Plymouth to Exeter St Davids Trains From £4.10*

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.

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.