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Exeter to Plymouth train timetable
The journey from Exeter to Plymouth on the fastest train in 57m, usually 59m. Each day, 34 trains leave from Exeter, starting at 08:42 and ending at 22:46. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
12:56 Exeter St Davids | 58m, Direct | 13:54 Plymouth | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
13:12 Exeter St Davids | 59m, Direct | 14:11 Plymouth | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
13:20 Exeter St Davids | 1h 8m, Direct | 14:28 Plymouth | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
13:51 Exeter St Davids | 58m, Direct | 14:49 Plymouth | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
14:12 Exeter St Davids | 59m, Direct | 15:11 Plymouth | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
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.
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.
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.
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 57m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Exeter to Plymouth?
The average fare from Exeter to Plymouth is approximately €4.95, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
What is the best way to travel from Exeter to Plymouth by train?
What is the fastest train from Exeter to Plymouth?
The fastest train journey time from Exeter to Plymouth is 57m . 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, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
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
How do I find Exeter to Plymouth train timetables?
While Exeter to Plymouth trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Exeter to Plymouth is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
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 route from Exeter to Plymouth are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
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
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
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
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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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
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* 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.
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