- Recommended
Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
Local museum on Barnstaple's history, archaeology, and culture. A strong first stop for understanding the town and wider North Devon.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$21
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$21
Fastest journey on Sep 20
3 h 46 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
3 h 46 m
Trains on Sep 20
1
Distance
79 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Plymouth to Barnstaple is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Plymouth to Barnstaple will cost around $21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 1 trains from Plymouth to Barnstaple, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 79 km distance in an average of 3 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 46 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 3 h 46 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 Plymouth to Barnstaple among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 37m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $20, while a bus costs an average of $47.
Distance: 49 miles (79 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$20 Average price Cheapest | $47 Average price | $22 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Plymouth to Barnstaple:
A train is $27 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Plymouth to Barnstaple costing on average $47.
Other travel options to Barnstaple take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 0m.
Tickets start at around $20 compared to roughly $22 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $3. The journey takes 2h 7m versus 1h 55m 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.
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 Plymouth to Barnstaple run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $8 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 21:41. The fastest train covers the 49 miles (79 km) distance in 2h 4m.
Distance 49 miles (79 km) |
Average train duration 2h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 4m |
First train 4:00 AM |
Last train 9:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Barnstaple — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barnstaple trip today.
Local museum on Barnstaple's history, archaeology, and culture. A strong first stop for understanding the town and wider North Devon.
Regional arts venue presenting contemporary exhibitions, film, and performances. Worth visiting for changing visual art shows in central Barnstaple.
Maritime museum in a historic signal station at nearby Instow. Displays explain local seafaring and estuary links relevant to North Devon.
Traffic-free trail along the old railway, linking Barnstaple with coast and countryside. Excellent for walking or cycling with estuary scenery.
Historic shopping street lined with characterful buildings. Ideal for appreciating Barnstaple's commercial heritage and everyday town-centre atmosphere.
Green riverside park popular for walks, sports, and family time. It offers open views and a relaxed break close to the town centre.
A rich North Devon cream made by slowly heating milk. Served with scones and jam, it is a defining regional treat across Devon tea rooms.
Traditional Devon split scones filled with jam and clotted cream. The Devon style puts cream before jam and is a proud local custom.
A classic West Country cider from nearby orchards. Dry or sparkling styles are widely drunk in North Devon pubs and with local food.
Smart modern restaurant in Barnstaple known for seasonal British cooking, tasting menus, and polished service in an intimate setting.
Established Italian restaurant with a loyal local following, serving pasta, pizza, and seafood in a relaxed riverside area.
Historic pub and restaurant in the town centre, popular for cask ales, classic British dishes, and a traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and meals are usually lower than major cities, while local buses and everyday dining stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Barnstaple Railway Station -> The Square, Barnstaple
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Plymouth to Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Plymouth to Barnstaple trains use the Plymouth to Barnstaple station pair. Use this guide to compare Plymouth and Barnstaple train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Plymouth 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 Plymouth.
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth. ATMs are available at Plymouth.
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Plymouth: Parking, WC.
Available at Plymouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth: 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 all platforms via lifts and the station subway. 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: Station pay phones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, 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.
St Budeaux Ferry Road is 4 km from Plymouth city centre. Public transport options include:
St Budeaux Ferry Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at St Budeaux Ferry Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at St Budeaux Ferry Road: Parking.
Available at St Budeaux Ferry Road: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at St Budeaux Ferry Road: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step Free Category B2 - This station has a degree of step free access, however both platforms can only be accessed via steep ramps with limited handrails for support. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
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