- 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 £258.
Distance: 380 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£89 Average Price | £45 Average Price Cheapest | £258 Average Price | £74 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 56m Average total duration 4h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 35m Average total duration 8h 5m 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 £44 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Canterbury to Plymouth costing on average £89.
A coach is £213 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Canterbury to Plymouth costing on average £258.
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 26m.
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 train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 42m sooner (4h 26m by train vs 5h 8m by car). Tickets start at around £89 compared to roughly £74 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
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 trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains 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 Great Western Railway?
- 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 Great Western Railway 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: Train from Canterbury to Plymouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Canterbury to Plymouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £66 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 380 km distance in 4h 10m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25
Distance 380 km |
Average train duration 4h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £66 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 10m |
First train 4:54 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 28 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Canterbury to Plymouth trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Canterbury and Plymouth from £25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
4h 50m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£74
Great Western Railway frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
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
- Day pass
- £7
To the city centre
Plymouth Railway Station -> Royal Parade, Plymouth
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Cash, contactless and mobile payments are accepted on local buses in Plymouth.
- For unlimited travel, an Adult 24 Hr Plymouth ticket is £7.50 in the app, while the operator also states Plymouth day travel is £7 from the driver or app.
FAQs: Canterbury to Plymouth train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canterbury to Plymouth by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Plymouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Canterbury to Plymouth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £66, while the average price tends to be around £89.
The train journey from Canterbury to Plymouth covers a distance of 380 km and takes approximately 4h 10m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Canterbury to Plymouth is 380 km.
The first train from Canterbury to Plymouth leaves at 4:54.
The last train from Canterbury to Plymouth departs at 23:55.
Trains from Canterbury to Plymouth run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Canterbury to Plymouth.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Canterbury to Plymouth.
To get from Canterbury to Plymouth, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Canterbury to Plymouth.
The train station in Canterbury that goes to Plymouth is Canterbury West (CBW), and it arrives at Plymouth station (PLY).
The cheapest way to get from Canterbury to Plymouth is by coach, costing approximately £25.
Booking trains from Canterbury to Plymouth in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Canterbury to Plymouth offers scenic views, especially as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the South Downs and the rolling hills of Devon. Travellers can enjoy sights of charming villages, lush countryside, and coastal views along certain stretches of the route.
A day trip from Canterbury to Plymouth is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 10m and covers 380 km. With a frequency of 4 per day for trains, it's advisable to plan for a longer stay.
To fully experience Plymouth's historic sites, waterfront attractions, and vibrant cultural scene, a stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Canterbury to Plymouth.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Canterbury and Plymouth
Most Canterbury to Plymouth trains use the Canterbury West to Plymouth station pair. Use this guide to compare Canterbury and Plymouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Canterbury
Arrival train stations in Plymouth
Which Canterbury station do trains to Plymouth leave from?
Trains from Canterbury to Plymouth leave from Canterbury West. The station is 1 km from Canterbury city centre at Canterbury West station, Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8AN.
Canterbury WestCanterbury West station, Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8AN+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury West from Canterbury city centre
Bus21, 400, 401, Uni1, Uni2 · 14m · £3 · every ~22 min
Canterbury West train station facilities and services
Canterbury West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Canterbury West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury West. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury West: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Canterbury West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: two within concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Plymouth station do trains from Canterbury arrive at?
Trains from Canterbury to Plymouth arrive at Plymouth. Plymouth is 1 km from Plymouth city centre.
PlymouthPlymouth station, North Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6AB+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Plymouth from Plymouth city centre
Bus13, 2, 170 · 4m · £2 · every ~11 min
Plymouth train station facilities and services
Plymouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Plymouth.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth. ATMs are available at Plymouth.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Plymouth: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Plymouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via lifts and the station subway. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Station pay phones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Canterbury to Plymouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Plymouth and Canterbury
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