Quick Answer
The best overall way to travel from Exeter Airport (EXT) to Plymouth University is by train via Exeter St Davids station. The total journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and costs between £20 and £50, depending on how far in advance you book. The process involves: 1) A short bus or taxi ride from the airport to the train station, 2) A direct train to Plymouth, and 3) A 10-15 minute walk to campus.
By Train: The Most Efficient and Scenic Route
Taking the train is the most recommended option for balance of speed, cost, and convenience. Exeter Airport does not have its own train station, so a short transfer is required.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Airport to Exeter St Davids Station:
- Bus (Cheapest): Take Stagecoach Bus Route 56 or 56A (the “Flyer”). It runs every 30 minutes, takes ~30 mins, and costs about £2-£3. Get off at “St Davids Station”. Check timetables on the Stagecoach website.
- Taxi (Quickest): A taxi from the airport rank takes 10-15 minutes and costs £10-£15. Use this if you have heavy bags or are in a hurry.
- Train from Exeter to Plymouth:
- Services are operated primarily by Great Western Railway (GWR). Direct trains run approximately every hour.
- The journey is 60-75 minutes, passing through the beautiful Devon and South Devon coastline.
- Key Tip: Buy an “Advance” ticket online weeks or months ahead for the lowest fares. Anytime tickets are more flexible but expensive.
- Plymouth Station to the University:
- Walking (10-15 mins): The main campus is a straightforward walk from the station. Follow signs for the University.
- Local Bus/Taxi: Citybus services (like Route 1) are available if going to specific halls of residence or if you have luggage. A taxi from the station rank costs £5-£7.
Train Route Comparison:
| Route Type | Estimated Total Time | Estimated Cost (One-Way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended (Bus + Advance Train) | 2h - 2h 15m | £15 - £35 | Budget-conscious travellers planning ahead. |
| Convenient (Taxi + Anytime Train) | 1h 45m - 2h | £40 - £60+ | Last-minute travel, flexibility, or heavy luggage. |
By Coach / Bus: The Most Budget-Friendly Option
For those prioritizing cost above all else, national coach services offer the lowest fares, albeit with a longer travel time and less frequent schedules.
Primary Coach Operators:
- National Express: The main service. Requires a bus (Route 56) from the airport to Exeter Bus Station (Bampfield Street), then a coach to Plymouth (Bretonside Bus Station). Total journey: 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Fares start from £5-£20 if booked online in advance.
- Megabus: Often has even cheaper promotional fares (from £1!). The pickup point is at Exeter Services (not the city centre), requiring a taxi from the airport (~£12). This can negate savings for solo travellers but may work for groups.
Important Considerations:
- Luggage: Check baggage allowances (usually 1 suitcase + hand luggage). Excess luggage fees apply.
- Booking: Essential. Walk-up fares are high, and popular times sell out.
- Final Leg: From Plymouth coach station to the university, it's a 20-25 minute walk or a short local bus ride.
By Taxi or Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Convenience
This is the most straightforward but significantly more expensive option, suitable for specific circumstances.
Cost & Booking:
- Estimated Fare: £90 - £130 for a standard car (65-mile journey).
- Booking: You can use the taxi rank at the airport, call a local firm, or use an app like Uber (availability varies). For guaranteed service and fixed pricing, pre-book a private transfer online.
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic on the A38.
When is a Taxi Worth It?
- Group Travel: Splitting the cost between 3-4 people makes it competitive with train fares.
- Late-Night/Early-Morning Arrivals: When public transport is not operating.
- Special Needs: Travellers with mobility issues or excessive luggage.
- Corporate Travel: When expense is not a primary concern.
Warning: Metered fares for an unbooked long-distance journey can be very high. Always agree on a fixed price or use a reputable pre-booked service.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: All Options at a Glance
Use this table to quickly compare the key metrics of each transport method from Exeter Airport to Plymouth University's main campus.
| Transport Method | Estimated Door-to-Door Time | Estimated Cost (One-Way) | Key Advantages | Key Disadvantages | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (via Bus Transfer) | 2h - 2.5h | £15 - £50 | Fast, reliable, scenic, good luggage space, productive. | Requires a transfer, advance purchase needed for best price. | Most travellers (BEST OVERALL) |
| National Express Coach | 2.5h - 3.5h | £5 - £25 | Very cheap if booked early, direct bus station to bus station. | Slowest, less frequent, susceptible to road traffic. | Budget travellers (CHEAPEST OPTION) |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 1h 15m - 1h 45m | £90 - £130 | Door-to-door, no transfers, available 24/7, fast. | Very expensive, cost varies with traffic. | Groups, late arrivals, special needs travellers. |
Traveler Experience & Essential Tips
Pro Tips for a Smooth Journey:
- Book Train Tickets Early: This is the single most important money-saving tip. GWR 'Advance' tickets are released 12 weeks before travel and are quantity-limited. Use the GWR website or Trainline for comparisons.
