Take a trip on one of England’s best-loved stretches of railway.
Departing from Exeter city centre, the train hugs the Exe Estuary and the coast, offering amazing views. It calls at seaside beauty spots like Dawlish and Teignmouth, and onwards to the glorious English Riviera. Here the train stops at Torre (closest for Torquay town centre), Torquay and Paignton. You’ll be on the beach in no time.
Dogs are welcome on the train.
Tickets are great value. The Off-Peak Day Return from Exeter to Paignton is only £6.90. Get other fares and ticket-buying tips:
Plan your trip with our online journey planner, or download a Riviera Line timetable. Trains run regularly throughout the day.
On average, it takes between an hour and an hour and a quarter to travel the line from Exeter to Paignton.
The most scenic section of the line is between Starcross and Teignmouth.
Download the Riviera Line timetable as a PDF, or look up train times on our journey planner.
Torquay’s iconic palm trees, busy harbour and international marina make it a firm favourite for all the family.
Enjoy long relaxing walks along the promenade and pier, or explore the South West Coastal Path for majestic views. Meet the penguins, rays, octopus and otters at Living Coasts, take a sightseeing boat trip around the bay, and discover 800-year-old Torre Abbey.
Dawlish is a great Regency resort town, famous for the way the railway runs right along the town’s seafront.
Step off the train and take in the sea air, then hit the beach or go searching for the town’s distinctive black swans. To continue your birdwatching, hop by train to neighbouring Dawlish Warren and visit the National Nature Reserve.
With great shopping, a thriving arts scene and excellent restaurants, Exeter is one of the liveliest cities in the South West.
Exeter Central station is located right in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the Princesshay shopping centre and the city’s magnificent cathedral. Attractions include John Lewis and other major retailers, the historic quayside, and tours of the city’s medieval underground passageways.
Cathedral photo: © Richard Austin
Combine a trip on The Riviera Line with a scenic walk. Get your free booklet of maps and directions for six short walks from Riviera Line stations. There are also even more walks available online, courtesy of the South West Coast Path team.
From Starcross or Dawlish Warren stations, you can explore the beautiful Exe Estuary by foot, bus or ferry – see map.
This award-winning coastal zoo, based in Torquay, boasts a fantastic range of marine life from across the globe. Journey from the South African coast to a mangrove forest and then on to a sunken wreck. Find out more.
The sand dunes, grassland, mudflats and beach at Dawlish Warren attract thousands of people each year. As part of the Exe Estuary it is one of the most important places for wildfowl and wading birds in the whole of the South West. Find out more.
Off-peak day return. Valid after the morning peak, and anytime weekends or Bank Holidays.
