Quick Answer
The best overall way to travel from Exeter Airport (EXT) to Plymouth city centre is by combining the 56A Flyer Bus to Exeter St Davids train station, then a direct Great Western Railway (GWR) train. This journey typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours and costs between £25 to £50, depending on how far in advance you book your train ticket. For the cheapest option, take the 56A bus to Exeter Bus Station and then a National Express coach to Plymouth (from £10, approx. 2.5-3 hours).
Getting from Exeter Airport to Plymouth by Train
The train is the most recommended balance of speed, comfort, and scenery for this journey. There are no direct trains from the airport; a short bus or taxi connection to Exeter's main train station is required.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Airport to Station: Take the Stagecoach 56A ‘Flyer’ Bus from directly outside Exeter Airport arrivals. It runs every 30 minutes, takes about 30 minutes, and goes to both Exeter St Davids (mainline station) and Exeter Central. A single ticket is around £5. A taxi takes 20 minutes and costs £25-£35.
- Train to Plymouth: From Exeter St Davids, take a westbound Great Western Railway (GWR) or CrossCountry train. Direct services run frequently, taking 60 to 80 minutes.
Train Types & Ticket Advice:
GWR offers two main ticket types for this route:
- Advance Singles: The cheapest option (from £8.50), but you must travel on a specific train. Book weeks or months ahead for the best deals on sites like Trainline or GWR.com.
- Anytime/Off-Peak: More flexible but expensive (often £30+). Use these if your flight is delayed.
Key Tip: Check if a ‘PlusBus’ add-on is available when booking your train ticket. For a few extra pounds, it can cover your 56A bus journey from the airport, simplifying your ticket.
Sample Journey Times & Costs (Mid-Week Advance Purchase)
| Route Segment | Service | Duration | Approx. Cost (Single) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXT → Exeter St Davids | 56A Bus | 30 min | £5.00 | Departs every 30 mins. |
| Exeter St Davids → Plymouth | GWR Advance Train | 65 min | £10.50 | Booked 4 weeks ahead. |
| Total (Budget) | Bus + Train | ~1 hr 55 min | ~£15.50 | Most cost-effective rail option. |
| Total (Convenience) | Taxi + Anytime Train | ~1 hr 25 min | ~£55-65 | For immediate travel after landing. |
Getting from Exeter Airport to Plymouth by Coach or Bus
This is the most budget-friendly method, ideal for solo travelers and those not pressed for time. Like the train, it requires a connection in Exeter city centre.
Recommended Route: National Express Coach
- Airport to Exeter Bus Station: Take the 56A bus from the airport to Exeter Bus Station (stop is ‘Bus Station’). Journey time is about 25-35 minutes.
- Coach to Plymouth: Walk to the adjacent Exeter Coach Station and board a National Express service to Plymouth (nationalexpress.com). The direct coach takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Costs: Coach fares start from as little as £5 one-way if booked well in advance, but typically range from £10-£20. Combined with the £5 bus fare, your total can be under £15.
What to Know Before You Go:
- Booking is Essential: Walk-up fares are high. Always book online in advance.
- Luggage: You are allowed one large suitcase and one carry-on included in your ticket. This is more generous than some budget airlines!
- Frequency: Services run throughout the day, but are less frequent than trains. Check the last departure if you have an evening flight.
- Local Buses (Not Recommended): A patchwork of local buses (e.g., Stagecoach Gold) can technically make this journey, but it involves multiple changes, takes 4+ hours, and is not practical with luggage.
By Taxi or Private Transfer from Exeter Airport
A direct taxi or pre-booked private transfer is the most convenient but also the most expensive option. It is only recommended for specific circumstances.
Costs & Travel Time:
- Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on traffic (M5/A38).
- Estimated Cost: £90 to £130 for a standard saloon/car. Prices are fixed by some companies; always agree on a fare before setting off.
When Is This Option Worth It?
- Late-Night/Early-Morning Arrivals: When public transport has stopped.
- Small Groups (3-4 people): Splitting the cost can make it comparable to train tickets.
- Travelers with Significant Mobility Issues or Excessive Luggage.
- Door-to-Door Convenience: If you are going to a specific address in Plymouth not near the station.
Recommendation: Pre-book with a reputable local firm like Apple Taxis or Plymouth City Taxis for a confirmed rate. Avoid unlicensed airport touts.
