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Exeter to Plymouth train ticket prices

Travelling from Exeter to Plymouth by train? Find fares from as low as €6.13. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest

€6.13󰄽

On Sat 06 Jun

  • Sat06 Jun
  • €6.13󰄽
    Sun07 Jun
  • €6.13󰄽
    Mon08 Jun
  • €6.13󰄽
    Tue09 Jun
  • €6.13󰄽
    Wed10 Jun
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    Thu11 Jun
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    Fri12 Jun

Exeter to Plymouth train timetable

Travelling from Exeter to Plymouth, the fastest train takes 56m with an average travel time of 59m. 42 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 04:10 and the last at 22:49. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.

DepartsArrivesOperator

04:10

Exeter St Davids
1h, Direct

05:10

Plymouth
Great Western Railway
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06:28

Exeter St Davids
1h 8m, Direct

07:36

Plymouth
Great Western Railway
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07:23

Exeter St Davids
1h 9m, Direct

08:32

Plymouth
Great Western Railway
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07:42

Exeter St Davids
58m, Direct

08:40

Plymouth
CrossCountry
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08:00

Exeter St Davids
1h 8m, Direct

09:08

Plymouth
Great Western Railway
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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 €6.13
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
36 miles (58km)
Journey time
56m
First train
04:10
Last train
22:49
Frequency
42

CrossCountry vs Great Western Railway: Which Should You Choose?

By Daniel Clark | Updated March 27, 2026

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

Travelling by train from Exeter to Plymouth is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Exeter, you can reach Plymouth in just 56m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

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

The average ticket fare from Exeter to Plymouth is about €6.13, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel 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 quickest train journey from Exeter to Plymouth takes 56m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.

Are there direct trains from Exeter to Plymouth?

No, there are no direct trains from Exeter to Plymouth. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip

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?

To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.

Check timetables and during the journey

Check timetables and during the journey

How do I find Exeter to Plymouth train timetables?

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 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?

Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.

What is the difference between Standard and First Class?

While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the 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, in the UK, students and seniors have access to various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard allows students to save up to 1/3 on most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy comparable savings. Both types of Railcards are available for purchase online or at train stations and are valid for one year, making them a valuable option for frequent travellers.

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 train from Exeter to Plymouth is operated by CrossCountry. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.

Essential onboard rules and facilities

  • Luggage

    Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.

  • Bicycle

    A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.

  • Children

    Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.

  • Pets

    You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed 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.

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?

To change your journey or request a refund, please visit our dedicated ticket refunds and changes page for step-by-step instructions.

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.