- 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.
We are not able to find a train between these two places.
Cheapest price
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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Penzance to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $9, and a train costs an average of $14.
Distance: 97 miles (157 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$23 Average price | $12 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 34m Average total duration Fastest 3h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration 4h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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 Penzance to Exeter:
A bus is $12 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Penzance to Exeter costing on average $23 (€19).
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 11m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR).
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 Penzance to Exeter trains for tomorrow, Sunday, July 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C01237 · C48002 | 8:10 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 3h22 | 11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C01237 · Y41866 | 8:10 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 3h35 | 11:45 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C01237 · Y41863 | 8:10 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 3h11 | 11:21 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
C01237 | 8:10 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 2h51 | 11:01 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C33239 | 8:47 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 3h11 | 11:58 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01238 · C48006 | 9:09 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 3h23 | 12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C01238 · Y41869 | 9:09 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 3h13 | 12:22 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
C01238 · Y41872 | 9:09 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 3h35 | 12:44 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C01238 | 9:09 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 2h55 | 12:04 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C33338+ G00878 | 9:45 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 3h13 | 12:58 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1 transfer | |
C02513 | 10:12 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 2h53 | 1:05 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02513 · Y80240 | 10:12 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 3h31 | 1:43 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C02513 · Y80236 | 10:12 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 3h09 | 1:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
C02513 · C48012 | 10:12 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 3h20 | 1:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C33240 | 10:47 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 3h07 | 1:54 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C33240 · Y80243 | 10:47 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 3h34 | 2:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
C50060 · Y80250 | 11:49 AM Penzance station (PNZ) | 3h33 | 3:22 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Penzance to Exeter run on average 21 times per day, taking around 3h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $14 (€11) but you can travel from only $9 (€7) by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:10, the last at 21:51. The fastest train covers the 97 miles (157 km) distance in 2h 58m.
Distance 97 miles (157 km) |
Average train duration 3h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€11) |
Trains per day 21 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 58m |
First train 4:10 AM |
Last train 9:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
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 Penzance 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 Penzance to Exeter trains use the Penzance to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Penzance and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Penzance has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Penzance.
Wi-Fi is available at Penzance.
Ticket office support is available at Penzance.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Penzance: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Penzance: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Penzance: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A station - This station has step free access to the platforms. 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 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.
Nearby hotels include Shoreline bed and breakfast by the sea.
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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