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Plymouth to Exeter train timetable

Travelling from Plymouth to Exeter, the fastest train takes 55m with an average travel time of 58m. 45 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 04:54 and the last at 23:56. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.

DepartsArrivesOperator

09:27

Plymouth
58m, Direct

10:25

Exeter St Davids
CrossCountry
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09:42

Plymouth
1h 8m, Direct

10:50

Exeter St Davids
Great Western Railway
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10:15

Plymouth
58m, Direct

11:13

Exeter St Davids
Great Western Railway
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10:27

Plymouth
58m, Direct

11:25

Exeter St Davids
CrossCountry
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10:52

Plymouth
1h 2m, Direct

11:54

Exeter St Davids
Great Western Railway
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Plymouth to Exeter train tickets and times

Plan your journey from Plymouth to Exeter 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 €4.98
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
36 miles (58km)
Journey time
55m
First train
04:54
Last train
23:56
Frequency
45

CrossCountry vs Great Western Railway: Which should you choose?

On your route from Plymouth to Exeter, choose between direct trains run by CrossCountry and Great Western Railway (GWR). Will you opt for speed and affordable advance fares or the best First Class experience?

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.
Onboard trains from Plymouth to Exeter

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.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

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

Planning and booking

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

The average ticket fare from Plymouth to Exeter is about €4.98, 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 Plymouth to Exeter?

Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. 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. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.

Are there direct trains from Plymouth to Exeter?

No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Plymouth to Exeter. 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 Plymouth to Exeter?

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?

You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.

Check timetables and during the journey

Check timetables and during the journey

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

Plymouth to Exeter trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find 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 Plymouth to Exeter trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the route from Plymouth to Exeter 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?

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. 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?

Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.

Which train companies operate the Plymouth to Exeter route?

The route from Plymouth to Exeter 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

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

    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.

  • Pets

    Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted 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 Plymouth to Exeter 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?

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?

To claim compensation for a delay (Delay Repay): If your train was delayed, cancelled, or impacted by a strike, you can find live service updates and find out how to claim on our delays and disruptions page or UK rail strike page.

* 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.