Plymouth to Exeter train with Great Western Railway

Sun, Aug 30
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Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Plymouth to Exeter

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Aug 30

Cheapest price on Aug 30

$21

Average ticket price on Aug 30

$22

Fastest journey on Aug 30

56 m

Average journey duration on Aug 30

59 m

Trains on Aug 30

18

Distance

59 km

Cheap tickets

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 $22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.

Fast trains

On Sun, Aug 30, we found 18 trains from Plymouth to Exeter, including 6 direct services.

On Sun, Aug 30 the direct trains cover the 59 km distance in an average of 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 56 m .

On Sun, Aug 30 the slowest trains will take 1 h 4 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.

  • Great Western RailwayW34564 · Y41857
    8:27 AM1h37
    Plymouth station (PLY)
    10:04 AMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
    $211One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayC01236 · C47997
    9:14 AM1h20
    Plymouth station (PLY)
    10:34 AMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
    $211One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayW34564
    8:27 AM1h04
    Plymouth station (PLY)
    9:31 AMExeter St Davids (EXD)
    $211One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC01237
    10:05 AM0h56
    Plymouth station (PLY)
    11:01 AMExeter St Davids (EXD)
    $211One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC01236
    9:14 AM0h58
    Plymouth station (PLY)
    10:12 AMExeter St Davids (EXD)
    $211One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Plymouth to Exeter

Omio 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 an average ticket price of $18 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 32m. 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 bus costs an average of $18, while a train costs an average of $20.

Distance: 36 miles (59 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$20

Average price

$18

Average price

Cheapest

$17

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 32m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 2m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 52m

Average total duration

1h 22m

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

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Plymouth to Exeter is a bus with an average price of $18.

This is compared to other travel options from Plymouth to Exeter:

A bus is $3 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Plymouth to Exeter costing on average $20.

The fastest way to travel from Plymouth to Exeter is by train with an average journey time of 1h 2m.

Other travel options to Exeter take longer:

Bus takes on average 1h 22m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Plymouth and Exeter including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Plymouth to Exeter among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 2m sooner (1h 2m by train vs 1h 4m by car). Tickets start at around $20 compared to roughly $17 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Direct services run with Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR).

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Plymouth to Exeter train times

The table below shows live departures for Plymouth to Exeter trains for today, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayW34567 · C42477
On time
10:14 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h16
11:30 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayW34567
On time
10:14 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
0h59
11:13 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01072
On time
10:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
0h58
11:25 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01072+Great Western RailwayC48011
On time
10:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
2h05
12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayC42452 · Y80252
On time
10:50 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h34
12:24 PM St James' Park (SJP)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayC42452 · C48011
On time
10:50 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h42
12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayC42452
On time
10:50 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h08
11:58 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW34573 · C48011
On time
11:14 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h18
12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayW34573
On time
11:14 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h00
12:14 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW34573 · Y80255
On time
11:14 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h28
12:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 transfer
CrossCountryG01076
On time
11:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
0h58
12:25 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01076+Great Western RailwayY80255
On time
11:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h15
12:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayW34575
On time
12:14 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
0h59
1:13 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW34575 · C42479
On time
12:14 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h16
1:30 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 transfer
CrossCountryG01079
On time
12:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
0h58
1:25 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01079+Great Western RailwayC48016
On time
12:27 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h11
1:38 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayC42454
On time
12:44 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h03
1:47 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC42163
On time
12:55 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
0h55
1:50 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC42167
On time
1:15 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
0h58
2:13 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC42167 · C48022
On time
1:15 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h16
2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
1 transfer
Great Western RailwayW34564 · Y418578:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h37
10:04 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayW345648:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h04
9:31 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW34564 · Y418578:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h52
10:19 AM St James' Park (SJP)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayC01236 · C479979:14 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h20
10:34 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayC012369:14 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
0h58
10:12 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01071+Great Western RailwayC479979:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h07
10:34 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)1 transfer
CrossCountryG010719:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
0h58
10:25 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC484519:43 AM Plymouth station (PLY)
1h05
10:48 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD)0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Plymouth to Exeter by train or bus

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.

Sun
Aug 30
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Tue
Sep 01
Wed
Sep 02
Thu
Sep 03
Fri
Sep 04
Sat
Sep 05

Why should you book Plymouth to Exeter trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) and more offer trains services from Plymouth to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Plymouth to Exeter.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Plymouth to Exeter.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Plymouth to Exeter.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Plymouth to Exeter.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Plymouth to Exeter.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Plymouth to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Plymouth to Exeter run on average 21 times per day, taking around 1h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 if you book in advance.

