Quick Answer
The fastest way from Exeter Airport (EXT) to Plymouth Ferry Port is by taxi or private transfer, taking about 50-60 minutes for £70-£90. The cheapest way is by public bus combined with train, costing around £12-£18 but taking 1 hour 45 minutes to 2+ hours. There is no direct train from the airport; all routes require a bus or taxi connection to Exeter Central or St Davids station first.
Taking the Train from Exeter Airport to Plymouth Ferry Port
While Exeter Airport has no train station, the train is a reliable and scenic option once you reach the city centre. The journey involves two legs: 1) Airport to Exeter's train stations, and 2) the mainline train to Plymouth, followed by a short local transfer to the Ferry Port.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Airport to Exeter Train Stations:
- Bus: The Stagecoach Bus 56 or the Exeter Airport Flyer service connects the terminal to Exeter St Davids (mainline) and Exeter Central stations. Journey takes 25-40 minutes, costing ~£4-£5. Buses run regularly but check timetables for evenings/Sundays.
- Taxi: A 15-minute ride to either station, costing £15-£25.
- Main Train to Plymouth:
- Operators: Great Western Railway (GWR) is the primary operator on this scenic coastal route along the South Devon Sea Wall.
- Route: Direct services from Exeter St Davids to Plymouth run frequently, taking approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Tickets & Cost: Advance single tickets can be found for as low as £8-£15. Anytime/on-the-day fares are £20-£30. Check times and book on National Rail or the GWR app.
- Plymouth Station to Ferry Port:
- The ferry port (Millbay Docks) is about 1.5 miles from Plymouth Railway Station.
- Local Bus: Services 25 or 25A from the city centre take 10-15 minutes.
- Taxi: A 5-10 minute ride, costing £6-£10.
Key Considerations:
- Total Door-to-Door Time: Allow 2 to 2.5 hours minimum, including connections.
- Luggage: Manageable on trains, but you'll handle it yourself on buses and between platforms. Some stations have lifts.
- Railcards: Save 1/3 on fares with a National Railcard if eligible.
By Bus & Coach from Exeter Airport to Plymouth
This is the most budget-friendly public transport option, ideal for solo travelers or those not pressed for time. It involves a combination of local and national coach services.
Option 1: Local Bus & National Express (Recommended for Directness)
- Take the Stagecoach Bus 56 from the airport to Exeter Bus Station (30-40 mins, ~£4).
- Transfer to a direct National Express coach from Exeter (Bus Station) to Plymouth (Bretonside Bus Station). Journey takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes.
- From Bretonside, it's a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride (£5-£7) to the Ferry Port.
Total Cost: £10-£18 one-way. Total Time: ~2.5 hours.
Option 2: Direct Local Bus (Slowest but Cheapest)
The Stagecoach Gold Service 12 runs between Exeter and Plymouth city centres, passing near the airport. You must walk/take a short taxi to the "Exeter Airport Roundabout" bus stop. The bus ride to Plymouth takes over 2 hours. Fares are around £8-£12 with a Day Rider ticket.
| Service | Route | Approx. Duration | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Express | Exeter Bus Station â Plymouth | 1h 20m - 1h 50m | £6 - £15 | Comfortable, book in advance for best price, luggage allowance. |
| Stagecoach Gold 12 | Airport (Roundabout) â Plymouth City Centre | 2h+ | £8 - £12 | Infrequent, scenic but slow, not ideal with heavy luggage. |
By Taxi & Private Transfer from Exeter Airport to Plymouth
For door-to-door convenience, especially with lots of luggage, groups, or tight schedules, a pre-booked taxi or private transfer is the optimal choice.
Key Details:
- Journey Time: 50 to 70 minutes, depending on traffic (A38 route).
- Cost Range: £70 - £110 for a standard car (1-4 passengers). Prices are fixed for pre-booked transfers but higher for on-demand airport taxis.
- Operators: Reliable local companies like Devon Taxis or 24/7 Airport Transfer offer online booking.
- Vehicle Options: Saloon cars, estate cars (for extra luggage), and 8-seater minibuses for groups.
When to Choose This Option:
- Traveling in a group of 3 or more (can be cost-effective per person).
- Arriving late at night or early morning when public transport is limited.
- Carrying heavy sports equipment (e.g., diving gear for a cruise) or bulky luggage.
