Plymouth to Exeter train with Great Western Rail

Thu 27 Nov
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Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
Cross Country
first_great_western
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Cross Country
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Plymouth to Exeter

Showing times and prices for 28 Nov

Cheapest price

£6

Average price

£9

Fastest journey

55 m

Average duration

1 h 2 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

59 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Plymouth to Exeter will cost around £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £6.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Plymouth for Exeter every day 5 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 1 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 55 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 5 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 Rail
22:551h05
Plymouth
00:00Exeter
£61One-way
0 changes
Great Western Rail
10:151h17
Plymouth
11:32Exeter
£61One-way
0 changes
Great Western Rail
15:501h12
Plymouth
17:02Exeter
£81One-way
0 changes
Great Western Rail
05:371h05
Plymouth
06:42Exeter
£111One-way
0 changes
Great Western Rail
07:351h05
Plymouth
08:40Exeter
£111One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Plymouth to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Plymouth to Exeter 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 1m. 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 £3.

Distance: 59 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£10

Average Price

£7

Average Price

Cheapest

1h 31m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 43m

Average total duration

1h 13m

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

Plymouth to Exeter train times

The table below shows live departures for Plymouth to Exeter trains for today, Thursday 27 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 05:11
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
great_westernP08210
On time
08:16 Plymouth station (PLY)
0h58
09:14 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP08210+south_west_trainsL47517
On time
08:16 Plymouth station (PLY)
1h12
09:28 Exeter Central (EXC)
1 change
great_westernP08210 · P09754
On time
08:16 Plymouth station (PLY)
1h19
09:35 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
cross_countryC23661
On time
08:27 Plymouth station (PLY)
0h57
09:24 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
cross_countryC23661+great_westernP09720
On time
08:27 Plymouth station (PLY)
1h20
09:47 Exeter Central (EXC)
1 change
cross_countryC23661+great_westernP09754
On time
08:27 Plymouth station (PLY)
1h08
09:35 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
great_westernP08211 · P09000
On time
08:35 Plymouth station (PLY)
1h22
09:57 Exeter Central (EXC)
1 change
great_westernP08211
On time
08:35 Plymouth station (PLY)
1h05
09:40 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP08939
On time
08:49 Plymouth station (PLY)
1h06
09:55 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP08939 · P09001
On time
08:49 Plymouth station (PLY)
1h17
10:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
great_westernP08939 · P09703
On time
08:49 Plymouth station (PLY)
1h19
10:08 Exeter Central (EXC)
1 change
great_westernP08212
On time
09:15 Plymouth station (PLY)
0h58
10:13 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
cross_countryC23665
On time
09:27 Plymouth station (PLY)
0h58
10:25 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 changesdirect
cross_countryC23665+great_westernP09721
On time
09:27 Plymouth station (PLY)
1h18
10:45 Exeter Central (EXC)
1 change
cross_countryC23665+great_westernP09758
On time
09:27 Plymouth station (PLY)
1h06
10:33 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
great_westernP08940 · P09704
On time
09:42 Plymouth station (PLY)
1h26
11:08 Exeter Central (EXC)
1 change
great_westernP08213 · P09762
On time
10:15 Plymouth station (PLY)
1h17
11:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change
great_westernP08215 · P09766
On time
11:15 Plymouth station (PLY)
1h17
12:32 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Plymouth to Exeter by train or coach

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.

Fri
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
Sun
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec

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

The best time to book your train from Plymouth to Exeter is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Plymouth to Exeter route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Plymouth to Exeter 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 Plymouth to Exeter.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Plymouth to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Plymouth to Exeter run on average 18 times per day, taking around 1h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 59 km distance in 55m.

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 1m
Cheapest ticket price
£3
Trains per day
18
Direct trains
6
Fastest train
55m
First train
00:07
Last train
23:55
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 Plymouth to Exeter trainsGreat Western Rail, CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Plymouth and Exeter from £3. 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
55m
Cheapest Price
£3
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
£5
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
8 a day

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
55m
Cheapest Price
£41
first_great_western frequency
11 a day

Trains from Plymouth to Exeter

Trains from Plymouth to Exeter run every day of the week. The earliest departure is usually at 8:09 a.m and the last train is at approximately 11:54 p.m. There are at least three services per hour. Direct and indirect services are available for this route, and the journey takes from 53 minutes. The main providers are Great Western Railway, and CrossCountry.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Plymouth to Exeter?

