- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Excellent city museum and gallery with archaeology, natural history, and world cultures; the best all-round museum in Exeter.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$12
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$13
Fastest journey on Sep 19
55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 h 3 m
Trains on Sep 19
23
Distance
54 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Barnstaple to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barnstaple to Exeter will cost around $13 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 23 trains from Barnstaple to Exeter, including 9 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 54 km distance in an average of 1 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 55 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 6 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
C01598 · C47989
C42672 · C48011
C01604 · C48005
C01607 · C48016
C01600 · C47996
Y41844
C42672
V29377
C01604
C01607Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Barnstaple to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $12 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 39m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $12, while a bus costs an average of $47.
Distance: 33 miles (54 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$12 Average price Cheapest | $47 Average price | $16 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 39m Average total duration Fastest 1h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration 2h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Barnstaple to Exeter:
A train is $35 (€28) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Barnstaple to Exeter costing on average $47 (€39).
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 30m.
The journey is about 3m faster (1h 9m by train vs 1h 12m by car) and roughly $3 (€3) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($12 (€10) vs $16 (€13)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Great Western Railway (GWR).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Barnstaple to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Y41844 | On time 12:07 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 0h55 | 1:02 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01598 · C47989 | 6:31 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h39 | 8:10 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C01598 · Y41862 | 6:31 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h21 | 7:52 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
C01600 · C47996 | 7:26 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 2h06 | 9:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C01600 · C42473 | 7:26 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h54 | 9:20 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
C01602 · C48001 | 8:34 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h59 | 10:33 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C01602 | 8:34 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h08 | 9:42 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01602 · C42475 | 8:34 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h49 | 10:23 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
C01604 · C48005 | 9:35 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h57 | 11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C01604 · Y80246 | 9:35 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h48 | 11:23 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
C01604 | 9:35 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h06 | 10:41 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42672 · C48011 | 10:35 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h57 | 12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C42672 · C03690 | 10:35 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h36 | 12:11 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
C42672 | 10:35 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h04 | 11:39 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01607 · C48016 | 11:35 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 2h03 | 1:38 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C01607 · V29382 | 11:35 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h37 | 1:12 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
C01607 | 11:35 AM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h06 | 12:41 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
V29378 · C48022 | 12:32 PM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h59 | 2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
V29378 | 12:32 PM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h09 | 1:41 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
V29378 | 12:32 PM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h17 | 1:49 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 0 transfersDirect | |
V29377 | 1:35 PM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h06 | 2:41 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
V29377 · C48026 | 1:35 PM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h56 | 3:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
V29377 | 1:35 PM Barnstaple station (BNP) | 1h15 | 2:50 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Barnstaple to Exeter run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 23:13. The fastest train covers the 33 miles (54 km) distance in 1h 1m.
Distance 33 miles (54 km) |
Average train duration 1h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 1h 1m |
First train 12:09 AM |
Last train 11:13 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.
Excellent city museum and gallery with archaeology, natural history, and world cultures; the best all-round museum in Exeter.
Interactive museum inside a working paper mill where visitors learn traditional papermaking and local industrial heritage.
Small independent museum in a Tudor merchant’s house, showing Topsham’s river trade, local stories, and period interiors.
Medieval city wall segment and gardens offering one of Exeter’s best walks, with lawns, ruins, and broad urban views.
Historic quay lined with warehouses, canal heritage, walks, and waterside activity; one of Exeter’s most characterful areas.
Attractive urban park beside the cathedral, ideal for relaxing and appreciating surrounding historic buildings in the city centre.
A rich Devon cream made from slowly heated milk. It is a county staple, famously served on scones in a Devon cream tea.
Traditional Devon cream tea pairs scones with jam and clotted cream, with cream spread before jam in the local style.
A hearty baked pudding of layers of potato, onion, and lamb or beef. It is a long-standing Devon farmhouse dish.
Fine dining restaurant known for refined modern British tasting menus and polished service in central Exeter.
Popular modern eatery with seasonal small plates, brunch, and a lively casual atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic quayside pub serving local ales and British classics in a characterful former warehouse by the water.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are mid-priced, buses are reasonable, and attractions are often low-cost versus larger UK tourist cities.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, small change appreciated.
Official public transport app
Exeter St Davids -> Exeter Central Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barnstaple to Exeter by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Exeter, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Barnstaple to Exeter trains use the Barnstaple to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Barnstaple and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Barnstaple has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food options include: Station Masters Cafe
Ticket office support is available at Barnstaple.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Barnstaple: Parking, WC.
Available at Barnstaple: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barnstaple: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - step free access available to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Davids: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - All platforms can be accessed via Lifts from the sole main station entrance. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Exeter Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - Both platforms can be accessed via lifts from the main station entrance, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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