St Thomas Railway Station (Exeter St Thomas) is a small but atmospheric railway station located in the St Thomas area of Exeter. It is situated on a picturesque stone viaduct, rising above the city streets, and serves the local Riviera Line. The station is not the city's main transport hub, but it is popular among locals and tourists for short trips to the coast or to the main station, St Davids.
City
Exeter
Country
United Kingdom
Type
Railway station
It is important for passengers to know that the station does not have a large terminal building. Entrances are located on Cowick Street and lead up stairs to the platforms. There are only two platforms here: one for trains towards Paignton, and the other towards Exeter St Davids and Exmouth. The station operates in an automated mode, so there are no staffed ticket counters.
Contact Information
Official Website: Great Western Railway (GWR) / National Rail
Opening Hours: The station is open 24 hours a day for access to trains (according to the timetable)
Luggage Storage: Luggage storage services are not available at the station
Accessibility Information: Access is limited; there are flights of stairs, and no lifts are available
How to Get There
Getting to St Thomas Railway Station is easy, as it is located in a lively area west of the River Exe.
Public Transport: Bus stops are located directly under the viaduct on Cowick Street. City buses (for example, Stagecoach routes) run regularly here, connecting the area with the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.
On Foot: You can walk from the city centre and Exeter Cathedral in about 15–20 minutes. The route crosses a bridge over the River Exe, offering a beautiful view.
Taxi: There are taxi ranks on the main street near the entrance. A trip from the main Exeter St Davids station will take about 5–8 minutes.
Services and Amenities
Services at St Thomas station are quite limited, which is typical for small urban platforms. There is no full waiting hall here, only covered shelters on the platforms to protect against rain.
A ticket machine that accepts cards is installed for ticket purchases. The station has a visual and audio train arrival announcement system, as well as emergency Help Points. Please note: toilets, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and baby changing facilities are not available at the station itself. Passengers with limited mobility should take the presence of stairs into account.
Where to Eat
There are no food outlets on the station platforms themselves, but the station's location is extremely convenient in terms of gastronomy.
Right at the foot of the station, on Cowick Street, there are many establishments. You will find bakeries for a quick snack (sandwiches, pastries), coffee shops, and traditional dining spots here. This is a great option to buy coffee or food before your trip. The average bill here is moderate, as the establishments are geared towards locals. Most places are open throughout the day.
Station History
The history of St Thomas Railway Station goes back to the golden age of railways. The station was opened in May 1846 by the South Devon Railway.
It is closely linked to the name of the great engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Initially, the line was planned as part of an experimental atmospheric railway, but later switched to steam traction. The majestic stone viaduct on which the station stands is an architectural monument and an important element of the city's transport system, preserving its historical appearance to this day.
Travel Tips
When planning a trip via St Thomas, try to arrive 10–15 minutes before the train departs to calmly climb the stairs and buy a ticket at the machine if it has not been purchased in advance.
From a safety perspective, the station is well-lit, but it may be quiet in the evening. Be careful when boarding: the platforms are curved, and the gap between the train and the platform edge may be larger than usual. If you have heavy luggage, be prepared to carry it yourself, as there are no ramps or lifts here.