Departure Station: Trains from Plymouth to Exeter depart from Plymouth Station, which is situated on North Road. This is approximately 322 metres north of the city centre. There is a car park at the station, and bicycle stands on platforms 3 and 4. Taxi ranks are at the station entrance. Local buses operated by Citybus provide frequent services to the station from local areas, including Turnchapel, Deriford, and Plymstock. Local bus services operate services between the station and the city centre. It only takes 4 minutes to the station from the centre.

Arrival Station: Trains from Plymouth to Exeter arrive at Exeter St. Davids Station, which is on Bonhay Road. This is about 1mile north of the city centre. For onward travel, there are taxi ranks situated outside the station entrance and a major bus station onsite. Local bus services provide regular services to the city centre. The journey takes between 10 and 15 minutes by bus.

FAQs: Plymouth to Exeter train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Plymouth 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.

FAQs
Yes, a day trip from Plymouth to Exeter is feasible. The journey takes 55m, with a distance of 59 km, and trains run 18 times per day.
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.
Booking trains from Plymouth to Exeter in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, there is a direct train between Plymouth and Exeter. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western.
The cost of a train ticket from Plymouth to Exeter can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £3, while the average price tends to be around £10.
The cheapest way to get from Plymouth to Exeter is by train, costing approximately £3.
The train journey from Plymouth to Exeter is indeed scenic, offering views of the stunning Devon countryside, the rolling hills of Dartmoor, and the picturesque coastline along the English Channel, particularly as the train travels through the Dawlish area.
The train station in Plymouth that goes to Exeter is Plymouth station (PLY), and it arrives at Exeter St Davids (EXD).
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Plymouth to Exeter.
The train distance from Plymouth to Exeter is 59 km.
Yes, you can take the train from Plymouth to Exeter.
The train journey from Plymouth to Exeter covers a distance of 59 km and takes approximately 55m. Trains run 18 per day.
The first train from Plymouth to Exeter leaves at 0:07.
The last train from Plymouth to Exeter departs at 23:55.
Trains from Plymouth to Exeter run approximately 18 times per day.
There is no night train service from Plymouth to Exeter.
To get from Plymouth to Exeter, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Plymouth and Exeter

Plymouth
Exeter
The major train station for departures in Plymouth is Devonport. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Devonport for your trip from Plymouth to Exeter.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access note: Step-free category B3 station – “Some step-free access, may be in one direction only.” Step free access possible to South bound platform, there is no step free access for services to Plymouth. 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
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Devonport
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Albert Road Bus Stop adjacent to Exmouth Road.
DockyardParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 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
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transport options for Dockyard
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: From the bus stops on Keyham Road (B3396) near the turning to Keat Street
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
TaxisTaxis
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: adjacent to shelter on platform 1
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Keyham
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus Stops on Saltash Road, next to HMS Drake Barracks.
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 06:25 - 20:00 Saturday 05:20 - 19:00 Sunday 08:00 - 20:30
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: WHSmith and Spar Supermarket
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 - This station has step free access to all platforms via lifts and the station subway. 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: Station pay phones are not accessible
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance.
  • 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 Platform 4, Platform 7 and adjacent ticket counters.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities location: Within accessible wc's
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Platforms 3 and 4
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Plymouth
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
St Budeaux Ferry RoadParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access note: Step Free Category B2 - This station has a degree of step free access, however both platforms can only be accessed via steep ramps with limited handrails for support. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using 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 CCTV: Yes
St Budeaux Victoria RoadParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station - “Some step-free access to all platforms.” This station has step free access to the single platform but this can be accessed via a long ramp from a gated station entrance, there are limited handrails to the ramp and in places the gradient is moderate.
  • 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 CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for St Budeaux Victoria Road
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Main road (Wolseley Road) bus stops outside Lloyds Bank

More options for your journey from Plymouth to Exeter

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Exeter Plymouth to Exeter train

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