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Plymouth to Exeter St Davids train timetable
The journey from Plymouth to Exeter St Davids on the fastest train in 55m, usually 58m. Each day, 45 trains leave from Plymouth, starting at 04:54 and ending at 23:55. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
04:54 Plymouth | 55m, Direct | 05:49 Exeter St Davids | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
05:25 Plymouth | 58m, Direct | 06:23 Exeter St Davids | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
05:32 Plymouth | 1h 5m, Direct | 06:37 Exeter St Davids | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
05:55 Plymouth | 55m, Direct | 06:50 Exeter St Davids | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:20 Plymouth | 58m, Direct | 07:18 Exeter St Davids | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Plymouth to Exeter St Davids train tickets and times
Great Western Railway: Plymouth to Exeter St Davids trains
Hop on a picturesque trip from Plymouth to Exeter St Davids with Great Western Railway. Two hourly services are on offer with stunning views. Be sure to look out the window during the hour-long journey when the train snakes through the spectacular River Exe estuary.
Also known as GWR, Great Western Railway provides intercity, suburban and regional trains. Destinations include St Ives, Newport, Slough and other places in regions like the West Country, the West of England and South Wales. The company also operates the Night Riviera sleeper from London to Penzance and the Heathrow Express.
Departing from Plymouth
Begin your adventure to one of the UK’s oldest cities from Plymouth station. Situated on North Road, the station is about 18 minutes away from the university, city centre and quay. Cabs can drop passengers off by the south entrance or next to the car park.
Travel from Plymouth station is easy, with a number of frequent services ready to take you to other parts of Devon and as far as the North of England and Scotland. In addition to journeys from Plymouth to Exeter St Davids, direct trains connect passengers to Penzance, Glasgow, Bristol, and other towns and cities.
Main stops
Both Great Western Railway and CrossCountry have services stopping at Totnes or Newton Abbot, but Great Western Railway trains may also call at Ivybridge or Teignmouth.
Arriving at Exeter St Davids
Exeter is dotted with glimpses into its rich past - even the station itself. As you alight the Plymouth to Exeter train and head out to explore, you’ll come across preserved adornments dating back to 1864. From its medieval Underground Passages through to more modern sights, the cathedral city has something for everyone. The remains of the Roman city wall and Georgian architectural delights intertwine with exciting activities, independent boutiques and eateries.
Walking to the city centre from Exeter St Davids station takes about 25 minutes. If you’d prefer avoiding the walk uphill, buses H, 5B or 6 can transport you there as well as to other parts of the city. A taxi rank is also by the station entrance.
Great Western Railway, CrossCountry and South Western Railway offer a range of journey options from Exeter by rail. Travel to destinations such as York, Cardiff and Reading with ease.
Great Western Railway train classes
- Standard Class: Great Western Railway’s Standard Class amenities include a table at every seat, luggage storage areas, plug sockets and free Wi-Fi access. Passengers can buy cheap train tickets when booking ahead.
- First Class: Plymouth to Exeter First Class accommodation is only available on some services. Travel in these coaches treats you to cosy individual seating and complimentary refreshments. At certain stations, such as Truro, passengers can also use the operator’s First Class lounges.
Great Western Railway train travel advice
- Luggage: Each passenger can bring three items of luggage. Suitcases can be no bigger than 25 x 40 x 75 centimetres.
- Bicycles: Great Western Railway recommends reserving a bike space. On the Night Riviera Sleeper service, this is compulsory. E-scooters are no longer allowed on board.
- Children: Two under-5s can travel for free, and 5–15-year-olds get 50% off. Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance and Season tickets are half price 16–17 Saver Railcard holders.
- Pets: Up to two pets can board for free. Additional pets will cost half the adult fare. Keep them off seats and on a lead or in a carrier.
- Passenger Assist: If you need help getting around the station, etc., request assistance at least two hours before departure. It may take longer to get help if you haven’t pre-booked.
CrossCountry: Plymouth to Exeter trains
Relax on a quick trip from Plymouth to Exeter St Davids with CrossCountry. The 58-minute journey whizzes past the countryside, Devonshire coastline and the scenic River Exe estuary. Trains depart every hour.
CrossCountry is a major rail operator providing trains across many parts of the UK outside of Greater London, from Scotland to East Anglia. Stations served include Winchester, Cheltenham Spa and Birmingham New Street.
CrossCountry train classes
- Standard Class: Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, cosy seating and luggage storage in Standard Class coaches. Food and drink can also be purchased on the majority of CrossCountry trains from 06:00 to 20:00.
- First Class: Travel from Plymouth to Exeter first class and relax in larger reclining seats with additional table space. Passengers also receive complimentary refreshments.
Tickets are usually available around 12 weeks before the travel date. Book as early as you can to buy cheap train tickets.
CrossCountry train travel advice
- Luggage: Three pieces (a small bag, one medium bag and one large suitcase (90 x 70 x 30 centimetres max.)) are allowed on board.
- Bicycles: Booking a space for your bike is advised. E-bikes shouldn’t exceed 250 watts, and devices such as e-scooters are banned.
- Children: Under-5s travel free with a fare-paying adult. Most tickets are half price for 5–15-year-olds. Older teens and groups of up to four children and four adults can get additional discounts with the 16–17 Saver Railcard and Family and Friends Railcard.
- Pets: You can travel with two pets so long as they’re in a secure carrier or on a lead. They must stay off the seats throughout the journey.
- Passenger Assist: Request help, such as alighting the train, online, by phone or using the Transreport app or webform.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Plymouth to Exeter St Davids train travel guide
Travelling by train from Plymouth to Exeter St Davids is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Plymouth, you can reach Exeter St Davids 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 St Davids?
The average ticket fare from Plymouth to Exeter St Davids 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 St Davids?
What is the fastest train from Plymouth to Exeter St Davids?
The fastest train journey time from Plymouth to Exeter St Davids 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 St Davids?
No, there are no direct trains from Plymouth to Exeter St Davids. 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 Plymouth to Exeter St Davids?
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
How do I find Plymouth to Exeter St Davids train timetables?
While Plymouth to Exeter St Davids 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 St Davids 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 St Davids trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Plymouth to Exeter St Davids 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
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 St Davids route?
The train from Plymouth to Exeter St Davids 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
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap Plymouth to Exeter St Davids 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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