- 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 on 04 Sept
£55
Average ticket price on 04 Sept
£80
Fastest journey on 04 Sept
3 h 38 m
Average journey duration on 04 Sept
3 h 58 m
Trains on 04 Sept
6
Distance
202 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to Plymouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Plymouth will cost around £80 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £55.
On Fri 04 Sept, we found 6 trains from Southampton to Plymouth, including 6 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 202 km distance in an average of 3 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 38 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 1 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Plymouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £50 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 4m. 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 train costs an average of £50, while a coach costs an average of £58.
Distance: 202 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£50 Average Price Cheapest | £58 Average Price | £40 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 29m Average total duration 6h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Plymouth:
A train is £8 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Southampton to Plymouth costing on average £58.
Other travel options to Plymouth take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 59m.
Tickets start at around £50 compared to roughly £40 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-9.09. The journey takes 3h 34m versus 3h 23m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Plymouth trains for tomorrow, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:47 Southampton | 5h01 | 10:48 Plymouth | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 6:47 Southampton | 5h01 | 11:48 Plymouth | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:10 Southampton | 3h38 | 10:48 Plymouth | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:10 Southampton | 3h38 | 11:48 Plymouth | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:11 Southampton | 3h52 | 13:03 Plymouth | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 18:11 Southampton | 3h39 | 21:50 Plymouth | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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 Southampton to Plymouth run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 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 38m.
Distance 202 km |
Average train duration 3h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 38m |
First train 0:12 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton 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 Southampton to Plymouth trains use the Southampton Central to Plymouth station pair, with some services arriving at Dockyard. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Plymouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: 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. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Airport Parkway: 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. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Millbrook (Hants) is 2 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Millbrook (Hants) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking and Lost and Found Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Millbrook (Hants).
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Millbrook (Hants): Parking.
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.
Dockyard is 2 km from Plymouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Dockyard has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Dockyard.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dockyard: Parking.
Available at Dockyard: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dockyard: 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.
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.
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