Plymouth to Southampton train with Great Western Railway

Wed 23 Sept
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South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
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South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Plymouth to Southampton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept

Cheapest price on 23 Sept

£86

Average ticket price on 23 Sept

£122

Fastest journey on 23 Sept

3 h 31 m

Average journey duration on 23 Sept

4 h 9 m

Trains on 23 Sept

3

Distance

202 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train 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 £122 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £86.

Fast trains

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

  • Great Western RailwayW34553 · G15036 · W34974
    5:555h08
    Plymouth station (PLY)
    11:03Southampton Central (SOU)
    £861One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayG15035 · G15001
    5:323h31
    Plymouth station (PLY)
    9:03Southampton Central (SOU)
    £861One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayW34553+CrossCountryG00997
    5:553h48
    Plymouth station (PLY)
    9:43Southampton Central (SOU)
    £1951One-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 £68 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 0m. 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 £68, while a train costs an average of £102.

Distance: 202 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£102

Average Price

£68

Average Price

Cheapest

£40

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 31m

Average total duration

7h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 27m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus 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 £68.

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

A coach is £34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Plymouth to Southampton costing on average £102.

The fastest way to travel from Plymouth to Southampton is by train with an average journey time of 3h 30m.

Other travel options to Southampton take longer:

Coach takes on average 7h 1m.

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 train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £102 compared to roughly £40 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-61.65. The journey takes 3h 30m versus 3h 27m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Plymouth to Southampton train times

The table below shows live departures for Plymouth to Southampton trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayG15035 · G150015:32 Plymouth station (PLY)
3h31
9:03 Southampton Central (SOU)1 change
Great Western RailwayW34553+CrossCountryG009975:55 Plymouth station (PLY)
3h48
9:43 Southampton Central (SOU)1 change
Great Western RailwayW34553 · G15036 · W349745:55 Plymouth station (PLY)
5h08
11:03 Southampton Central (SOU)2 changes

This is the last train 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.

Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept

Why should you book Plymouth to Southampton trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as South Western Railway or Great Western Railway offer trains 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 CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Plymouth to Southampton.
  • 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 CrossCountry 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?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Plymouth to Southampton.
  • 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: Train from Plymouth to Southampton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Plymouth to Southampton run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 202 km distance in 3h 3m.

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 train duration
3h 30m
Cheapest ticket price
£23
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
3h 3m
First train
0:12
Last train
23:55
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Sun
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

Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, South Western Railway from Plymouth to Southampton trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry, South Western Railway trains will get you between Plymouth and Southampton from £23. 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
3h 4m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£23
Great Western Railway frequency
3 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

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
3h 3m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£51
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
3h 17m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£35
South Western Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

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 train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Plymouth to Southampton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £23, while the average price tends to be around £102.
The train journey from Plymouth to Southampton covers a distance of 202 km and takes approximately 3h 3m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Plymouth to Southampton is 202 km.
The first train from Plymouth to Southampton leaves at 0:12.
The last train from Plymouth to Southampton departs at 23:55.
Trains from Plymouth to Southampton run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Plymouth to Southampton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Plymouth to Southampton.
To get from Plymouth to Southampton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Plymouth to Southampton.
The train station in Plymouth that goes to Southampton is Plymouth station (PLY), and it arrives at Southampton Central (SOU).
The cheapest way to get from Plymouth to Southampton is by train, costing approximately £23.
Booking trains from Plymouth to Southampton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Plymouth to Southampton is quite scenic, offering views of the Devon countryside, parts of the South West Coast Path, and the rolling hills of the South Downs as you travel across southern England.
A day trip from Plymouth to Southampton is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 3m. However, trains run 6 times per day. The distance is 202 km.
In Southampton, you can explore the New Forest National Park for hiking and cycling, take the Hythe Ferry for a scenic trip to Hythe, and enjoy shopping at Westquay Shopping Centre. Visit the Ocean Village Marina for dining and leisure activities, or relax at Southampton Common. Discover the city's history at the Tudor House and Garden, SeaCity Museum, and Solent Sky Museum. Art enthusiasts can visit the Southampton City Art Gallery, while theatre lovers can catch performances at the Mayflower Theatre.
For a well-rounded experience, spending 2 to 3 days in Southampton allows you to explore key attractions such as the SeaCity Museum, Tudor House and Garden, and the vibrant waterfront.
Yes, you can take the train from Plymouth to Southampton.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Plymouth and Southampton

Most Plymouth to Southampton trains use the Plymouth to Southampton Central station pair, with some services arriving at Millbrook (Hants). Use this guide to compare Plymouth and Southampton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Plymouth
Arrival train stations in Southampton

Which Plymouth station do trains to Southampton leave from?

Trains from Plymouth to Southampton leave from Plymouth. The station is 1 km from Plymouth city centre at Plymouth station, North Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6AB.
PlymouthPlymouth station, North Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6AB+44 3451652030WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
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 Plymouth to Southampton

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

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