- Must visit
The Box
Plymouth’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, art, natural history and archives in a modern city-centre building.
Cheapest price
£42
Average price
£80
Fastest journey
3 h 8 m
Average duration
3 h 9 m
Trains per day
38
Distance
309 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Plymouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Plymouth will cost around £80 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £42.
Of the 38 trains that leave London for Plymouth every day 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 309 km distance in an average of 3 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 8 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 10 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.
L79385+
W29878+
C93100
C42227
L79385+
W29878
L79373+
W29872
L79407+
C42235
C42219
C42217
C42207
C42229
C42225Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Plymouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £11, and a flight costs an average of £19.
Distance: 309 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£57 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest | £162 Average Price |
4h 14m Average total duration 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 36m Average total duration 6h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for London to Plymouth trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34790 | On time 10:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h00 | 13:03 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34617 · G14957+ W29862 | On time 10:16 London Paddington (PAD) | 4h31 | 14:47 Plymouth station (PLY) | 2 changes | |
W34797 | On time 11:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h10 | 14:13 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
G14980 | On time 12:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 2h52 | 14:55 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
G14983 | On time 12:05 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h08 | 15:13 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79384+ W29884+ G27432 | Delayed 12:27 12:20London Victoria (VIC) | 6h27 | 18:47 Plymouth station (PLY) | 2 changes | |
W34884 · C48491+ L79384+ W29884 | On time 12:23 London Paddington (PAD) | 6h24 | 18:47 Plymouth station (PLY) | 3 changes | |
G14960+ W29873 | On time 12:30 London Paddington (PAD) | 4h18 | 16:48 Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 change | |
W34808 | On time 13:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h10 | 16:13 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79384+ W29884 | On time 13:20 London Waterloo (WAT) | 5h27 | 18:47 Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 change | |
W34813 | On time 14:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h09 | 17:12 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15018 · W34827+ L79395+ C93109 | Delayed 15:42 14:08London Victoria (VIC) | 6h07 | 20:15 Plymouth station (PLY) | 3 changes | |
L79406+ W34831+ C93109 | Delayed 14:27 14:08London Victoria (VIC) | 6h12 | 20:20 Plymouth station (PLY) | 2 changes | |
W34820 | On time 15:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h14 | 18:17 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79406+ W34831 | On time 15:20 London Waterloo (WAT) | 5h00 | 20:20 Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 change | |
G14965+ G01153 | On time 15:30 London Paddington (PAD) | 4h17 | 19:47 Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 change | |
W34634 · W34712+ G01153 | On time 15:48 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h59 | 19:47 Plymouth station (PLY) | 2 changes | |
W34634 · C48508+ L79428+ G14987 | On time 15:48 London Paddington (PAD) | 6h30 | 22:18 Plymouth station (PLY) | 3 changes | |
G15020 · G14985+ L79411 | Delayed 16:42 15:50London Waterloo (WAT) | 5h35 | 21:25 Plymouth station (PLY) | 2 changes | |
W34824 | On time 16:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h17 | 19:20 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34827 | On time 16:36 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h39 | 20:15 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34831 | On time 17:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h17 | 20:20 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79428+ G14987 | On time 17:23 London Waterloo (WAT) | 4h55 | 22:18 Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 change | |
G15528 · G14986+ L79428 | Delayed 18:13 17:23London Waterloo (WAT) | 4h47 | 22:10 Plymouth station (PLY) | 2 changes | |
G14985 | 17:36 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h49 | 21:25 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34837 | On time 18:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h09 | 21:12 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
G14986 | 18:36 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h34 | 22:10 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
G14987 | 19:04 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h14 | 22:18 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y15297 · G14969+ G01166 | On time 19:12 London Paddington (PAD) | 4h31 | 23:43 Plymouth station (PLY) | 2 changes | |
G15027 · W34848+ L79456+ G27504 | Delayed 20:42 19:20London Victoria (VIC) | 5h12 | 0:32 Plymouth station (PLY) | 3 changes | |
G14988 | 20:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h34 | 23:37 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34848 | On time 21:04 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h28 | 0:32 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 29 August | |||||
L79316+ C42211+ C93038 | 5:38 London Victoria (VIC) | 6h40 | 12:18 Plymouth station (PLY) | 2 changes | |
Y15411 · C48458+ L79316+ C42211 | 5:52 London Paddington (PAD) | 6h26 | 12:18 Plymouth station (PLY) | 3 changes | |
C04999 | 6:00 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h34 | 9:34 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42205 | 7:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h12 | 10:15 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42207 | 8:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h09 | 11:12 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42211 | 9:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h15 | 12:18 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34679+ G01141 | 9:30 London Paddington (PAD) | 4h17 | 13:47 Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 change | |
W34615 · C42187+ G01141 | 9:48 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h59 | 13:47 Plymouth station (PLY) | 2 changes | |
C42213 | 10:02 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h12 | 13:14 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach 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.
