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Plymouth to Exeter train timetable
From Plymouth to Exeter, take the fastest train in 55m, typically 58m. Daily, 45 trains depart from Plymouth, with the first at 04:54 and the last at 23:55. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
19:50 Plymouth | 58m, Direct | 20:48 Exeter St Davids | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
20:14 Plymouth | 58m, Direct | 21:12 Exeter St Davids | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
21:33 Plymouth | 1h 11m, Direct | 22:44 Exeter St Davids | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
22:25 Plymouth | 1h 8m, Direct | 23:33 Exeter St Davids | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
23:20 Plymouth | 1h 3m, Direct | 00:23 Exeter St Davids | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
Plymouth to Exeter train tickets and times
CrossCountry vs Great Western Railway: Which should you choose?
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CrossCountry | 58 mins | Plymouth | Fastest Direct Route, Cheap Advance Fares | Quiet Zone, First Class upgrade |
Great Western Railway | 1h 1m | Plymouth | Frequent Departures, Best First Class Experience | Complimentary food and drink in First Class, reliable Wi-Fi |
Train travel from Plymouth to Exeter
Take the train from Plymouth to Exeter for fast connections and beautiful views of sunny Devon. With our local station secrets, your trip will be even better!
Plymouth: Getting to the Platform
Start out in a scenic south coast city with a Royal Citadel, green parks, and plentiful cultural attractions.
- Which way to N Rd E?: Plymouth Station is situated on North Road East towards the north of the city centre. If you’re walking there, you’ll experience some of Plymouth’s top historical sights, including Smeaton's Tower and The Barbican Plymouth.
- Plymouth Bus: Get to the station faster with the city’s reliable local bus network operated by Plymouth Bus. Hassle-free travel comes from this fully integrated travel system, with a bus drop-off point immediately outside the station’s main entrance.
- Accessible travel: Toilets are available at the station, with accessible facilities open for passengers who need them. Find toilets on platforms 4 and 7.
On the one-hour journey across Devon, speed northwards through natural scenery that will delight even the most avowed city dweller.
- Key Landmarks: Natural landmarks like Ugborough Beacon and Longtimber Woods will fill your journey with beauty at every turn. Crossing through Dartmoor National Park has to be the highlight, with sites like Bellever Forest and Wistman's Wood offering an exciting view from your window.
- The View Alert: To enjoy the best views of Dartmoor National Park, choose a seat on the Left-Hand Side (facing North).
Arriving at Exeter St Davids
Will you walk the Roman walls? Or bask in the architectural beauty of this iconic city? Decisions, decisions. Whatever you choose to do, here’s how you’ll be greeted at the second-busiest railway station in Devon… and how to board public transport to continue your journey.
- Top facilities: Grab a coffee on the way out of the station from Costa or Starbucks. Or, if you can wait, stop at an independent cafe like Glorious Art House in Exeter under a mile from the station.
- Express service: From St Davids, travel around the city and further afield in Devon on Stagecoach South West buses. Board from Isambard Parade, directly outside the station.
Plymouth to Exeter train travel guide
Travelling by train from Plymouth to Exeter is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Plymouth, you can reach Exeter in just 55m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Plymouth to Exeter?
The average fare from Plymouth to Exeter is approximately €4.98, 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.
How do I find the best train route from Plymouth to Exeter?
What is the fastest train from Plymouth to Exeter?
The fastest train journey time from Plymouth to Exeter 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 Plymouth to Exeter?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Plymouth to Exeter. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Plymouth to Exeter?
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 Plymouth to Exeter train timetables?
While Plymouth to Exeter 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 Plymouth to Exeter 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?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
Do Plymouth to Exeter trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Plymouth to Exeter 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?
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
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?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the Plymouth to Exeter route?
The train from Plymouth to Exeter 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
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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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 Plymouth to Exeter train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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Your train was disrupted?
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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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