Plymouth to Southampton bus with National Express

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

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£45

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£59

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

7 h 40 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

7 h 50 m

Buses on 17 Sept

16

Distance

202 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Plymouth to Southampton will cost around £59 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £45.

Fast coaches

To travel from Plymouth to Southampton you need to make at least one change.

  • National ExpressNX504 · NX032
    15:307h50
    Plymouth, Coach Station
    23:20Southampton, University
    £451One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX504 · NX032
    15:308h05
    Plymouth, Coach Station
    23:35Southampton, Coach Station
    £451One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX404 · NX032
    23:1510h15
    Plymouth, Coach Station
    9:30Southampton, Coach Station
    £541One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX404 · NX032
    23:159h55
    Plymouth, Coach Station
    9:10Southampton, University
    £541One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX504 · NX032
    6:208h00
    Plymouth, Coach Station
    14:20Southampton, Coach Station
    £561One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Plymouth to Southampton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Plymouth to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £51 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 54m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £51, while a train costs an average of £70.

Distance: 202 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Driving

£51

Average Price

Cheapest

£70

Average Price

£40

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

7h 33m

Average total duration

7h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 54m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 27m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

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 Southampton is a coach with an average price of £51.

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

A coach is £19 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Plymouth to Southampton costing on average £70.

The fastest way to travel from Plymouth to Southampton is by train with an average journey time of 3h 24m.

Other travel options to Southampton take longer:

Coach takes on average 7h 3m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Plymouth and Southampton 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 £51 compared to roughly £40 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-10.19. The journey takes 7h 3m versus 3h 27m 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 Southampton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Plymouth to Southampton 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 ExpressNX406 · NX0320:30 Plymouth, Coach Station
9h00
9:30 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX406 · NX0320:30 Plymouth, Coach Station
8h40
9:10 Southampton, University1 change
National ExpressNX504 · NX0322:50 Plymouth, Coach Station
8h10
11:00 Southampton, University1 change
National ExpressNX504 · NX0322:50 Plymouth, Coach Station
8h30
11:20 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX504 · NX0326:20 Plymouth, Coach Station
8h00
14:20 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX504 · NX0326:20 Plymouth, Coach Station
7h40
14:00 Southampton, University1 change
National ExpressNX501 · NX0326:35 Plymouth, Coach Station
9h20
15:55 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX501 · NX0326:35 Plymouth, Coach Station
9h00
15:35 Southampton, University1 change
National ExpressNX504 · NX0329:15 Plymouth, Coach Station
8h15
17:30 Southampton, University1 change
National ExpressNX504 · NX0329:15 Plymouth, Coach Station
8h35
17:50 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX504 · NX03212:10 Plymouth, Coach Station
8h00
20:10 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX504 · NX03212:10 Plymouth, Coach Station
7h40
19:50 Southampton, University1 change
National ExpressNX504 · NX03215:30 Plymouth, Coach Station
7h50
23:20 Southampton, University1 change
National ExpressNX504 · NX03215:30 Plymouth, Coach Station
8h05
23:35 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX404 · NX03223:15 Plymouth, Coach Station
10h15
9:30 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX404 · NX03223:15 Plymouth, Coach Station
9h55
9:10 Southampton, University1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Plymouth to Southampton 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 Southampton coaches with Omio?

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

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 Southampton.

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 Southampton.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Plymouth to Southampton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Plymouth to Southampton run on average 14 times per day, taking around 7h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £43 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 202 km distance in 7h 0m.

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
202 km
Average bus duration
7h 3m
Cheapest ticket price
£43
Buses per day
14
Fastest bus
7h 0m
First bus
0:30
Last bus
23:55
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Best time to book
42 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 SouthamptonYou can travel by bus between Plymouth to Southampton with National Express for as low as £43. 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 0m
Cheapest National Express Price
£49
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 Southampton

Things to do in Southampton

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

  • Must visit

SeaCity Museum

Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.

  • Recommended

Tudor House and Garden

Historic house museum with period rooms and displays on local history. A rewarding visit in the heart of the old town.

  • Recommended

Southampton City Art Gallery

Gallery in the Civic Centre showing art from several periods, including modern British works. Good for a cultural stop in the city centre.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a basic meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

FAQs: Plymouth to Southampton coach

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

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Plymouth to Southampton can start from as little as £43 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Plymouth to Southampton is £51; 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 Southampton is 7h 0m to travel the 202 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 Southampton leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Plymouth to Southampton leaves at 23:55.
There are 14 coaches a day from Plymouth to Southampton 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 Southampton, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Southampton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Plymouth and Southampton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Plymouth , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Plymouth, Coach Station . When arriving in Southampton , you can end your route in coach stations like Southampton, Coach Station, Southampton, University, Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Plymouth, Coach Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Southampton, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Southampton from Plymouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Plymouth to Southampton is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Plymouth and Southampton including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Plymouth to Southampton:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Plymouth to Southampton for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Plymouth to Southampton 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 Southampton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Plymouth to Southampton:
  • 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 Southampton:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Plymouth to Southampton.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Plymouth to Southampton with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Plymouth to Southampton with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Plymouth to Southampton with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Plymouth and Southampton

Most Plymouth to Southampton buses use the Plymouth, Coach Station to Southampton, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Southampton, University. Use this guide to compare Plymouth and Southampton 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 Southampton

Which Plymouth station do buses to Southampton leave from?

Buses from Plymouth to Southampton 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 Southampton

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

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