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  3. Exeter to Plymouth

Exeter to Plymouth train timetable

From Exeter to Plymouth, take the fastest train in 55m, typically 1h. Daily, 46 trains depart from Exeter, with the first at 04:37 and the last at 23:34. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.

DepartsArrivesOperator

22:43

Exeter St Davids
1h, Direct

23:43

Plymouth
CrossCountry
Find tickets

23:34

Exeter St Davids
58m, Direct

00:32

Plymouth
Great Western Railway
Find tickets
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Exeter to Plymouth train tickets and times

Plan your journey from Exeter to Plymouth with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.

Price
From £4.10
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
36 miles (58km)
Journey time
55m
First train
04:37
Last train
23:34
Frequency
46

CrossCountry vs Great Western Railway: Which Should You Choose?

Travel from Exeter to Plymouth, with a choice of operators. Should you pick CrossCountry or Great Western Railway? This comparison will help you decide.

Train operators

Avg. duration

Departure station

Best for

Feature services

CrossCountry

58 mins

Exeter St Davids

Fastest Direct Route, Cheap Advance Fares

Quiet Zone, First Class upgrade

Great Western Railway

1h 1m

Exeter St Davids

Frequent Departures, Best First Class Experience

Complimentary food and drink in First Class, reliable Wi-Fi

Train travel from Exeter to Plymouth

On the direct train from Exeter to Plymouth, follow our local station secrets for an unforgettable journey through beautiful Devon.

Exeter St Davids: Getting to the Platform

Start your journey at Exeter's main intercity rail hub. From Roman walls to a vibrant city centre, Exeter is a delightful city, with excellent connections throughout South West England. 

  • All roads lead to St Davids: Get to the station on foot from city centre locations like Exeter Quay or Northernhay Gardens. The route to St Davids is well signposted within the final mile.
  • Express service: For the quickest access to St Davids, or if you’re coming from further afield, board Stagecoach South West buses to the station. You’ll be dropped off at Isambard Parade, directly outside the station. Not bad!
  • Where’s my coffee?: As the second-busiest railway station in Devon, Exeter St Davids has excellent facilities. Before boarding your train to Plymouth, buy a coffee from Costa or Starbucks. If you plan ahead, stop at the independent Glorious Art House on your way, under a mile from the station.
Onboard trains from Exeter to Plymouth

You’ll encounter miles of rural beauty throughout your one-hour trip across Devon.

  • Key Landmarks: The best views come in the middle of your journey as you cross through Dartmoor National Park. Look out for Bennett's Cross, Bellever Forest, and Wistman's Wood.
  • The View Alert: To enjoy everything Dartmoor has to offer, choose a seat on the Left-Hand Side (facing South).

Arriving at Plymouth

A port city between the rivers Plym and Tamar, Plymouth has a long history and an abundance of sights to explore.

  • Out of the station: Leave Plymouth Station at the south side exit for the fastest access to top Plymouth attractions like Smeaton's Tower, Millbay Pier, and The Barbican Plymouth.
  • Plymouth Bus: If you’re heading further afield or want a speedier route to the marina, board local transport with Plymouth Bus. Board your bus from immediately outside the station’s exit on North Road East.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

Exeter to Plymouth train travel guide

The train journey from Exeter to Plymouth combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Exeter, you can get to Plymouth in just 55m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

How much does it cost for a train from Exeter to Plymouth?

Ticket prices from Exeter to Plymouth average around £4.10, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.

How do I find the best train route from Exeter to Plymouth?

Make full use of the TrainPal app or website. Our Train Journey Planner is an excellent online planning tool. Simply fill in the cities or stations you depart from and arrive at. Then check timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and see if there are food supplies or other amenities you need. You can get the best train route from Exeter to Plymouth.

What is the fastest train from Exeter to Plymouth?

The fastest train journey time from Exeter to Plymouth is 55m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.

Are there direct trains from Exeter to Plymouth?

No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Exeter to Plymouth. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.

Is it worth taking a train from Exeter to Plymouth?

Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.

How far in advance can I book my train ticket?

Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.

Check timetables and during the journey

Check timetables and during the journey

Are Exeter to Plymouth trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?

Exeter to Plymouth trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.

How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?

Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.

Do Exeter to Plymouth trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the Exeter to Plymouth route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.

How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?

Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.

What is the difference between Standard and First Class?

Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by train operator.

Other things you might be interested

Other things you might be interested

Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes. Our Railcards offer discounts on UK train tickets. Students can use the 16-17 Saver or 16-25 Railcard for up to 1/3 off most fares. Seniors aged 60 and over can use the Senior Railcard for 1/3 off. Railcards can be purchased online with a choice of one-year or three-year validity. The more you travel, the more you save.

Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.

How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?

Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone

Which train companies operate the Exeter to Plymouth route?

The route from Exeter to Plymouth is operated by CrossCountry. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.

Essential onboard rules and facilities

  • Luggage

    You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.

  • Bicycle

    Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.

  • Children

    Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.

  • Pets

    Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.

  • Passenger assistance

    All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.

How to buy cheap Exeter to Plymouth train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.
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Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
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Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

Step-by-step instructions for changing your journey or requesting a refund are available on our ticket refunds and changes page.

Your train was disrupted?

For information on claiming Delay Repay compensation due to a delayed, cancelled, or strike-affected service, consult our delays and disruptions page or our UK rail strike page. These pages also provide live service updates.

* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.