There are 9 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.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
36 miles (59 km)
Average train duration
1h 2m
Cheapest ticket price
$6
Trains per day
21
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
55m
First train
12:07 AM
Last train
11:56 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
2 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry from Plymouth to Exeter trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Plymouth and Exeter from $6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
55m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$8
Great Western Railway frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
56m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
$6
CrossCountry frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Exeter

Things to do in Exeter

Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.

  • 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.

  • Recommended

Topsham Museum and Paper Mill

Interactive museum inside a working paper mill where visitors learn traditional papermaking and local industrial heritage.

  • Recommended

Topsham Museum

Small independent museum in a Tudor merchant’s house, showing Topsham’s river trade, local stories, and period interiors.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are mid-priced, buses are reasonable, and attractions are often low-cost versus larger UK tourist cities.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, small change appreciated.

FAQs: Trains from Plymouth to Exeter

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Plymouth to Exeter can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $6, while the average price is around $20.
The train from Plymouth to Exeter takes 55m and runs 21 per day.
The first train from Plymouth to Exeter leaves at 12:07 AM.
The distance by train from Plymouth to Exeter is 36 miles (59 km).
The last train from Plymouth to Exeter leaves at 11:56 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Plymouth to Exeter.
Yes, there is a direct train from Plymouth to Exeter. This service operates 9 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Plymouth to Exeter.
The train station in Plymouth that goes to Exeter is Plymouth station (PLY), which connects to Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The cheapest way to get from Plymouth to Exeter is by bus, with a cost of around $6.
Yes, the train journey from Plymouth to Exeter is considered scenic, featuring views of the Devon coastline, rolling countryside, and charming rural landscapes.
Yes, a day trip from Plymouth to Exeter is feasible as the journey takes 55m, with trains running 18 times per day, and the distance is 36 miles (59 km).
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Exeter allows visitors to explore the city's historic sites, such as Exeter Cathedral, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, and the Quayside, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Plymouth to Exeter.
Since neither Plymouth nor Exeter are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Exeter include Bristol, Barnstaple, Exmouth, Bath, Okehampton.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Plymouth to Exeter among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Exeter, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and near popular attractions. Be wary of unofficial taxi services and always use licensed providers to avoid scams. Additionally, travelers should protect personal belongings on public transport and stay alert to common fraud attempts such as overcharging or counterfeit tickets.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Plymouth to Exeter

Most Plymouth to Exeter trains use the Plymouth to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Plymouth and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Plymouth
Arrival train stations in Exeter

Which Plymouth station do trains to Exeter leave from?

Trains from Plymouth to Exeter leave from Plymouth. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Plymouth city centre at Plymouth station, North Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6AB.
PlymouthPlymouth station, North Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6AB+44 3451652030WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Plymouth from Plymouth city centre

Bus13, 2, 170 · 4m · $2 · every ~11 min

Plymouth 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

Food and drink options are available at Plymouth.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth. ATMs are available at Plymouth.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Plymouth.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Plymouth: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Plymouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

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.

DevonportDevonport station, Portland Road, Devonport, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 4QNParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Devonport from Plymouth city centre

Devonport is 2 km from Plymouth city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainExeter St Davids - Penzance, Plymouth - Penzance, Plymouth - Gunnislake, Plymouth - Liskeard · 3m · $1 · every ~2 min
BusDc7 · 8m · $2
Dc7 · 9m · $2
21, 34, 21A · 13m · $5 · every ~23 min

Devonport train station facilities and services

Devonport has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Devonport.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Devonport: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Devonport: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Devonport: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B3 station – “Some step-free access, may be in one direction only.” Step free access possible to South bound platform, there is no step free access for services to Plymouth. 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, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

KeyhamKeyham station, Admiralty Street, Keyham, Plymouth, Devon, PL2 2BPParkingTaxisLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Keyham from Plymouth city centre

Keyham is 3 km from Plymouth city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainExeter St Davids - Penzance, Plymouth - Penzance, Plymouth - Gunnislake, Plymouth - Liskeard · 6m · $1 · every ~1 min
Bus14 · 17m · $5 · every ~3 min
43, 50, 43A · 18m · $2 · every ~22 min

Keyham train station facilities and services

Keyham has practical services for this route, including Parking, Taxis, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Keyham: Parking, Taxis.

Bike and car services

Available at Keyham: Bike Parking.

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