- Connecting to a specific ferry departure and cannot risk delays.
Tip: Always pre-book for the best rate and guaranteed availability. Confirm if the quote includes all tolls and taxes.
Cost, Time & Option Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all transport methods from Exeter Airport to Plymouth Ferry Port.
| Transport Method | Approx. Door-to-Door Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Number of Changes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 50 - 70 min | £70 - £110 | 0 (Direct) | Groups, convenience, tight schedules, lots of luggage. |
| Train (via Bus to Station) | 2h - 2h 30m | £15 - £40 | 2-3 (Bus + Train + Local Taxi/Bus) | Solo travelers/couples, scenic route, comfortable & reliable. |
| Bus & Coach (National Express) | 2h 30m - 3h | £10 - £18 | 1-2 (Bus to Exeter + Coach) | Budget travelers, flexible timing. |
| Rental Car | 50 - 70 min | £40 - £70/day + fuel & parking | 0 (Direct) | Exploring Devon before/after, maximum flexibility. |
Verdict: For speed and convenience, book a private transfer. For the best value using public transport, take the bus to Exeter then the train. For the absolute lowest cost, use the combination of local and National Express buses.
Traveler Tips & Experience
Insights from frequent travelers can save you time and stress on this route.
- Check Ferry Check-in Times: Most ferries (e.g., Brittany Ferries to Roscoff/Santander) require check-in at least 1 hour before departure. Always plan to arrive at the ferry port with ample time to spare.
- Luggage Strategy: If traveling by train/bus with large suitcases, travel light or consider sending luggage ahead with a service like Send My Bag.
- Weekend & Evening Travel: Public transport frequency reduces significantly on Sundays and after early evening. Always check the latest timetables on operator websites.
- Traffic on the A38: If taking a taxi or driving, be aware the A38 can have heavy traffic during peak summer months and Friday afternoons. Allow extra time.
- Mobile Tickets: For buses and trains, e-tickets or mobile app tickets (GWR, Stagecoach, National Express) are highly convenient and often cheaper than paper tickets.
- Airport Facilities: Exeter Airport is small. There's a coffee shop and basic amenities, but limited shopping. Pick up any last-minute travel essentials in Plymouth city centre instead.
FAQs: Exeter Airport to Plymouth Ferry Port
Is there a direct train from Exeter Airport to Plymouth?
No. Exeter Airport does not have a train station. You must first take a bus or taxi to Exeter St Davids or Exeter Central station (15-40 minutes), then catch a direct train to Plymouth (about 1 hour).
What is the cheapest way to get from Exeter Airport to Plymouth Ferry Port?
The cheapest way is by public bus. Take the Stagecoach 56 bus to Exeter city centre (approx. £4), then transfer to a National Express coach to Plymouth (from £6 if booked in advance). Total cost can be under £12.
How long does a taxi take from Exeter Airport to Plymouth Ferry Port?
A taxi or private transfer takes approximately 50 to 70 minutes, depending on traffic conditions on the A38. It's the fastest door-to-door option.
Can I use a UK Railcard for this journey?
Yes, if traveling by train. Once you reach Exeter's train stations, you can purchase a discounted ticket to Plymouth using a valid Railcard (like the 16-25, Senior, or Two Together railcard), saving up to 1/3 on the fare.
What's the best option for an early morning or late-night arrival?
For flights arriving outside standard public transport hours (typically before 6 am or after 11 pm), your only practical options are a pre-booked taxi/private transfer or an airport hotel stay followed by morning transport. Do not rely on buses or trains.
Is it easy to get from Plymouth train station to the Ferry Port?
Yes, it's straightforward. The Ferry Port (Millbay Docks) is about a 1.5-mile distance. You can take a local taxi (5-10 mins, £6-£10), catch bus number 25/25A (10-15 mins), or even walk it in 25-30 minutes if you have light luggage.
Should I rent a car at Exeter Airport for going to Plymouth?
Only if you plan to explore Devon and Cornwall extensively. For simply reaching the ferry port, renting a car is generally not cost-effective due to daily rental rates, fuel, and the one-way drop-off fee you'll likely incur if not returning the car to Exeter.
How far in advance should I book a taxi or train?
For taxis/transfers, book at least 24-48 hours in advance, especially in summer or for group travel. For train tickets, book as far in advance as possible (up to 12 weeks) on the National Rail website to secure the lowest "Advance" fares.