The Avocet Line between Exeter and Exmouth hugs the Exe Estuary for much of its route and offers some excellent views, particularly for those who enjoy bird watching.
There are plenty of places to visit along the route of the line. Estuary-side settlements such as Topsham and Exmouth are very easy to get to by train. Topsham is a delight for those who enjoy a bit of retail therapy, and Exmouth has plenty to offer those who like traditional seaside towns and water sports.
Or explore on foot, bike, train and ferry with the Exe Estuary Trail.
The line has a very active Rail Users Group, representing the interests of users of the line and working towards improvements to services and facilities.
Dogs are welcome on the train.
It takes 25 minutes to half an hour to travel the line.
Get the Avocet Line timetable or use the online journey planner.
Exmouth is the gateway to the Jurassic Coast and with its 2 miles of sandy beach has been a popular holiday resort since the 18th Century.
The riverside village of Topsham has a surprisingly cosmopolitan feel with its independent shops, stylish restaurants, historic pubs and antique markets. Take a boat trip over the River Exe or pick up the Exe Estuary Trail, an almost entirely traffic-free cycle route around the Exe Estuary.
Exeter Central station is located right in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the Princesshay shopping centre (pictured above – photo: Visit Exeter) 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.
The golden sands of Exmouth beach are a treat for adults and children alike. The Promenade is 2 miles long and along its length you’ll find old favourites such as swing boats and crazy golf as well as plenty of cafes and pubs.
Wander the streets of Topsham and you’ll find art galleries, boutiques, antiques, wine merchants, florists and a fantastic array of local food delicacies.
7 days of music, theatre, arts and literature are celebrated at Exmouth Festival each May. Taking place mainly in Manor Gardens as well as other venues throughout the town, the event is sure to offer something for everyone.
Valid after 09 00 Mon-Fri and any time on weekends or Bank Holidays
Children under the age of 5 travel free and don’t require a ticket.
For advice on taking buggies or prams on the train visit our page about travelling with kids.
5 to 15 year olds get 50% off. Over 15s are classed as adults, but can save with the 16-17 Saver or a 16-25 railcard.
It’s also worth checking out the Family & Friends railcard.
Groups of three to nine people who buy their ticket together get a third off thanks to the Groupsave discount.
Groupsave is valid on Off-Peak Day Return tickets on Great Western Railway services.
On the Avocet Line, this includes all trains that depart after 09 00 Monday-Friday and any time on weekends or Bank Holidays.
Live locally? For just £12 a year this card gives Devon and Cornwall residents a third off most Standard Off-Peak tickets for you and a friend when travelling in the two counties. You can also take up to four accompanying children (ages 5-15) on the journey for £1 each.
Find out more and get yours.
Whether you want to travel Standard or First Class, national railcards give a third off Anytime, Off-Peak and Advanced fares. Most cost just £30 a year.
Available railcards include:
16-25
26-30
Senior
Two Together
Disabled Persons (£20)
Family & Friends
There is also a 16-17 Saver which offers even better savings.
On this line, Off-Peak Day Return tickets for trips like Exeter to Exmouth (£6.40) are valid for journeys after 09 00 Mon-Fri and any time on weekends or Bank Holidays. Look up train times.
(For longer distance journeys you can save a lot of money by booking up to 12 weeks in advance).
Buy your ticket online on the GWR app or website.
Or buy your ticket in person:
Exeter St David’s
Exeter St David’s has a ticket office (opening times) and ticket machine. You must buy your ticket before you board.
Exeter Central station
Exeter Central has a ticket office (opening times) and ticket machine. You must buy your ticket before you board.
Digby & Sowton, Newcourt and Topsham stations
These stations have a ticket machine. If starting your journey here you must buy your ticket before you board.
Exmouth station
Exeter Central has a ticket office (opening times) and ticket machine. You must buy your ticket before you board.
If you are boarding at an unstaffed station that does not have ticket buying facilities you can buy your ticket on the train from the Conductor.
You can also buy at other stations on the national rail network that have a ticket machine or ticket office.
