The GWR timetable change – what does it mean for you?

11th December 2019

The GWR timetable change – what does it mean for you?

GWR train at St Germans in Cornwall - photo by Antony Christie

This Sunday (15 Dec 2019) sees the biggest timetable change on the Great Western Railway network since 1976. Journey times will change, with more frequent trains and more seats.

Find out what it means for you with our quick summary below. For full details look up train times, or read GWR’s full guide for each station.

The main line

Exeter

Exeter Central

The majority of train times from Exeter Central will change, allowing GWR to improve services across the region.
There will be a regular hourly service to Barnstaple. Not all trains will stop at every station.
There will be two trains an hour to Newton Abbot and Paignton.
Customers travelling longer distances should be aware that the mainline timetable will significantly change and connection times are likely to be different.

Exeter St Davids

The majority of train times from Exeter St Davids will change, allowing GWR to introduce faster and more frequent services.
There will be an hourly fast train to London Paddington running non-stop between Taunton and Reading.
There will be a two-hourly train to London Paddington stopping at intermediate stations.
There will be at least two local trains an hour to Paignton and Exmouth, but not all trains will stop at every station.
There will be a regular hourly service to Barnstaple, but not all trains will stop at every station.

Look up train times

Plymouth

The majority of train times from Plymouth will change, allowing GWR to introduce faster and more frequent services.
There will be more trains into Cornwall.
Local services, train times and calling patterns will change.
Most trains to and from London will run non-stop between Taunton and Reading. However, there will be fewer stopping services from Plymouth. Customers travelling to Castle Cary, Westbury, Pewsey and Newbury may have to change.
There will be no direct train to Bath Spa, Chippenham, Swindon and Didcot Parkway. Customers should change at Bristol.
Remember to check any connections as times and platforms are likely to have changed.

Look up train times

Truro

For other main line stations, use GWR's station look-up tool or their journey planner.

The branch lines

Tarka Line

(Exeter - Barnstaple)

Avocet Line

(Exeter - Exmouth)

The majority of train times will change.
All trains on the Avocet Line will go to Exmouth, Paignton or Exeter St Davids.
Customers for Barnstaple should change trains at Exeter Central.
Customers travelling longer distances should be aware that the mainline timetable will significantly change and connection times are likely to be different.

Look up train times or get new timetable PDF

Riviera Line

(Exeter - Paignton)