- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Exeter’s main museum and gallery, known for collections on Devon history, world cultures, fine art, and natural history. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
Cheapest price
$12
Average price
$12
Fastest journey
54 m
Average duration
1 h 11 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
32 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Paignton to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Paignton to Exeter will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Of the 2 trains that leave Paignton for Exeter on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 32 km distance in an average of 1 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 54 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 1 h 28 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Paignton to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $12.
Distance: 19 miles (32 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$13 Average price | $10 Average price Cheapest | $9 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 18m Average total duration Fastest 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 42m Average total duration 1h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 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 Paignton to Exeter:
A bus is $3 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Paignton to Exeter costing on average $13 (€10).
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 12m.
Tickets start at around $13 (€10) compared to roughly $9 (€7) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-3.72 (€-3.06). The journey takes 48m versus 41m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Paignton to Exeter trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Y41867 | On time 7:39 AM Paignton station (PGN) | 1h03 | 8:42 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y41867 | On time 7:39 AM Paignton station (PGN) | 0h56 | 8:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y41867+ G01064 | On time 7:39 AM Paignton station (PGN) | 0h46 | 8:25 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
Y41870 | On time 8:15 AM Paignton station (PGN) | 0h54 | 9:09 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y41870 | On time 8:15 AM Paignton station (PGN) | 0h49 | 9:04 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y41873+ G00869_G01067 | On time 8:45 AM Paignton station (PGN) | 0h40 | 9:25 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
Y41873 | On time 8:45 AM Paignton station (PGN) | 1h06 | 9:51 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y41873+ G00869_G01067+ C47995 | On time 8:45 AM Paignton station (PGN) | 0h50 | 9:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2 transfers | |
G15229 | On time 9:16 AM Paignton station (PGN) | 0h50 | 10:06 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15229 | On time 9:16 AM Paignton station (PGN) | 0h55 | 10:11 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y80241 | On time 9:45 AM Paignton station (PGN) | 0h54 | 10:39 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y80241 | On time 9:45 AM Paignton station (PGN) | 1h02 | 10:47 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00865 | On time 10:14 AM Paignton station (PGN) | 0h39 | 10:53 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y80244 · C48004 | On time 10:24 AM Paignton station (PGN) | 1h08 | 11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
Y80248 | On time 10:41 AM Paignton station (PGN) | 1h01 | 11:42 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Paignton to Exeter run on average 19 times per day, taking around 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) but you can travel from only $7 (€6) by bus.
There are 15 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:21. The fastest train covers the 19 miles (32 km) distance in 45m.
Distance 19 miles (32 km) |
Average train duration 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 15 |
Fastest train 45m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:21 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.
Exeter’s main museum and gallery, known for collections on Devon history, world cultures, fine art, and natural history. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
A specialist museum at the University of Exeter with remarkable collections on the history of moving images, cinema, and visual media.
Contemporary visual arts gallery in Exeter with changing exhibitions by regional and national artists. A local favorite for independent art programming.
One of the city’s most popular walking areas, combining waterside views, heritage buildings, and a lively atmosphere.
Broad open space beside the cathedral, ideal for appreciating Exeter’s historic core and one of the city’s most photographed spots.
Characterful central lane known for independent shops and medieval atmosphere. Popular with visitors seeking a picturesque old-city feel.
Fresh scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, traditionally done the Devon way with cream first. A classic county treat strongly associated with Devon.
A soft enriched bread roll, often filled with jam and clotted cream. It is a traditional Devon bakery item and a local teatime favourite.
A traditional West Country fruit cake made with flour, butter, sugar and dried fruit. Though more strongly linked with the wider South West, it is familiar in Devon tearooms and bakeries.
A long-established independent restaurant in central Exeter known for polished modern British cooking, attentive service and a smart but relaxed atmosphere.
A well-regarded city-centre restaurant and wine bar serving Mediterranean-influenced dishes, seafood and steaks in an intimate cellar-style setting.
A busy and established Exeter favourite with a broad menu of comfort food, grills and local staples, popular for its lively and casual atmosphere.
Costs are moderate by UK standards. Pubs and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more in peak periods.
Service is often included only at some restaurants. If not added, tip about 10% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping is not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Exeter St Davids, Exeter -> Exeter City Centre, Exeter
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Paignton 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.

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