Devon & Cornwall Railcard
If you live locally you and a friend can save a third on Off-Peak travel in the two counties. Just £12 a year.
Read more
National railcards
Get a third off many rail journeys nationwide. Most railcards cost £30 a year.
Read more
Groupsave
Groups of 3 to 9 people travelling together get a third off Off-Peak Day Return fares on GWR services.
Read more
Devon Day Ranger
Explore Devon’s rail network for a day. The Ranger covers all routes in Devon, plus the Tamar Valley Line.
£16 Adult | £8 Child (5-15).
Read more
Child fares
Under 5s travel free and do not require a ticket. 5-15 year olds are half price.
Average each way
Throughout the day
No trains 25-26 Dec
On this line, Off-Peak Day Return tickets for trips like Exeter to Exmouth (£6.40) are valid for journeys after 09 00 Mon-Fri and any time on weekends or Bank Holidays. Look up train times.
(For longer distance journeys you can save a lot of money by booking up to 12 weeks in advance).
Buy your ticket online on the GWR app or website.
Or buy your ticket in person:
Exeter St David’s
Exeter St David’s has a ticket office (opening times) and ticket machine. You must buy your ticket before you board.
Exeter Central station
Exeter Central has a ticket office (opening times) and ticket machine. You must buy your ticket before you board.
Digby & Sowton, Newcourt and Topsham stations
These stations have a ticket machine. If starting your journey here you must buy your ticket before you board.
Exmouth station
Exeter Central has a ticket office (opening times) and ticket machine. You must buy your ticket before you board.
If you are boarding at an unstaffed station that does not have ticket buying facilities you can buy your ticket on the train from the Conductor.
You can also buy at other stations on the national rail network that have a ticket machine or ticket office.
Devon & Cornwall Railcard
If you live locally you and a friend can save a third on Off-Peak travel in the two counties. Just £12 a year.
Read more
National railcards
Get a third off many rail journeys nationwide. Most railcards cost £30 a year.
Read more
Groupsave
Groups of 3 to 9 people travelling together get a third off Off-Peak Day Return fares on GWR services.
Read more
Devon Day Ranger
Explore Devon’s rail network for a day. The Ranger covers all routes in Devon, plus the Tamar Valley Line.
£16 Adult | £8 Child (5-15).
Read more
Child fares
Under 5s travel free and do not require a ticket. 5-15 year olds are half price.
On this line, Off-Peak Day Return tickets for trips like Exeter to Exmouth (£6.40) are valid for journeys after 09 00 Mon-Fri and any time on weekends or Bank Holidays. Look up train times.
(For longer distance journeys you can save a lot of money by booking up to 12 weeks in advance).
Buy your ticket online on the GWR app or website.
Or buy your ticket in person:
Exeter St David’s
Exeter St David’s has a ticket office (opening times) and ticket machine. You must buy your ticket before you board.
Exeter Central station
Exeter Central has a ticket office (opening times) and ticket machine. You must buy your ticket before you board.
Digby & Sowton, Newcourt and Topsham stations
These stations have a ticket machine. If starting your journey here you must buy your ticket before you board.
Exmouth station
Exeter Central has a ticket office (opening times) and ticket machine. You must buy your ticket before you board.
If you are boarding at an unstaffed station that does not have ticket buying facilities you can buy your ticket on the train from the Conductor.
You can also buy at other stations on the national rail network that have a ticket machine or ticket office.
Devon & Cornwall Railcard
If you live locally you and a friend can save a third on Off-Peak travel in the two counties. Just £12 a year.
Read more
National railcards
Get a third off many rail journeys nationwide. Most railcards cost £30 a year.
Read more
Groupsave
Groups of 3 to 9 people travelling together get a third off Off-Peak Day Return fares on GWR services.
Read more
Devon Day Ranger
Explore Devon’s rail network for a day. The Ranger covers all routes in Devon, plus the Tamar Valley Line.
£16 Adult | £8 Child (5-15).
Read more
Child fares
Under 5s travel free and do not require a ticket. 5-15 year olds are half price.