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Trip Summary
5 trains operate daily from Plymouth to Exeter. The train trip from Plymouth to Exeter is usually about one hour and 29 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Great Western Railway train can get you there in as little as one hour and 14 minutes.
| Distance | 36 mi (57 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 14m |
| Lowest price | £12.53 |
| Trains per day | 6 |
| Most frequent service | Great Western Railway |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Plymouth to Exeter?
Great Western Railway is the one and only train line which connects Plymouth to Exeter. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Western Railway | 5 | 1h 30m | £17.15 |
Great Western Railway is a train company in the United Kingdom responsible for rail services in the west of England and south Wales, including many intercity services to and from London. Whether you book a seat on a standard or first-class carriage, you can expect plenty of legroom, complimentary WiFi, power outlets/USB charging points, and onboard restrooms. There are also café cars or snacks trolleys onboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Plymouth to Exeter. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Plymouth at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 17:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. 6 of these are direct connections to Exeter. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Exeter to Plymouth.
City Information
Plymouth
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Located on the south coast of Devon, Plymouth is an English port city steeped in maritime heritage with a recently-revitalized waterfront. Although many seaport towns in Britain have a boastful history, none can quite match Plymouth's. It was here, just off the coast of Plymouth Port, that English naval forces defeated the Spanish Armada. Plus, one of the most famous landmarks in the city is the Mayflower Steps. These meaningful steps commemorate when the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth port in 1620 for the New World.
In addition to its history, Plymouth has enough modern amenities to compete as a tourist destination. With big brands and independent stores on offer, the city centre is a wonderland for shoppers. Drake Circus is the town's premier shopping venue, with over 70 covered shops for the rainier days. The West End area offers more independent retailers, including the Plymouth Market, selling local crafts, foods, and much more.
Travel to Plymouth is simple. Either fly in via Exeter Airport, or catch a train from destinations like London, Liverpool, or Leeds. National Express and Megabus coaches also operate routes to the city as a more affordable way to travel throughout the United Kingdom.
Exeter
Located on the River Exe in the southwest of England, Exeter is one of England's most historically-varied towns. It's easy to forget what year it is while walking down the cobbled streets surrounded by Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and Georgian facades interspersed with modern glass buildings and contemporary bars.
One of the greatest examples of this town's historical architecture is Exeter Cathedral. The 12th-century building took around 300 years to complete, but every moment was worth it for the exterior's extremely detailed stonework. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is another unmissable building, housing a wide range of attractions from antiquities to zoology.
Take a walk along Exeter's historic quayside for some of the most spectacular scenery in the city, as well as some of Exeter's best bars and restaurants. If you're looking for something to entertain the children, Crealy Great Adventure Park is the place to be. The park contains over 60 rides and an Animal Barn showcasing farm and exotic animals.
Exeter can be easily reached from London via the Great Western Railway, with trains leaving roughly every hour from the city. Trains arrive at Exeter St. David's station, only a short walk away from the city center. In addition, National Express and Megabus provide coach services to the town from various locations across the country.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Plymouth?
Main departure station: Dockyard Train Station
Plymouth has 3 stations where passengers can board the train to Exeter.
All train stations in Plymouth:
Dockyard Train Station
St Budeaux Ferry Rd
Keyham
Where is the train station in Exeter?
Image credit: dksesh
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Exeter St David's
St David's Train Station is the principal railway station that serves Exeter. Great Western Railway and CrossCountry operate several routes through this station, the most popular being the line to London Paddington. The station is a 15-minute walk from the city centre, but frequent local bus services also connect to the rest of Exeter. Inside the station, you'll find a bookshop and cafe along with amenities like restrooms and notice boards with train information. Several local shops, a Premier Inn Hotel, and a car hire agency all await right outside of the station.
Train stations in Exeter:
Exeter St David's
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Exeter to Plymouth?
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