
Exeter St Davids Station
A charming, traditional British train station with a unique book vending machine and excellent trainspotting opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

Exeter St Davids Station
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, traditional British train station with a unique book vending machine and excellent trainspotting opportunities.
"This is actually a really good station, it's very traditional and styled well, it's easy to navigate around."

📚 Find Your Next Read
Don't miss the unique book vending machine for your travel reading needs!
🚶♀️ Easy Platform Navigation
Clear signage helps you find your platform, but allow extra time for lifts.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Book Vending Machine
Main concourse
Discover a unique book vending machine for your next read, perfect for train journeys.

Traditional British Station Architecture
Throughout the station
Admire the historical platforms and classic British train station charm.

Trainspotting Opportunities
Level crossing area
Watch a variety of train operators pass through this busy junction.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Exeter St Davids
Beyond the Platform
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Find Your Next Read
Don't miss the unique book vending machine for your travel reading needs!
🚶♀️ Easy Platform Navigation
Clear signage helps you find your platform, but allow extra time for lifts.
I am driving to Exeter St. David train station and taking the train. What’s the best place to park my car?
☕ Limited Food Options
Pack snacks or eat before arriving, as dining choices are scarce.
🤝 Helpful Station Staff
Staff are known for being kind and efficient, especially at the ticket office.
Exeter st David’s to Waterloo train
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Find Your Next Read
Don't miss the unique book vending machine for your travel reading needs!
🚶♀️ Easy Platform Navigation
Clear signage helps you find your platform, but allow extra time for lifts.
☕ Limited Food Options
Pack snacks or eat before arriving, as dining choices are scarce.
🤝 Helpful Station Staff
Staff are known for being kind and efficient, especially at the ticket office.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Exeter St Davids Station is praised for its traditional charm, helpful staff, and ease of navigation. Travelers appreciate the unique book vending machine and trainspotting opportunities. However, the limited selection of food and drink outlets is a recurring point of dissatisfaction.
"This is actually a really good station, it's very traditional and styled well, it's easy to navigate around to which platform you need too, because of consistency you are aware of what platform serves what destination. staff are kind here and work hard to get trains moving, step free access and toilets. Not enough places to eat or drink. Another shop would be beneficial."
Jake B
"No doubt nice station. Good service even for quick London to Penzance and many more because its main station of Devon. Selection of shops around. The level crossing is great for watching trains around. The car park has lots of spaces. Staff were helpful and good at their job. I like this big station, platforms with plenty of benches."
UK Photo Journey
"Traditional British train station. Nice historical platforms. I very much liked nice and helpful staff in the ticket office."
Vladimir Balaz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most buses serving Exeter conveniently stop at or near Exeter St Davids Station, making it a central transport hub.
While direct trains are available, some travelers report delays. It's wise to check live train times and allow buffer time for your journey.
Exeter St Davids is served by Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, and South Western Railway, offering a wide range of destinations.
Yes, there is a car park at the station with plenty of spaces available for travelers.
As the main station in Devon, Exeter St Davids is a key interchange for many services, making it easy to reach various destinations across the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets at the ticket office, where staff are known to be helpful, or use ticket machines.
Yes, ticket machines are available for purchasing your train tickets conveniently.
While specific hours can vary, the ticket office is generally staffed during operational hours to assist passengers.
Booking in advance is often recommended, especially for longer journeys or during peak times, to secure the best fares and ensure availability.
Information on luggage storage facilities is not widely available, so it's best to check with station staff directly if you require this service.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The station offers step-free access and accessible toilets, ensuring a comfortable experience for all passengers.
Yes, accessible toilets are available for passengers' convenience.
You can find a unique book vending machine, enjoy trainspotting, and admire the traditional station architecture.
The station has consistent signage that makes it easy to find your platform, though some may need a moment to locate lifts.
Absolutely! The level crossing area is a great spot for trainspotting, with various operators passing through.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The selection of places to eat or drink is limited. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or dine elsewhere before your journey.
Current reviews suggest limited dining facilities. Travelers often recommend bringing your own food due to the scarcity of options.
While there are some shops, the variety is not extensive. Bringing your own snacks is a popular suggestion among travelers.
Based on traveler feedback, it's generally recommended to eat before arriving at the station due to the limited food and drink choices.
Besides the popular book vending machine, information on food vending machines is not readily available, so it's best to be prepared.
📸 📸 Photography
The historical platforms offer a charming backdrop, and the level crossing provides dynamic shots of passing trains.
Yes, the station is a great location for trainspotting and photography, with multiple train operators frequently passing through.
The traditional British station style lends itself well to photography. Explore the platforms for classic shots.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, it's always wise to be mindful of other passengers and station operations.
A versatile camera that can handle both architectural details and moving subjects (trains) would be ideal. Consider a zoom lens for capturing trains from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
🚄 Train Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Book Vending Machine
This initiative, supported by publishers like Penguin Books, aims to make literature accessible and spontaneous for commuters and travelers. It's a testament to creative ways stations are evolving to offer more than just transit. If you're passing through, don't miss the chance to discover your next literary adventure right on the platform.
Navigating Exeter St Davids: Accessibility and Signage
However, some visitors, particularly those with luggage, have noted that it might take a little extra time to locate the lifts. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the station layout or ask station staff for assistance if you're unsure, especially if you're on a tight schedule. The helpfulness of the staff is frequently praised, making it easier to find your way.
A Hub for Train Enthusiasts
The station's layout, including a level crossing, offers good vantage points for observing the comings and goings. Whether you're a seasoned railfan or just enjoy watching trains, Exeter St Davids provides a dynamic and engaging experience. The historical platforms themselves add to the atmosphere, making it a picturesque setting for any railway enthusiast.






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