By Bus: Practical Info


If trains aren't your thing (or perhaps you have fond memories of double-deckers), the Teignmouth to Exeter bus is a solid alternative. Stagecoach South West is the main operator, with the popular 2 and 2B routes connecting the cities.


Ticket prices: Adult singles usually cost £5–£6 (buy on the app, website or from the driver). Day tickets are around £8–£9 for unlimited travel with a 'DayRider' pass.


While the buses aren't quite as quick as the train, they do wind through some of Devon's beautiful and lesser-known villages, giving you a local's-eye view on rural life with no parking stress in Teignmouth.



By Train: Times and Routes


The Teignmouth to Exeter train (or indeed Exeter to Teignmouth) route is the jewel in the Great Western Railway crown, especially if you appreciate a good sea view. The service runs frequently (often every 20–30 minutes during the day), with trains operated primarily by Great Western Railway (GWR).


Both Exeter St Davids to Teignmouth and Exeter Central to Teignmouth are well served, and if you time it right, you'll be gazing out at the famous Dawlish coastline in no time. Trains start at Exeter Central, stop next at Exeter St Davids, then continue on towards Teignmouth. If you're staying closer to Exeter St Davids, you might as well just hop on there!


Ticket prices: Advance singles are usually from £4–£5 when booked online. Anytime singles are £5–£8 depending on time and class. Railcards and off-peak discounts make this even cheaper. Book via GWR's website, National Rail, or the Trainline.



Driving from Exeter to Teignmouth


If you're up for a drive, Exeter to Teignmouth via the A379 is a breezy 17-mile journey. Traffic permitting, you'll be dipping your toes in the sea in just 30 minutes.


Route: A379, passing Kenton and Starcross with sublime estuary scenery included. Alternative route: While less scenic, you can also take the A380 road past Kennford and Ashcombe, then the B3192 towards Teignmouth passing the golf course. It can be faster at 15 miles but there's a lot less to see along the way.


Teignmouth has several council-run car parks and on-street meters. In high season, get there early. There are no regular toll road fees.



Things to Do Along the Way


Don't make the error of treating this route as just point-A-to-point-B. Travelling from Exeter to Teignmouth, there's plenty to make the journey worthwhile.


Start at Exeter Quayside, where a good coffee and a leisurely canal-side stroll can set the mood for your trip. Just outside the city, Powderham Castle offers history and acres of manicured deer park.


As the train or bike route hugs the coastline, Dawlish Warren makes for a brilliant stop-off. With its family-friendly sandy beach and nature reserve, it's perfect for a quick sun-and-sand break, particularly if you're swapping trains at Dawlish.


Adventure-seekers and cyclists will love the Exe Estuary Trail, a scenic path that lets you pedal (or power-walk) all the way from Exeter to Teignmouth with estuary views the whole way.


And before you finally hit Teignmouth, consider a detour to Shaldon Village. Just across the river, it's packed with chocolate-box cottages, secret smugglers' tunnels, and even a small zoo for animal lovers both big and small.



FAQs About the Journey


Is it quicker to get from Exeter to Teignmouth by train or by bus? Train wins for speed and sea views, bus wins for the scenic village crawl.


Can I buy a ticket on the train or bus? Yes, but it's a little cheaper to buy online or via the relevant apps (GWR for trains, Stagecoach for buses).


What's the best website for timetable updates? For trains: www.gwr.com or www.nationalrail.co.uk. For buses: www.stagecoachbus.com.


Any good stops between Teignmouth and Exeter if I want to break up the trip? Dawlish for a scenic stop, Starcross for riverside views, and Kenton for a quick castle detour.