- 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
$6
Average price
$15
Fastest journey
57 m
Average duration
57 m
Trains per day
42
Distance
59 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Plymouth to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Plymouth to Exeter will cost around $15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $6.
Of the 42 trains that leave Plymouth for Exeter on Thu, Jul 16, 21 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 16 the direct trains cover the 59 km distance in an average of 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 57 m .
On Thu, Jul 16 the slowest trains will take 58 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.
W34577
W34577 · C48015
G01080
G01082
W34562 · C48000
W34572
W34583
W34589
G01069
W34577Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Plymouth to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 0m. 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 $6, and a train costs an average of $4.
Distance: 36 miles (59 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$12 Average price | $8 Average price Cheapest | $17 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 55m Average total duration 1h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Plymouth to Exeter:
A bus is $4 (€3) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Plymouth to Exeter costing on average $12 (€10).
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 25m.
The journey is about 4m faster (1h 0m by train vs 1h 4m by car) and roughly $5 (€4) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($12 (€10) vs $17 (€14)). 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, CrossCountry, Cross Country, 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 Plymouth to Exeter trains for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00869_G01067+ C47995 | On time 8:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h08 | 9:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G00869_G01067 | 8:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 0h58 | 9:25 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34559 | 8:35 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h05 | 9:40 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15202 · G15229 | On time 8:49 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h17 | 10:06 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G15202 | 8:49 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h06 | 9:55 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15202 · G15229 | On time 8:49 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h32 | 10:21 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
W34562 · Y80241 | 9:15 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h24 | 10:39 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
W34562 · C48000 | On time 9:15 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h18 | 10:33 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
W34562 | 9:15 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 0h58 | 10:13 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01069 | On time 9:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 0h58 | 10:25 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01069+ C48000 | On time 9:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h06 | 10:33 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G01069+ Y80241 | On time 9:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h12 | 10:39 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G15203 · Y80244 | On time 9:42 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h39 | 11:21 AM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G15203 | 9:42 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h08 | 10:50 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15203 · Y80248 | On time 9:42 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 2h00 | 11:42 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
W34566 · C48004 | On time 10:15 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h17 | 11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
W34566 | 10:15 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 0h58 | 11:13 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01073 | 10:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 0h58 | 11:25 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15204 · Y80251 | On time 10:52 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h29 | 12:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G15204 | 10:52 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h02 | 11:54 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34572 · Y80257 | On time 11:15 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 2h05 | 1:20 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
W34572 | On time 11:15 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 0h57 | 12:12 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34572 · Y80254 | On time 11:15 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h26 | 12:41 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
W34572 · C48010 | On time 11:15 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h17 | 12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G01075+ Y80257 | On time 11:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h53 | 1:20 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G15205 · Y80263 | On time 12:52 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h29 | 2:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G14925 · Y80269 | On time 1:15 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 2h06 | 3:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G01082+ Y80269 | On time 1:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h54 | 3:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
W34583 · Y80272 · C48030 | On time 2:15 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 2h05 | 4:20 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
G01083+ Y80272 · C48030 | On time 2:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h53 | 4:20 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
G15207 · Y80274 | On time 2:49 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h33 | 4:22 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
W34593 · C48035 | On time 4:15 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h19 | 5:34 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
W34593 | On time 4:15 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 0h57 | 5:12 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34593 · Y80282 | On time 4:15 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h34 | 5:49 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G00730 | On time 4:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 0h58 | 5:25 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00730+ Y80282 | On time 4:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h22 | 5:49 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G00730+ C48035 | On time 4:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h07 | 5:34 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G14930 · G15233 | On time 4:50 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h34 | 6:24 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G14930 | On time 4:50 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h00 | 5:50 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G14930 · G15233 | On time 4:50 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h19 | 6:09 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G14930 · C48037 | On time 4:50 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h12 | 6:02 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G00735 | On time 5:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 0h58 | 6:25 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00735+ G15234 | On time 5:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h26 | 6:53 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G00735+ C48039 | On time 5:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h06 | 6:33 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G15034 | 5:52 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h05 | 6:57 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15034 · Y80290 | On time 5:52 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h28 | 7:20 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
W34598 | On time 6:16 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h00 | 7:16 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34598 · Y80292 | On time 6:16 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h37 | 7:53 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
W34598 · C48044 | On time 6:16 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h18 | 7:34 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G00928 | On time 6:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 0h58 | 7:25 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00928+ G15506 | On time 6:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h12 | 7:39 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G00928+ C48044 | On time 6:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h07 | 7:34 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G00928+ Y80292 | On time 6:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h26 | 7:53 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G15208 · Y80294 | On time 6:48 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h33 | 8:21 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G15208 | 6:48 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h01 | 7:49 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15208 · C48048 | On time 6:48 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h45 | 8:33 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G14914 · Y80298 · C48052 | On time 7:49 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 2h02 | 9:51 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
G14914 · Y80300 | On time 7:49 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 2h09 | 9:58 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 1 transfer | |
G14914 | On time 7:49 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h06 | 8:55 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G14914 · Y80300 | On time 7:49 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h55 | 9:44 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G66829+ Y80300 | On time 8:08 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h36 | 9:44 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
G66829 | 8:08 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h00 | 9:08 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G66829+ Y80298 · C48052 | On time 8:08 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h43 | 9:51 PM St James' Park (SJP) | 2 transfers | |
G15209 | On time 9:25 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h12 | 10:37 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, July 16 | |||||
G14921 | 8:16 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 0h58 | 9:14 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G14921 · C47995 | 8:16 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h19 | 9:35 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 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 Plymouth to Exeter run on average 20 times per day, taking around 1h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $4 (€3) if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 36 miles (59 km) distance in 55m.
Distance 36 miles (59 km) |
Average train duration 1h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $4 (€3) |
Trains per day 20 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 55m |
First train 12:07 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 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 Plymouth 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need