- Manage Your Luggage: If you have very large items (e.g., moving boxes), consider using a door-to-door luggage shipping service like Send My Bag to travel hands-free.
- Check Real-Time Schedules: Always check for engineering works or disruptions before you travel on the National Rail Enquiries website. Bus schedules can also change, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Download Helpful Apps:
- GWR App: For train tickets, live times, and platform info.
- Stagecoach Bus App: For bus times and mobile tickets for the Route 56 Flyer.
- Google Maps/Citymapper: For integrated walking and public transport directions in Plymouth.
- Factor in “Freshers’ Week” & Holidays: During university arrival weeks (mid-September) and UK bank holidays, all transport can be extremely busy. Book everything as far in advance as possible.
- Student Discounts: Invest in a 16-25 Railcard or 26-30 Railcard. It costs £30 for a year and saves you 1/3 on most rail fares, easily paying for itself on a single round trip.
FAQs: Exeter Airport to Plymouth University
Is there a direct train from Exeter Airport to Plymouth University?
No, there is no direct train from Exeter Airport (EXT) to Plymouth University. You must take a combination of transport: first a bus or taxi from the airport to Exeter St Davids or Exeter Central train station, then a train to Plymouth station, followed by a short walk or local bus to the university campus.
What is the cheapest way to get from Exeter Airport to Plymouth University?
The cheapest way is by combining the local Stagecoach Bus (Route 56/56A) from the airport to Exeter city centre (approx. £2-£3) with an advance-purchase train ticket from Exeter to Plymouth (prices can be as low as £5-£15 one-way). This combination can keep total costs under £20. The National Express or Megabus coach is another budget option, though it takes longer.
How long does the journey from Exeter Airport to Plymouth University take?
The total door-to-door journey time typically ranges from 2 hours to 2.5 hours. This includes: 30-40 mins for the airport-to-station transfer, a 60-75 minute train journey from Exeter to Plymouth, and a 10-15 minute walk from Plymouth station to the main university campus. Delays, waiting times, or traffic can extend this.
Can I use a taxi or Uber directly from Exeter Airport to Plymouth University?
Yes, you can pre-book a taxi or use Uber for a direct journey. However, this is the most expensive option, with fares typically between £90 and £130 for the ~65-mile trip, depending on time of day and vehicle type. It's only recommended for groups of 3-4 sharing the cost, those with heavy luggage, or for arrivals after public transport has stopped for the night.
What should I do if I arrive at Exeter Airport late at night?
If you arrive after the last bus/train (typically around 11 PM), your only realistic options are a taxi or a pre-arranged private transfer to Plymouth. It is highly advised to book this in advance to secure availability and a fixed price. Some airport hotels also offer shuttle services; consider staying overnight and continuing your journey the next morning.
Where do I buy train tickets for the Exeter to Plymouth route?
You can purchase tickets online in advance from train operator websites like Great Western Railway (GWR) or aggregators like Trainline. For the best prices, buy 'Advance' tickets as soon as you know your travel date. You can also buy tickets at the ticket machines or counters at Exeter St Davids station.
Is it better to fly or take the train from London to reach Plymouth University?
For most travellers, the train is superior. A direct train from London Paddington to Plymouth takes about 3.5 hours, city-centre to city-centre. Flying from London to Exeter involves travel to a London airport (1+ hour), flight time (1 hr), then the 2+ hour transfer from Exeter Airport to Plymouth—often totalling 5+ hours. The train is more reliable, scenic, and productive.
What are the key luggage and accessibility tips for this journey?
- Luggage: Pack light. The airport bus and trains have limited luggage space. Consider sending large items ahead via a courier service if possible.
- Accessibility: Contact GWR or bus companies in advance for assistance. Exeter St Davids and Plymouth stations have step-free access. Taxis are the most accessible door-to-door option.
- Navigation: Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time bus/train schedules and walking directions on campus.