The cheapest and fastest trains from London to Plymouth
Cheapest price
£83
Average price
£101
Fastest journey
3 h
Average duration
3 h 23 m
Trains per day
6
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 £101 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £83.
Of the 6 trains that leave London for Plymouth every day 4 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 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 27 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.
P22666
P61149+
C75192
P61138+
P22664
P22664
P22662
P22664
P22661
P22666
P22662
P61149+
C75192Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for London to Plymouth
Omio 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 24m. 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 £22.
Distance: 309 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£79 Average Price | £26 Average Price Cheapest | £156 Average Price |
4h 18m Average total duration 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 35m Average total duration 6h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 3h 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.
Live departures
London to Plymouth train times
The table below shows live departures for London to Plymouth trains for today, Wednesday 14 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P22664 | On time 10:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h00 | 13:03 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
P22666 | On time 11:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h10 | 14:13 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 15 January | |||||
P22661 | On time 08:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h07 | 11:10 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
P61138+ P22664 | On time 08:20 London Waterloo (WAT) | 4h43 | 13:03 Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 change | |
P22662 | On time 09:03 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h11 | 12:14 Plymouth station (PLY) | 0 changesdirect | |
P61149+ C75192 | On time 09:20 London Waterloo (WAT) | 4h27 | 13:47 Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London 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.
15 Jan
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from London to Plymouth?
Journey information
Overview: Train from London to Plymouth
Trains from London to Plymouth run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 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 23:55. The fastest train covers the 309 km distance in 2h 52m.
Distance 309 km |
Average train duration 3h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 52m |
First train 00:07 |
Last train 23:55 |
Train companies: Great Western Rail, South Western Railway, CrossCountry, first_great_western from London to Plymouth trainsGreat Western Rail, South Western Railway, CrossCountry, first_great_western trains will get you between London and Plymouth from £11. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
South Western Railway
CrossCountry
first_great_western
Trains from London to 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.
London to Plymouth Train Time: Daily Departures
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.
How long is the journey by train from London to Plymouth?
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.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from London to Plymouth?
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.
Which train companies travel from London to Plymouth?
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.
Night trains London
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 Great Western Railway trains from London to Plymouth
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.
Trains from London to Plymouth: Sustainability travel
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.
Train London to Plymouth: Services on Board
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.
How to find cheap train tickets from London to Plymouth?
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.
To Plymouth by train - travel tips
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.
- Plymouth Hoe
- Barbican Waterfront
- The Mayflower Museum
- Plymouth Gin Distillery
- Crownhill Fort
FAQs: London to Plymouth train
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in London and Plymouth
- 24/7
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11.
- Type of shops available: News agent Flower stall Shoe repairer Wide range of shops Mini supermarket Pharmacy Convenience store High street shops Off Licence Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Taxi: The taxi deck is situated above Platform 12 and is accessed via the concourse and platform 12, which has escalators and lifts to the upper level to the covered marshalled taxi rank. A queuing system is in operation. There is also a separate collection point for pre-booked taxis and a drop off point
- Accessible taxis: All London Black Cabs can accommodate wheelchair passengers without wheelchair users having to leave their wheelchair. There is also a separate collection point for prebooked taxis also further away from the lifts.
- Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
- Toilets Location: Accessible toilets are located on Platforms' 1 and 12. A Changing Places facility is located on Platform 12. There are dedicated breastfeeding rooms / Parent & Baby rooms; within the Ladies toilets on Platform 1 within the public toilets on Platform 12.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Accessible toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 12.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Hilton London Paddington
- Mercure London Paddington Hotel
- The Pilgrm
- Waiting rooms location: Platform 12
- 24/7
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: On platform 8/9 and 10
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Located near Platform 1.
- Underground lines: Bakerloo Line, Circle Line, District Line, Hammersmith Line
- Bus lines: N7, 23, 27, N27, 36, 205, N205, 332, 7, 46, A1, 18, N18
- Train lines: Great Western Main Line, Heathrow Express
- Metro: Tube Lines.
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day Tickets bought in advance online or from South Western Railway telesales can be collected at Ticket Office or at Self-Serve Ticket Machines.
- Type of shops available: A wide range of shops including convenience store, supermarket, pharmacy, newsagent, bookseller, clothing, gifts, travel accessories and passport photobooth.
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: The entrance to the public toilets is on the main concourse opposite platform 18, and these facilities have an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities. There is a another accessible toilet outside exit 3 operated by a RADAR key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The entrance to the public toilets is on the main concourse opposite platform 18, and these facilities have an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities. There is a another accessible toilet outside exit 3 operated by a RADAR key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Cycle storage is located outside exit 3 on Station Approach / Cab Road.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: Waterloo is well connected to London's public transport network. Waterloo Underground station serves the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City Lines. Plan a journey - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk) Buses depart from several points around the station. All Transport for London Buses are accessible with step free access and have a dedicated mobility space. Buses from Waterloo (tfl.gov.uk) The station has a dedicated taxi rank for London Black Taxis on the roadway outside exit 3. Santander Hire Bicycles are available from the docking stations outside. Santander Cycles - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk) Waterloo is within easy walking distance of the South Bank and a number of visitor attractions. Walking - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk).
- Metro: Waterloo Underground station is served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City Lines. Step free access is available to and from the Jubilee Line. For more information on London Transport accessibility: Plan an accessible journey - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk).
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 05:00 - 23:59
- Car Park: No
- 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
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Onward travel information: National Rail trains serving London Paddington National Express coaches to Victoria Coach Station and Gatwick Airport London Underground
- Metro: Connection available with the London Underground (Piccadilly Line)
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:25 - 20:00 Saturday 05:20 - 19:00 Sunday 08:00 - 20:30
- Type of shops available: WHSmith and Spar Supermarket
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4, Platform 7 and adjacent ticket counters.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Within accessible wc's
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platforms 3 and 4
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Albert Road Bus Stop adjacent to Exmouth Road.
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any platform. 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: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: From the bus stops on Keyham Road (B3396) near the turning to Keat Street
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