Exeter St Davids to Plymouth Trains From £4.10*

The Exeter St Davids to Plymouth route is short but busy, covering approximately 36 miles along the South Devon Main Line. With around 91 direct services daily and peak departures every 15–20 minutes, travellers have a genuine choice between Great Western Railway and CrossCountry, depending on priorities like speed, comfort, or flexibility.

Below is a clear comparison to help you decide quickly.

• Frequency: Great Western Railway runs most services, making it ideal for turn-up-and-go travel without rigid planning.
• Speed: CrossCountry services are faster, as they skip smaller stations along the route.
• Comfort: CrossCountry offers slightly more legroom and better luggage storage for longer journeys.

Despite being under an hour, this scenic route is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most photographed rail journeys thanks to its dramatic coastal stretches.

Departure from Exeter St Davids

Specific transport links

• Stagecoach South West “H” bus: This direct route runs from Exeter city centre and High Street, dropping passengers right outside the station forecourt within minutes.
• Exeter St Thomas connection: A short three-minute hop on a local train connects riverside districts.

Station layout

• Main platforms: Most Plymouth-bound trains depart from Platforms 4, 5 and 6, conveniently located near the main entrance and ticket barriers.
• Interchange simplicity: Cross-platform transfers are common, particularly for passengers arriving from London Paddington services.

Pre-departure essentials

Pumpkin Cafe on Platform 1 is ideal for takeaway coffee, while Costa Coffee near the entrance offers a wider selection. For snacks or a classic meal deal, WHSmith provides sandwiches, drinks, and travel essentials in one convenient spot.

Onboard trains from Exeter St Davids to Plymouth

Although the journey is only 52 to 60 minutes, trains can reach speeds of up to 100 mph before slowing along the coast.

The scenic side

• Sit on the left-hand side for uninterrupted coastal panoramas between Dawlish and Teignmouth.
• Sit on the right-hand side for inland views, including rolling Devon countryside, small towns, and occasional glimpses of estuaries and farmland.

Key landmarks

• Dawlish Sea Wall: The track runs directly beside the English Channel, where waves can crash dramatically against the line during high tide and storms.
• River Exe estuary: Early in the journey, wide estuary views reveal mudflats, sailing boats, and a variety of local birdlife unique to this stretch.
• Newton Abbot Racecourse: The railway skirts the edge of the course, offering a rare chance to see live racing action from your seat if timed right.

Arriving at Plymouth

Plymouth station handles over 2.5 million passengers annually and serves as a key gateway to Devon and Cornwall. Located roughly 0.5 miles from the city centre, it offers quick access to major shopping and waterfront areas.

The correct exit

• South Exit: This is the main station exit, leading directly to the taxi rank, bus stops, and the primary access point for most visitors heading into the city.
• Main concourse route: Follow signs through the central ticket barriers into a bright concourse with ticket machines, seating, and small retail outlets.
• University direction: For access to North Hill or the University of Plymouth, exit via the main doors and follow clearly marked pedestrian routes uphill.

Onward travel

• Local buses: Plymouth Citybus services stop directly outside the station, with frequent routes connecting to the Barbican, Hoe, and suburban areas.
• Taxi services: A well-organised taxi rank operates at the main exit, offering quick transfers across the city without pre-booking.
• Coach station: The Plymouth Coach Station is a short 5–10 minute walk away.

Walkability

A 10-minute stroll down Armada Way brings you into the city centre, with shops, restaurants, and Drake Circus en route. Continue further, and you’ll reach Plymouth Hoe, offering sweeping sea views and historic landmarks without needing additional transport.