Plymouth to Bournemouth bus with National Express

Thu 17 Sept
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Plymouth to Bournemouth

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£66

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£78

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

7 h 45 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

8 h 46 m

Buses on 17 Sept

5

Distance

165 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Plymouth to Bournemouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Plymouth to Bournemouth will cost around £78 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £66.

Fast coaches

On Thu 17 Sept, we found 5 buses from Plymouth to Bournemouth, including 5 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 165 km distance in an average of 8 h 46 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 45 m .

The slowest buses will take 9 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • National Express
    9:159h05
    Plymouth
    18:20Bournemouth
    £661One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    6:207h45
    Plymouth
    14:05Bournemouth
    £761One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    15:308h25
    Plymouth
    23:55Bournemouth
    £811One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    8:159h05
    Plymouth
    17:20Bournemouth
    £811One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    6:359h30
    Plymouth
    16:05Bournemouth
    £881One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Plymouth to Bournemouth

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Plymouth to Bournemouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £58 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 15m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £58, while a train costs an average of £77.

Distance: 165 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Driving

£58

Average Price

Cheapest

£77

Average Price

£34

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

8h 8m

Average total duration

7h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 15m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 0m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Plymouth to Bournemouth is a coach with an average price of £58.

This is compared to other travel options from Plymouth to Bournemouth:

A coach is £19 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Plymouth to Bournemouth costing on average £77.

The fastest way to travel from Plymouth to Bournemouth is by train with an average journey time of 3h 45m.

Other travel options to Bournemouth take longer:

Coach takes on average 7h 38m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Plymouth and Bournemouth including taking a train and coach.
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 £58 compared to roughly £34 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-23.86. The journey takes 7h 38m versus 3h 0m 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.

Live departures

Plymouth to Bournemouth bus times

The table below shows live departures for Plymouth to Bournemouth coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National Express6:20 Plymouth
7h45
14:05 Bournemouth0 changesdirect
National Express6:35 Plymouth
9h30
16:05 Bournemouth0 changesdirect
National Express8:15 Plymouth
9h05
17:20 Bournemouth0 changesdirect
National Express9:15 Plymouth
9h05
18:20 Bournemouth0 changesdirect
National Express15:30 Plymouth
8h25
23:55 Bournemouth0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Plymouth to Bournemouth by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept

Why should you book Plymouth to Bournemouth coaches with Omio?

National Express operates all coaches services from Plymouth to Bournemouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Plymouth to Bournemouth.

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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Plymouth to Bournemouth.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Plymouth to Bournemouth.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Plymouth to Bournemouth

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Plymouth to Bournemouth run on average 7 times per day, taking around 7h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £31 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 165 km distance in 7h 50m.

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
165 km
Average bus duration
7h 38m
Cheapest ticket price
£31
Buses per day
7
Fastest bus
7h 50m
First bus
0:30
Last bus
23:55
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
21 days
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 Plymouth to BournemouthYou can travel by bus between Plymouth to Bournemouth with National Express for as low as £31. 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
7h 50m
Cheapest National Express Price
£31
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.

What's included in each class

Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.

Standard
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs

Complete guide to Bournemouth

Things to do in Bournemouth

Discover the best of Bournemouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bournemouth trip today.

  • Must visit

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Town-centre museum with local history, archaeology and changing exhibitions in a Victorian villa beside Bournemouth's gardens.

  • Recommended

Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre

Small local museum on Hengistbury Head covering archaeology, wildlife and the headland's long human history in a scenic coastal setting.

The Gallery at The Library

Free gallery inside Bournemouth Library showing contemporary art exhibitions, talks and touring displays in a central location.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK seaside resort. Hotels rise in summer, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London or Bath.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a casual meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafés.

FAQs: Plymouth to Bournemouth coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Plymouth to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Plymouth to Bournemouth can start from as little as £31 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Plymouth to Bournemouth is £58; 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 Plymouth to Bournemouth is 7h 50m to travel the 165 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 Plymouth to Bournemouth leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Plymouth to Bournemouth leaves at 23:55.
There are 7 coaches a day from Plymouth to Bournemouth which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Plymouth to Bournemouth, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Bournemouth. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Plymouth and Bournemouth and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Bournemouth from Plymouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Plymouth to Bournemouth is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Plymouth and Bournemouth including taking a train and coach.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Plymouth to Bournemouth for coach company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Plymouth to Bournemouth:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Plymouth to Bournemouth 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 Plymouth to Bournemouth.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Plymouth to Bournemouth:
  • 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 Plymouth to Bournemouth:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Plymouth to Bournemouth.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Plymouth to Bournemouth with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Plymouth to Bournemouth with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Plymouth to Bournemouth with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Plymouth and Bournemouth

Most Plymouth to Bournemouth buses use the Plymouth, Coach Station to Bournemouth, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Plymouth and Bournemouth bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Plymouth
Arrival bus stations in Bournemouth

Which Plymouth station do buses to Bournemouth leave from?

Buses from Plymouth to Bournemouth leave from Plymouth, Coach Station. The station is from Plymouth city centre at Plymouth Coach Station, Plymouth PL1 1LR, UK.
Plymouth, Coach StationPlymouth Coach Station, Plymouth PL1 1LR, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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.

More options for your journey from Plymouth to Bournemouth

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

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