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London to Plymouth train ticket prices
£20.80
On Thu 09 Jul
London to Plymouth train timetable
Travelling from London to Plymouth, the fastest train takes 2h 52m with an average travel time of 3h 41m. With 35 daily trains, the first departs at 06:00 and the last at 23:45. Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 on weekdays, and all-day Off-Peak on weekends and bank holidays. Keep informed of live train status, times, delays, and cancellations with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
13:03 London Paddington | 3h 10m, Direct | 16:13 Plymouth | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
13:20 London Waterloo | 4h 27m, 1 change | 17:47 Plymouth | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
14:03 London Paddington | 3h 9m, Direct | 17:12 Plymouth | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
14:20 London Waterloo | 5h, 1 change | 19:20 Plymouth | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:03 London Paddington | 3h 14m, Direct | 18:17 Plymouth | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
London to Plymouth train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London to Plymouth with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Great Western Railway trains from London to Plymouth
How is the onboard experience from London to Plymouth? For a journey over three hours, you want to be assured of comfort and convenience, and thankfully Great Western Railway delivers!
First Class or Standard Class on Great Western Railway trains?
As the only operator running direct services from London to Plymouth, you’ll travel with Great Western Railway. So, your only choice is whether to buy budget-friendly Standard Class tickets, or upgrade to the luxury and comfort of a First Class experience.
Will I find luggage space on Great Western Railway trains?
Does GWR have free Wi-Fi onboard?
On your train to Plymouth, pass the time with fast, free Wi-Fi. Connect to ‘GWR WiFi’ by registering your details. Expect patches of the journey to vary in connectivity speed, but you’ll be able to surf the web happily for hours.
Train travel from London to Plymouth
London Paddington: Getting to the Platform
A famous bear, leading accessibility features, and an abundance of coffee. Here’s what you need to know about starting your journey at Britain’s third-busiest station.
- On the Tube: London Paddington is easy to reach on the London Underground, using the Bakerloo, District, Circle, Hammersmith & City, or Elizabeth lines. If you prefer to travel by bus, get to the station on dozens of routes, including the 46, 16, and 7.
- Lounging around: Before boarding your train, relax in comfortable seating areas, or, if you’re travelling First Class, in London Paddington’s Lounge. Look out for the adorable statue of Paddington Bear, located near the exit to the Elizabeth Line, for a pre-departure photo op.
- Coffee stop: With a three-hour train journey ahead, you might want to buy a coffee or some snacks at Paddington. Thankfully, you’ll have plenty of choice, from specialty lattes at Caffe Nero to healthy plant-rich meals at LEON. Buy a pack of Percy Pig sweets from M&S, another British icon to rival Paddington Bear!
Onboard trains from London to Plymouth
Head out of the Big Smoke and towards the South West coast. Experience national landscapes, quaint towns and cities, and finally a glimpse of the Channel on your journey west.
- Key Landmarks: As you skirt the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, natural beauty will abound. Look out for Stourhead Estate in Wiltshire, then the stunning views of the Blackdown Hills National Landscape, East Devon National Landscape, and Haldon Forest. As you reach your destination, you’ll see Saltram Park, and views down to the coast.
- The View Alert: For sea views and the best perspective on the East Devon National Landscape, choose a seat on the Left-Hand Side of the carriage (facing West).
Arriving at Plymouth
Between Central Park and the University of Plymouth, the station offers excellent access to the waterfront, as well as all Plymouth’s top landmarks.
- Under the station: Arriving from London, you will likely disembark at platform 5, at the far side of the station. The station’s exit, on the south side, is accessible via a subway or lifts.
- Arrival in Plymouth: Once you leave the station, keep walking south to city centre attractions like The Box, Royal Parade, and Plymouth Gin Distillery. Walk for only 25 minutes from the station to reach the coast.
- Buses and taxis: Fast connections from the station are reliable too, with Plymouth Citybus the main local bus service provider around the coastal city. With 200 bus routes around Plymouth and beyond, you’ll be sure to find a service to where you need to be next.
London to Plymouth train travel guide
Travelling by train from London to Plymouth is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London, you can reach Plymouth in just 2h 52m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Plymouth?
Ticket prices from London to Plymouth average around £20.80, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
How do I find the best train route from London to Plymouth?
What is the fastest train from London to Plymouth?
The fastest train journey time from London to Plymouth is 2h 52m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from London to Plymouth?
No, there are no direct trains from London to Plymouth. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from London to Plymouth?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are London to Plymouth trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
London to Plymouth trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
Do London to Plymouth trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from London to Plymouth are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the London to Plymouth route?
The train from London to Plymouth is operated by CrossCountry. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap London to Plymouth train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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