- Must visit
The Box
Plymouth’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, art, natural history and archives in a modern city-centre building.
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Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Canterbury to Plymouth
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Plymouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £45 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 41m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £45, while a flight costs an average of £259.
Distance: 380 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£45 Average Price Cheapest | £89 Average Price | £259 Average Price | £74 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 35m Average total duration 8h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration 4h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 2h 41m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Canterbury to Plymouth is a coach with an average price of £45.
This is compared to other travel options from Canterbury to Plymouth:
A coach is £25 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Canterbury to Plymouth costing on average £70.
A coach is £213 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Canterbury to Plymouth costing on average £259.
The fastest way to travel from Canterbury to Plymouth is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 41m.
Other travel options to Plymouth take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 25m.
Coach takes on average 8h 5m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Canterbury and Plymouth including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £45 compared to roughly £74 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £29. The journey takes 8h 5m versus 5h 8m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Compare prices and tickets Canterbury to Plymouth by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Canterbury to Plymouth coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Canterbury to Plymouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Canterbury to Plymouth.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Canterbury to Plymouth.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Canterbury to Plymouth.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Canterbury to Plymouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Canterbury to Plymouth run on average 21 times per day, taking around 8h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £25 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:15. The fastest coach covers the 380 km distance in 7h 22m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 380 km |
Average bus duration 8h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £25 |
Buses per day 21 |
Fastest bus 7h 22m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:15 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: National Express from Canterbury to PlymouthYou can travel by bus between Canterbury to Plymouth with National Express for as low as £25. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
9h 45m
Cheapest National Express Price
£40
National Express frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to Plymouth
Things to do in Plymouth
Discover the best of Plymouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plymouth trip today.
- Recommended
Plymouth Gin Distillery
Independent museum exploring Plymouth’s role in gin distilling, set in a historic Barbican building with tours and original features.
- Recommended
Mayflower Museum
Small local museum on the Barbican focused on migration, seafaring and Plymouth’s links with transatlantic departures.
- Must visit
The Barbican
Historic waterfront quarter with cobbled lanes, independent shops, harbour views and many of Plymouth’s best-known heritage sights.
- Must visit
Plymouth Hoe
Large open seafront promenade and parkland with lawns, monuments and views over Plymouth Sound; ideal for walks and sunset stops.
- Recommended
West Hoe Park
Peaceful landscaped park beside the Hoe with formal planting, a lido nearby and excellent sea views across Plymouth Sound.
- Vegetarian
Devon Cream Tea
A Devon cream tea pairs scones with clotted cream and jam. In Devon, the cream goes on first, making it a proud local ritual across Plymouth and the county.
- Gluten-free
South Devon Crab
Fresh crab landed on the South Devon coast, often served simply dressed or in sandwiches. It is prized in Plymouth for its sweet flavour and strong fishing heritage.
Stargazy Pie
This traditional pie of pilchards, eggs and potatoes is linked to nearby Cornwall and often found in Plymouth. It reflects the area's historic reliance on coastal fishing.
Quay 33
Long-established seafood restaurant on the Barbican, popular for fresh fish, shellfish and harbour atmosphere close to the historic waterfront.
The Mission
Relaxed bistro in the Barbican area serving British and European dishes with seafood options. Well suited to an easy meal near the waterfront.
The Harbourside Fish & Chips
Historic Barbican pub known for seafood, pies and harbour views. A lively traditional setting for classic Plymouth fare and local ales.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: dining and buses are reasonable, while hotels rise in summer and at weekends. Costs are usually lower than London but similar to other regional waterfront cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxi tips are usually by rounding up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Plymouth Citybus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £7.50
To the city centre
Plymouth Coach Station -> Plymouth City Centre
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Contactless payment is available on Plymouth Citybus buses, and Tap & Cap limits pay-as-you-go spend to the dayrider or week ticket cap.
- The coach station is in the city centre on Armada Way, so many central destinations are reachable on foot without buying a ticket.
FAQs: Canterbury to Plymouth coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canterbury to Plymouth by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Plymouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Canterbury to Plymouth can start from as little as £40 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Canterbury to Plymouth is £40; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Canterbury to Plymouth is 9h 45m to travel the 380 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Canterbury to Plymouth leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Canterbury to Plymouth leaves at 23:15.
There are 20 coaches a day from Canterbury to Plymouth which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Canterbury to Plymouth, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Plymouth. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Canterbury and Plymouth and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Canterbury , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Canterbury, University Of Kent, Canterbury, Bus Station . When arriving in Plymouth , you can end your route in coach stations like Plymouth, Coach Station, Plymouth, Marsh Mills.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Canterbury, Bus Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Plymouth, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Plymouth from Canterbury is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Canterbury to Plymouth is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Canterbury and Plymouth including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Canterbury to Plymouth:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Canterbury to Plymouth for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Canterbury to Plymouth depends on the coach companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Canterbury to Plymouth.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Canterbury to Plymouth:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Canterbury to Plymouth:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Canterbury to Plymouth.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Canterbury to Plymouth with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Canterbury to Plymouth with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Canterbury to Plymouth with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Canterbury and Plymouth
Most Canterbury to Plymouth buses use the Canterbury, University Of Kent to Plymouth, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Plymouth, Marsh Mills. Use this guide to compare Canterbury and Plymouth bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Canterbury
Arrival bus stations in Plymouth
Which Canterbury station do buses to Plymouth leave from?
Buses from Canterbury to Plymouth leave from Canterbury, University Of Kent. The station is 2 km from Canterbury city centre at University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, United Kingdom.
Canterbury, University Of KentUniversity of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury, University Of Kent from Canterbury city centre
Canterbury, University Of Kent is 1 km from Canterbury city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus4, 4X, 5, 6, 6A
Canterbury, University Of Kent bus station facilities and services
Canterbury, University Of Kent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility and WC.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located on campus, near the student union.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Parking, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Elevators, ramps.
Canterbury, Bus StationCanterbury bus station, Canterbury CT1 2SY, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury, Bus Station from Canterbury city centre
Bus21, 400, 401, Uni1, Uni2 · 14m · £3 · every ~22 min
Canterbury, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Canterbury, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and eateries within a short walk.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Canterbury, Bus Station. ATMs are aTM located outside the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
Which Plymouth station do buses from Canterbury arrive at?
Buses from Canterbury to Plymouth most often arrive at Plymouth, Coach Station. Some services arrive at Plymouth, Marsh Mills, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Plymouth arrival station.
Plymouth, Coach StationPlymouth Coach Station, Plymouth PL1 1LR, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Plymouth, Coach Station from Plymouth city centre
TRUE
Plymouth, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Plymouth, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth, Coach Station. ATMs are available at Plymouth, Coach Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Plymouth, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth, Coach Station: Station is accessible with ramps and level access.
Plymouth, Marsh MillsPlymouth Marsh Mills, Crabtree, Plymouth PL3 6RL, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Plymouth, Marsh Mills from Plymouth city centre
Plymouth, Marsh Mills is 4 km from Plymouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus200 · 9m · £4 · every ~6 min
21, 21A, 51, 20A · 13m · £4 · every ~30 min
Plymouth, Marsh Mills bus station facilities and services
Plymouth, Marsh Mills has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth, Marsh Mills. ATMs are available at Plymouth, Marsh Mills.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth, Marsh Mills.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Plymouth, Marsh Mills: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth, Marsh Mills: Buses operate with low floors for accessibility.
More options for your journey from Canterbury to Plymouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Plymouth and Canterbury
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