- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Exeter’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, archaeology, world cultures, and fine art in a landmark Victorian building.
Cheapest price
$11
Average price
$21
Fastest journey
58 m
Average duration
59 m
Trains per day
12
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 $21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $11.
Of the 12 trains that leave Plymouth for Exeter on Mon, Jun 01, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 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 58 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest trains will take 1 h 5 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.
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W34562
W34566 · C48004
W34559
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W34562
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W34559Omio 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, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34564 · Y41857 | On time 8:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h37 | 10:04 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
W34564 | On time 8:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h04 | 9:31 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01236 · C47997 | On time 9:14 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h20 | 10:34 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C01236 | On time 9:14 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 0h58 | 10:12 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01071 | On time 9:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 0h58 | 10:25 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01071+ C47997 | On time 9:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h07 | 10:34 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
V84871 | On time 9:43 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h05 | 10:48 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01237 · C48002 | On time 10:05 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h27 | 11:32 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C01237 | On time 10:05 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 0h58 | 11:03 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29782 | On time 10:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 0h58 | 11:25 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29782+ Y41866 | On time 10:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h18 | 11:45 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 1 transfer | |
C01238 · C48006 | On time 11:03 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1h29 | 12:32 PM 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.
Exeter’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, archaeology, world cultures, and fine art in a landmark Victorian building.
Specialist museum at the University of Exeter with important collections on cinema, moving image, and optical entertainment history.
Displays historic ecclesiastical objects and changing exhibitions connected to the cathedral’s long history and artistic heritage.
One of the city’s most popular walking areas, known for canal views, heritage warehouses, and relaxed waterside atmosphere.
Iconic open space in front of Exeter Cathedral, ideal for photos and a classic place to experience the city’s historic core.
Historic city-center gardens with mature trees, monuments, and castle views, popular for short walks and scenic breaks.
Fresh scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, a classic Devon ritual traditionally assembled cream first. It is one of the county's best-known treats.
Locally reared lamb from the nearby moorlands, often roasted or served as cutlets. It is prized in Devon for its rich flavor and strong regional farming heritage.
Traditional cider made from local apples in Devon and Somerset. Dry, cloudy farmhouse styles are especially associated with the region's rural drinking culture.
Established independent restaurant in central Exeter known for polished modern British cooking, tasting menus, and a relaxed fine-dining atmosphere.
Well-known intimate bistro and wine bar offering seasonal European cooking and strong service. Popular for date nights and special occasions.
Long-running Exeter favorite serving modern European dishes, steaks, seafood, and cocktails in a stylish brasserie setting near the city center.
Moderate by UK standards. Meals and coffee are manageable, but hotels and central dining cost more in peak periods.
Service is often included or optional. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxis. Tipping in cafes, pubs, and for takeaway is not usually expected.
Official public transport app
Exeter St Davids -> Exeter City Centre
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.

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