Trains from London to Plymouth run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 309 km distance in 3h 10m.
Distance 309 km |
Average train duration 3h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 3h 10m |
First train 0:07 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Plymouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plymouth trip today.
Plymouth’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, art, natural history and archives in a modern city-centre building.
Independent museum exploring Plymouth’s role in gin distilling, set in a historic Barbican building with tours and original features.
Small local museum on the Barbican focused on migration, seafaring and Plymouth’s links with transatlantic departures.
Historic waterfront quarter with cobbled lanes, independent shops, harbour views and many of Plymouth’s best-known heritage sights.
Large open seafront promenade and parkland with lawns, monuments and views over Plymouth Sound; ideal for walks and sunset stops.
Peaceful landscaped park beside the Hoe with formal planting, a lido nearby and excellent sea views across Plymouth Sound.
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.
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.
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.
Long-established seafood restaurant on the Barbican, popular for fresh fish, shellfish and harbour atmosphere close to the historic waterfront.
Relaxed bistro in the Barbican area serving British and European dishes with seafood options. Well suited to an easy meal near the waterfront.
Historic Barbican pub known for seafood, pies and harbour views. A lively traditional setting for classic Plymouth fare and local ales.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Plymouth Railway Station -> Royal Parade, Plymouth
The journey from London to Plymouth by train takes about 3h 15min on average. The distance covered by trains from London to Plymouth is 191 miles (308 km). Most trains run directly to Plymouth from London except for one or two trains per day with one transfer. During the week, there is mostly one train per hour, increasing to two trains per hour in the middle of the day. The weekend schedule is slightly different, but the service is not drastically reduced. To plan your trip, you can also visit Omio, the online magazine for checking different train schedules on this route The Window Seat.
There are 20 trains per day from London to Plymouth during the week and 16 per day on the weekend. On average, there is one train per hour every day, but the frequency decreases in the early hours or late hours and increases in the middle of the day. The earliest train to Plymouth from London on weekdays is between 06:00 and 07:00, and the last train is between 23:00 and midnight. The last train on Saturdays is right after 20:00, and the first train on Sunday is a little before 08:00.
The fastest direct train from London will get you to Plymouth in 2h and 59min. Generally, it could take anywhere between 3h to 3h 45min to reach Plymouth from London by train. The night trains usually take much longer to cover this journey, ranging from 4h to 5h 30min. If there is a transfer in between, it might take longer.
Departure train station: Trains departing from London to Plymouth depart from the London Paddington train station. For more information about London Paddington train station, click here London Paddington.This train station is approximately 2 miles (3.6 km) from the city centre. You could either take the subway, a bus, or a cab to get to the city centre from the train station. Depending on traffic, it will take you somewhere between 8 to 20min to cover this distance. The London Paddington train station has showers, baby changing rooms, easy access for travellers with mobility issues, including tactile strips along platform edges for the visually impaired. You’ll find plenty of eating and shopping options besides many more facilities.
Arrival train station: When you leave London for Plymouth by train, you arrive at the Plymouth train station. It is 0.5 miles (754 m) from the city centre. The fastest way to get to the city centre from the Plymouth train station is a cab, which takes about 2min. You could also take the bus, which is cheaper and will get you there in 4min. This station has cash machines, vending machines, coffee shops, a supermarket, payphones, trolleys, wheelchairs, and car and bicycle parking.
The Great Western Railway manages the Plymouth train station and is the main service provider for trains from London to Plymouth. Most of the trains on this route are direct except for two trains per day. The transfer stops are Bristol Temple Meads or Newton Abbot on the early morning train, where you board the train operated by the Cross Country service provider to Plymouth. The early morning train from London to Plymouth operated by the Great Western Railway is one of the fastest trains of the day. The fares remain constant throughout the day, fluctuating only in the early morning or late evening when the journey may cost a bit more.