Is Flying from Exeter Airport to Plymouth an Option?
In short, no. There are no direct commercial flights between Exeter Airport (EXT) and Plymouth. Plymouth has its own airport (PLH), but it only has seasonal flights to limited UK destinations (e.g., the Isles of Scilly).
Theoretical (and Impractical) Flying Route:
To “fly” this route, you would need to: 1) Fly from Exeter to a hub like London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. 2) Wait for a connecting flight back to Plymouth. This would take a minimum of 5-6 hours, cost hundreds of pounds, and involve two airports at each end.
Verdict: Flying is not a viable or sensible option for this journey within the UK. The train or coach is dramatically faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly for this distance.
Exeter Airport to Plymouth: Ticket & Cost Comparison
Use this table to quickly compare all your transport options side-by-side.
| Transport Method | Total Door-to-Door Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Key Advantage | Key Disadvantage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (via Bus) | 2 - 2.5 hours | £15 - £50 | Fast, scenic, reliable, central arrival. | Requires connection; advance tickets are restrictive. | Most travelers (Best Overall) |
| National Express Coach | 2.5 - 3.5 hours | £10 - £25 | Cheapest option, generous luggage. | Slower, less frequent than trains. | Budget travelers, solo backpackers. |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 1 - 1.5 hours | £90 - £130+ | Door-to-door, no hassle, available 24/7. | Extremely expensive for one person. | Groups, late arrivals, those with heavy luggage. |
| Flying | 5+ hours | £200+ | None for this route. | Impractical, costly, environmentally poor. | Not recommended. |
Traveler Tips & Local Experience
Essential Advice for a Smooth Journey:
- Booking is King: For both trains and coaches, book online in advance. Prices increase significantly as the travel date approaches, especially for Friday afternoon and Sunday evening services.
- Exeter St Davids Station: It's a relatively small station. Changing from the 56A bus to your train is straightforward – the bus stop is right outside the main station entrance.
- Luggage on Trains: GWR trains have overhead racks and dedicated luggage areas. During peak times, these can fill up, so board early if you have a large case.
- Check for Engineering Works: Always check National Rail Enquiries for weekend engineering work which can replace direct trains with longer bus replacements.
- Mobile Tickets: Both train and coach operators offer e-tickets you can store on your phone. This is the most convenient option.
- Arriving in Plymouth: Plymouth Railway Station is centrally located. The city centre, Hoe, and most hotels are within a short walking distance or a cheap taxi ride.
FAQs: Exeter Airport to Plymouth Travel
Is there a direct train from Exeter Airport to Plymouth?
No. There is no direct train from Exeter Airport (EXT) to Plymouth. You must first take a bus or taxi to Exeter St Davids railway station (approx. 30 mins), then catch a direct train to Plymouth (approx. 60-80 mins).
What is the cheapest way to get from Exeter Airport to Plymouth?
The cheapest way is by taking the Stagecoach 56A bus to Exeter Bus Station and then transferring to a pre-booked National Express coach to Plymouth. Total cost can be as low as £10-£15 one-way.
How much is a taxi from Exeter Airport to Plymouth?
A pre-booked taxi or private transfer from Exeter Airport to Plymouth city centre typically costs between £90 and £130 for a standard car. The journey takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes.
How do I get from Exeter Airport to Plymouth late at night?
If you arrive after the last bus/train (usually around 11:30 PM), your only practical option is a taxi or pre-booked private transfer. It's advisable to book this in advance to ensure availability and a fixed price.
Is the National Express coach from Exeter to Plymouth comfortable?
Yes, National Express coaches are generally comfortable for this journey, with reclining seats, free Wi-Fi (on most services), air conditioning, and a toilet on board. It's a good option if you're on a tight budget.
Can I use a railcard for the train from Exeter to Plymouth?
Yes. Popular railcards like the 16-25, 26-30, Senior, or Two Together Railcard can be applied when booking your train ticket from Exeter St Davids to Plymouth, giving you a discount of 1/3 on most fares.
Which is faster, the train or the coach?
The train is significantly faster. A typical train journey from Exeter St Davids to Plymouth takes 60-80 minutes, while the coach takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, not including the initial bus connection from the airport.
Where does the Plymouth train arrive?
All trains from Exeter arrive at Plymouth Railway Station (PLY), which is located in the city centre, just a short walk from the shopping district, the Barbican, and Plymouth Hoe.