PLY)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP33348 · P22662
On time
10:53 Exeter Central (EXC)
1h21
12:14 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
great_westernP22662
On time
11:14 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1h00
12:14 Plymouth station (PLY)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP31238 · P22969
On time
11:14 Exeter Central (EXC)
1h19
12:33 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
great_westernP22969
On time
11:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1h06
12:33 Plymouth station (PLY)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP23071+cross_countryC75459
On time
11:32 Exeter Central (EXC)
1h16
12:48 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
great_westernP33351+cross_countryC75459
On time
11:33 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1h15
12:48 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
great_westernP23033 · P22664
On time
11:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1h21
13:03 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
cross_countryC75459
On time
11:48 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
1h00
12:48 Plymouth station (PLY)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP33355 · P22664
On time
11:53 Exeter Central (EXC)
1h10
13:03 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change
great_westernP22664
On time
12:06 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0h57
13:03 Plymouth station (PLY)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP33359 · P22972
On time
12:21 Exeter Central (EXC)
1h41
14:02 Plymouth station (PLY)
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Plymouth 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.

Thu
18 Dec
Fri
19 Dec
Sat
20 Dec
Sun
21 Dec
Mon
22 Dec
Tue
23 Dec
Wed
24 Dec

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Exeter to Plymouth?

The best time to book your train from Exeter to Plymouth is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Exeter to Plymouth route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Exeter to Plymouth per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Exeter to Plymouth.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Exeter to Plymouth

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Exeter to Plymouth run on average 18 times per day, taking around 1h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 59 km distance in 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
Distance
59 km
Average train duration
1h 2m
Cheapest ticket price
£4
Trains per day
18
Direct trains
6
Fastest train
52m
First train
00:07
Last train
23:56
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 Rail, CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western from Exeter to Plymouth trainsGreat Western Rail, CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Exeter and Plymouth from £4. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Rail

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 Duration
52m
Cheapest Price
£4
Great Western Rail frequency
12 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

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
57m
Cheapest Price
£7
CrossCountry frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
57m
Cheapest Price
£46
Cross Country frequency
15 a day

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
54m
Cheapest Price
£42
first_great_western frequency
17 a day

Trains from Exeter to Plymouth Journey Details

Direct trains from Exeter to Plymouth have a journey time of approximately one hour. There are frequent departures from around 9:30 a.m. until the late afternoon. Most routes are operated by First Great Western Trains, with a few being provided by Cross Country Trains. The timetable is slightly extended on Saturdays and Sundays.

Taking the Train from Exeter

Trains from Exeter to Plymouth depart from Exeter St David's Station. St David's Station is within easy walking distance of the city centre and there are also frequent bus links with the town. Exeter is compact enough to be easily explored on foot, but First Bus and Stagecoach Devon operate regular bus services, that cover the town's attractions and surrounding rural areas. A taxi rank is located outside the station.

Getting into Plymouth by Train

Plymouth is a large city that sits between the rivers Tamar and Plym, on one of the world's most impressive natural harbours. For centuries, this was used by Britain's navy. Plymouth is full of attractions and things to do, such as The National Marine Aquarium, the Royal William Naval Yard and a beautiful art-deco swimming pool, in addition to beaches, boat trips, water sports and the fantastic views from Plymouth Hoe. Trains from Exeter to Plymouth arrive at Plymouth Station, which is within easy reach of the town's sea front, attractions and hotels. The historic centre of the city is compact enough to explore by foot while Plymouth CityBus operates frequent routes around the city and to surrounding towns and villages. A taxi rank is located at the station entrance.

FAQs: Exeter to Plymouth train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to Plymouth 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 Plymouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Yes, a day trip from Exeter to Plymouth is feasible with a journey time of 52m and a distance of 59 km. Trains run 18 times per day.
To fully experience Plymouth's historic sites, waterfront attractions, and vibrant cultural scene, a stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal.
The train distance from Exeter to Plymouth is 59 km.
Yes, the train journey from Exeter to Plymouth is considered scenic, offering views of the picturesque Devon countryside, the stunning coastline along the Exe Estuary, and the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park.
Yes, there is a direct train between Exeter and Plymouth. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western.
The train journey from Exeter to Plymouth covers a distance of 59 km and takes approximately 52m. Trains run 18 per day.
Booking trains from Exeter to Plymouth in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The first train from Exeter to Plymouth leaves at 0:07.
The last train from Exeter to Plymouth departs at 23:56.
The cost of a train ticket from Exeter to Plymouth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £4, while the average price tends to be around £10.
Trains from Exeter to Plymouth run approximately 18 times per day.
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Plymouth is by train, costing approximately £4.
There is no night train service from Exeter to Plymouth.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Plymouth is Exeter St Davids (EXD), and it arrives at Plymouth station (PLY).
To get from Exeter to Plymouth, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Exeter to Plymouth.
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter to Plymouth.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and Plymouth

Exeter
Plymouth
The major train station for departures in Exeter is Exeter St Davids. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Exeter St Davids for your trip from Exeter to Plymouth.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:40 Saturday 06:15 - 20:00 Sunday 07:30 - 20:40 Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Weekdays (Mon-Fri) 08:45 - 19:40, Saturday 08:45 - 18:30 Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: WHSmith
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 5. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Platform 1 and adjacent entrance
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Exeter St Davids
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:50 - 18:15 Saturday 07:50 - 18:15 Sunday 09:30 - 16:30
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Yes
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 2. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Both platforms
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Exeter Central
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop at the front of the station on Queens Street
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Bottom of stairs leading to platform 1.
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Exeter St Thomas
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Exeter St Davids: Cowick Street bus stop by shopping precint. To Newton Abbot: Cowick Street bus stop outside the station

More options for your journey from Exeter to Plymouth

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Plymouth Exeter to Plymouth train

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