There are three night trains from London to Plymouth during the week, after 21:00, with the frequency being one train per hour. On Saturdays, there is no night train whereas on Sundays there is one night train after 23:00. Most of the time, night trains are direct, but you might need to make a transfer at the 22:00 schedule on some days. The night trains are slower and take between 3h 30min to 5h 45min to reach Plymouth from London. The last train, which is after 23:30, takes the longest to complete this journey.
The main provider company of trains from London to Plymouth is the Great Western Railway. The trains operated by this provider run once every hour between 06:00 and midnight from London to Plymouth. But in the middle of the day, the service increases to two trains per hour. The fastest trains are usually at the beginning of the day, and the slowest are at the end of the day, varying between 2h 59min to 5h 45min to arrive in Plymouth. The average time that the Great Western Railway trains take to reach Plymouth from London is 3h 30min.
Traveling by train is one of the most environment-friendly ways to travel, after walking and cycling. Trains cause less noise pollution, less air pollution, and fewer accidents than travelling by car. One of the most sustainable ways to travel is by taking the train when you want to travel from London to Plymouth. It is a well-connected and well-served railway system, making it easier for commuters. It also enables us to move a step forward in our endeavour to co-exist with our ecosystem.
On the train from London to Plymouth operated by the Great Western Railway, you can reserve a ticket for the standard class or the first-class seating area. Both classes have free Wi-Fi and power plugs for the passenger’s convenience. In addition, food and magazines are also available in the first-class besides having extra legroom. Bicycles are allowed on trains but only with prior reservations. Each passenger can carry a large suitcase, a medium-sized bag, and a small handbag on board. A limited number of pets are allowed on board for free. If you are elderly or have a disability, you can book passenger assist, to receive assistance throughout your journey. Wheelchair spaces are also available on the trains from London to Plymouth. All trains on this route have restrooms.
If you plan ahead, there are more chances of finding a cheap ticket when taking the train from London to Plymouth. Travel plans left to the last minute usually cost a bit more. Making a reservation about three to four weeks in advance will help you find the cheapest train tickets. The fare remains the same throughout the day, except for one or two rush-hour schedules when the tickets can get expensive. Making a reservation way in advance and being flexible with your dates are the factors that will help you to find cheaper train tickets from London to Plymouth.
When you are in Plymouth, a coastal city in England, a visit to the Royal Citadel, built in the 17th century, will give you an insight into the city’s historical and military importance. The kids will enjoy visiting the National Marine Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the UK. It houses sharks from 10 different species and displays marine fauna from around the world. When you take the train to Plymouth, do explore its city centre. Besides walking past the 15th century Prysten House and Merchant’s House from the 16th century, the Drake Circus Center close by presents an array of restaurants and shops. For more outdoor activities, go for a hike on the Devonport Heritage Trail to traverse the area.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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.

Most London to Plymouth trains use the London Paddington to Plymouth station pair, with some services arriving at Devonport. Use this guide to compare London and Plymouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
London Paddington has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Wasabi, The Beer House, Barburrito, Upper Crust, The Mad Bishop & Bear (Fullers), The Pasty Shop, Burger King, Pret a Manger, The Savanna, Soboro Bakery, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located next to the ticket office.
The ticket office is open 24/7. Information desks are located near Platform 1.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Paddington: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London Paddington: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Paddington: Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
Nearby hotels include Hilton London Paddington, Mercure London Paddington Hotel, The Pilgrm.
London Waterloo is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Waterloo has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Waterloo.
Wi-Fi is available at London Waterloo. ATMs are available at London Waterloo.
Ticket office support is available at London Waterloo. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Waterloo: Parking, WC.
Available at London Waterloo: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Waterloo: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access from the main concourse to all platforms, shops and facilities. Step free exits are exit 1 (Station approach), exit 2 (with a lift to Waterloo Road and lift access to the London Underground Jubilee line), and exit 3 for taxis and onward travel towards the South Bank, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available from the taxi rank on Cab Road / Station Approach, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machines are located at various locations on the main concourse and are accessible to wheelchair users, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 is 23 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. ATMs are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 options are available at Plymouth.
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth. ATMs are available at Plymouth.
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Plymouth: Parking, WC.
Available at Plymouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Devonport is 2 km from Plymouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Devonport has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Devonport.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Devonport: Parking.
Available at Devonport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Devonport: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B3 station – “Some step-free access, may be in one direction only.” Step free access possible to South bound platform, there is no step free access for services to Plymouth. 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 taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Keyham is 3 km from Plymouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Keyham has practical services for this route, including Parking, Taxis, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Keyham: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Keyham: Bike Parking.
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