Plymouth to Bristol Temple Meads Trains From £6.25*

Enjoy the convenience of direct trains with a Bristol to Plymouth train journey operated hourly by CrossCountry. Taking approximately 1 hr 58 min, you can arrive at Bristol Temple Meads station without the fuss of changing trains.

This scenic route offers riverside views in Cornwall and Exeter, seascape vistas as you traverse the Dawlish Sea Wall, and peaceful farmland scenery as you travel through Somerset.

CrossCountry is one of two operators offering direct journeys along the route. They specialise in long-distance intercity routes across the length and breadth of Great Britain, with key destinations including Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham.

Departing from Plymouth

Plymouth train station can be found just north of the city centre, at about a 13-minute walk from the city’s heart. So if you’re coming from that vicinity, arriving on foot is a straightforward option, or you can also take the bus, which stops by the station regularly.

Plymouth station serves passengers with both local and long-distance routes, operated by Great Western Railway and CrossCountry. Trains run from here to destinations such as London Paddington, Penzance and Exeter. The Night Riviera sleeper service also calls at Plymouth on its route between London and Penzance.

Main stops

The main stops on the CrossCountry train from Plymouth to Bristol are Totnes, Newton Abbot, Exeter St Davids and Tiverton Parkway. Some routes may also make additional stops, such as at Taunton.

Great Western Railway trains may stop at Ivybridge, Totnes, Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Dawlish Warren, Exeter St Davids, Taunton and Bridgwater. Stops vary according to train operator and service, so consult your train details for actual stops.

Arriving at Bristol Temple Meads

Bristol Temple Meads is located a 15-minute walk east of the city centre, so it is a convenient starting point for your visit to Bristol. As one of the busiest in the South West of England, the station offers extensive routes across much of Great Britain. Key destinations from Temple Meads station include London, Birmingham New Street and Cardiff.

The location of Temple Meads station makes it easy to access many of the wonderful sights and activities on offer in Bristol. Just across the way, for example, you’ll find Temple Quay Market taking place twice weekly. This food market offers an array of street food options spanning international delights and British classics.

CrossCountry train classes

CrossCountry offers two different ticket classes for journeys from Plymouth to Bristol Temple Meads.

• Standard Class: Standard service includes comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and a catering service.
• First Class: First Class tickets on Plymouth to Bristol trains include larger reclining seats, more table space and complimentary catering on some services with CrossCountry.

Find cheap train tickets from Plymouth to Bristol by booking in advance on TrainPal.

CrossCountry train travel advice

Get train-savvy with our handy travel tips for journeys with CrossCountry.

• Luggage: Only one large suitcase permitted. Smaller items may be stored under the seat in front or in the overhead racks.
• Bicycles: Pre-booking may be required for your bike, depending on your service. Trains have two reservable bike spaces, with extra space on Voyager trains. Unreserved bikes may board on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Pets: Up to two pets per passenger. Must be transported in a carrier, not occupying passenger space. Dogs may travel on a lead.
• Children: Under 5s travel free, with half-price fares for children aged 5–15. Use a Family & Friends Railcard for discounts of 1/3 on adult fares and 60% on child fares.
• Passenger Assist: CrossCountry offers travel assistance for passengers with mobility issues or disabilities, for help across any stage of the travel experience.

Great Western Railway also operates direct trains from Plymouth to Bristol Temple Meads. They run two departures a day and the journey takes about 2 hr 10 min on average. With more stops along the route, you have more time to take in views of passing towns and scenery on your journey to Bristol.

GWR operates intercity and regional trains across the south-west of Great Britain, with high-speed services linking London Paddington to major cities like Bristol, Exeter and Cardiff.

Great Western Railway train classes

GWR offers two train ticket classes for its service between Plymouth and Bristol.

• Standard Class: Enjoy comfortable seats and free Wi-Fi, as well as charging points and tables.
• First Class: Plymouth to Bristol First Class train tickets include more spacious and comfier seating, large tables, and a premium catering service.

Great Western Railway train travel advice

Find the most important information about travelling with GWR below:

• Luggage: Up to three luggage items can be brought on board. Should be stored overhead and underseat, with limited space at carriage doors. No oversized luggage permitted.
• Bicycles: Bike space should be pre-booked to avoid disappointment. Space for at least 2 full-size bikes on each train. No restrictions for folding bikes. No e-scooters.
• Children: Prams should be folded and stowed. Baby changing facilities are available. Save on family travel with Family Tickets for up to two adults and four children. Railcards can offer savings for older children, like the 16–25 Saver Railcard.
• Pets: Up to two pets permitted. Dogs must be on a lead or in a carrier; other pets must be in a carrier. Pet access to the Pullman dining car is restricted to assistance dogs.
• Passenger Assist: GWR offers assistance to passengers with reduced mobility or disabilities for help boarding and disembarking trains, navigating stations and carrying luggage.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.