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London to Plymouth train ticket prices

Travelling from London to Plymouth by train? Find fares from as low as £42.20. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest

£42.20󰄽

On Thu 30 Jul

  • £47.00󰄽
    Sat25 Jul
  • £51.80󰄽
    Sun26 Jul
  • £42.30󰄽
    Mon27 Jul
  • £46.00󰄽
    Tue28 Jul
  • £50.40󰄽
    Wed29 Jul
  • Thu30 Jul
  • £60.50󰄽
    Fri31 Jul

London to Plymouth train timetable

From London to Plymouth, take the fastest train in 3h 8m, typically 3h 35m. Daily, 33 trains depart from London, with the first at 06:00 and the last at 23:30. During Off-Peak times starting at 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter space with fewer people. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. We save you time, effort, and money.

DepartsArrivesOperator

18:03

London Paddington
3h 9m, Direct

21:12

Plymouth
Great Western Railway
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18:23

London Waterloo
4h 27m, 1 change

22:50

Plymouth
South Western Railway
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18:36

London Paddington
3h 34m, Direct

22:10

Plymouth
Great Western Railway
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19:04

London Paddington
3h 14m, Direct

22:18

Plymouth
Great Western Railway
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19:20

London Waterloo
5h 12m, 1 change

00:32

Plymouth
South Western Railway
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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.

Price
From £42.20
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
191 miles (307km)
Journey time
3h 8m
First train
06:00
Last train
23:30
Frequency
33

Great Western Railway trains from London to Plymouth

By Daniel Clark | Updated June 9, 2026

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.

Great Western Railways runs a practical and convenient Standard Class service. Passengers will have ample baggage space, complimentary Wi-Fi, and optional seat reservations.
If you value extra spacious seats and quieter carriages, then First Class might be your best bet. The main perk on such a long journey might be the complimentary tea, coffee, biscuits, juices, and cakes available during your journey!

Will I find luggage space on Great Western Railway trains?

There’s no scrambling for luggage space with GWR: the operator is known to allocate generous space for passengers’ bags. Use overhead racks to store hand luggage and small bags, or place large suitcases in luggage racks at the end of each carriage.

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

Visiting one of Devon’s quirkiest coastal cities is better by train. The route to Plymouth is fast and stress-free on a direct route from London Paddington. From boarding the train to finding the world’s oldest commercial bakery, our local station secrets will help you make the most of your trip.

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

The train journey from London to Plymouth combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can get to Plymouth in just 3h 8m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

How much does it cost for a train from London to Plymouth?

Ticket prices from London to Plymouth average around £42.20, 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?

Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. 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 3h 8m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.

Are there direct trains from London to Plymouth?

No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from London to Plymouth. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.

Is it worth taking a train from London to Plymouth?

Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.

How far in advance can I book my train ticket?

Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.

Check timetables and during the journey

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 disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.

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?

Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.

What is the difference between Standard and First Class?

First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific train operator.

Other things you might be interested

Other things you might be interested

Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes, in the UK, students and seniors have access to various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard allows students to save up to 1/3 on most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy comparable savings. Both types of Railcards are available for purchase online or at train stations and are valid for one year, making them a valuable option for frequent travellers.

Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.

How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?

Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone

Which train companies operate the London to Plymouth route?

The London to Plymouth route is operated by CrossCountry. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.

Essential onboard rules and facilities

  • Luggage

    Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.

  • 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.

  • Children

    Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.

  • 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.

  • Passenger assistance

    Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.

How to buy cheap London to Plymouth train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
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Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

Step-by-step instructions for changing your journey or requesting a refund are available on our ticket refunds and changes page.

Your train was disrupted?

If your journey was affected by a delay, cancellation, or strike, please visit our delays and disruptions page or UK rail strike page. There, you will find live service information and instructions on how to claim Delay Repay compensation.

* 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.