Devon, located in southwest England, boasts a variety of train lines that traverse its picturesque landscapes, connecting key towns and offering scenic journeys. Here are some notable train lines in Devon:
- Tarka Line
Connecting Exeter St Davids to Barnstaple, this line offers views of the North Devon countryside, following the River Taw for much of its route.
Tarka Line (Exeter St Davids to Barnstaple)
- Stations:
- Exeter St Davids
- Exeter Central
- Newton St Cyres
- Crediton
- Yeoford
- Copplestone
- Morchard Road
- Lapford
- Eggesford
- Kings Nympton
- Portsmouth Arms
- Umberleigh
- Chapelton
- Barnstaple
- Service Frequency:
- Approximately one train per hour in each direction.
2. Riviera Line
Running between Exeter Central and Paignton, the Riviera Line provides stunning coastal views along the English Riviera, passing through towns like Dawlish and Torquay.
Riviera Line (Exeter to Paignton)
- Stations:
- Exeter St Davids
- Exeter Central
- St James Park
- Polsloe Bridge
- Digby & Sowton
- Newcourt
- Topsham
- Exton
- Lympstone Village
- Lympstone Commando (limited service)
- Exmouth
- Service Frequency:
- Typically two trains per hour in each direction.
3. Avocet Line
This line links Exeter Central to Exmouth, following the Exe Estuary and offering scenic views of the water and wildlife.
Avocet Line (Exeter to Exmouth)
- Stations:
- Exeter St Davids
- Exeter Central
- St James Park
- Polsloe Bridge
- Digby & Sowton
- Newcourt
- Topsham
- Exton
- Lympstone Village
- Lympstone Commando (limited service)
- Exmouth
- Service Frequency:
- Generally two trains per hour in each direction.
4. East Devon Line
Connecting Exeter St Davids to Axminster, this route passes through the beautiful Devon countryside, including towns like Honiton.
East Devon Line (Exeter to Axminster)
- Stations:
- Exeter St Davids
- Exeter Central
- Pinhoe
- Cranbrook
- Whimple
- Feniton
- Honiton
- Axminster
- Service Frequency:
- Typically one train per hour in each direction.
5. Dartmoor Line
Recently reopened, the Dartmoor Line runs from Exeter to Okehampton, providing access to the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park.
Dartmoor Line (Exeter to Okehampton)
- Stations:
- Exeter St Davids
- Crediton
- Sampford Courtenay
- Okehampton
- Service Frequency:
- Approximately one train every two hours in each direction.
6. Tamar Valley Line
Extending from Plymouth to Gunnislake, this line crosses the River Tamar and offers views of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Tamar Valley Line (Plymouth to Gunnislake)
- Stations:
- Plymouth
- Devonport
- Dockyard
- Keyham
- St Budeaux Victoria Road
- Bere Ferrers
- Bere Alston
- Calstock
- Gunnislake
- Service Frequency:
- Approximately one train every two hours in each direction.
7. South Devon Railway
A heritage railway operating between Totnes and Buckfastleigh, the South Devon Railway offers nostalgic steam train journeys along the River Dart.
South Devon Railway (Heritage Line: Totnes to Buckfastleigh)
- Stations:
- Totnes (Riverside)
- Staverton
- Buckfastleigh
- Service Frequency:
- Operates primarily during tourist seasons with multiple trains daily; schedules vary.
Please note that service frequencies can vary based on the time of day, day of the week, and seasonal schedules. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to consult the official timetables of the respective train operators.
These lines not only facilitate transportation across Devon but also provide passengers with some of the most scenic rail journeys in the UK.
