How to get to Plymouth from Colchester

Fri 09 Oct
+ Add return
Travel by train, coach, flight with
Great Western Railway
National Express
Loganair
British Airways
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Great Western Railway
National Express
Loganair
British Airways
FlixBus
1,000+ more
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Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Colchester to Plymouth

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Plymouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £87 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £87, while a flight costs an average of £393.

Distance: 390 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight
Driving

£92

Average Price

£87

Average Price

Cheapest

£393

Average Price

£72

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 54m

Average total duration

4h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 3m

Average total duration

8h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 38m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 38m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

5h 18m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Loganair

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Plymouth is a coach with an average price of £87.

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

A coach is £5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Plymouth costing on average £92.

A coach is £306 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Colchester to Plymouth costing on average £393.

The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Plymouth is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 38m.

Other travel options to Plymouth take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 54m.

Coach takes on average 9h 3m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Colchester and Plymouth including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 54m sooner (4h 24m by train vs 5h 18m by car). Tickets start at around £92 compared to roughly £72 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.

Travel options
from Colchester to Plymouth

How to get to Plymouth from Colchester by train, bus, flight or ferry.

Our recommendation

bus

The best way to travel from Colchester to Plymouth is by taking a coach because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

  • National Express
    16:3011h35
    Colchester
    4:05Plymouth
    £781One-way
    0 changes

Cheapest

  • National Express
    16:3011h35
    Colchester
    4:05Plymouth
    £781One-way
    0 changes

Fastest

  • National Express
    16:3011h35
    Colchester
    4:05Plymouth
    £781One-way
    0 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .

Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, coaches, flights and ferries

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.

Fri
09 Oct
Sat
10 Oct
Sun
11 Oct
Mon
12 Oct
Tue
13 Oct
Wed
14 Oct
Thu
15 Oct

Best day trips from Plymouth by train

The most popular day trips by train from Plymouth are Exeter, Torquay, Totnes, Newton Abbot and Paignton. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Plymouth on Omio.

A view of Exeter

Day trip from Plymouth to Exeter by train

Why visit Exeter for the day?

Exeter is a compact Devon city known for its Norman cathedral, Roman history and lively quayside. Medieval streets, independent shops and a strong student presence give it a relaxed but energetic character.

A view of Torquay

Day trip from Plymouth to Torquay by train

Why visit Torquay for the day?

Torquay is a seaside town in Devon, known for its palm-lined harbour, mild climate and Agatha Christie connections. It combines Victorian character with marina views, nearby beaches and an easy-going English Riviera atmosphere.

A view of Totnes

Day trip from Plymouth to Totnes by train

Why visit Totnes for the day?

Totnes is a historic market town in South Devon with a Norman castle, independent shops and a distinct alternative streak. On the River Dart, it blends medieval character with regular markets, good food and easy access to nearby countryside.

A view of Newton Abbot

Day trip from Plymouth to Newton Abbot by train

Why visit Newton Abbot for the day?

Newton Abbot is a South Devon market town known for horse racing and its closeness to Dartmoor. The centre mixes everyday shops with period character and a relaxed West Country feel.

A view of Paignton

Day trip from Plymouth to Paignton by train

Why visit Paignton for the day?

Paignton is a traditional seaside town on Tor Bay, known for its sandy beach and family-friendly atmosphere. With its pier, promenade and Paignton Zoo, it has the easy-going character of a classic English resort.

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FAQs: Colchester to Plymouth

Travel to Plymouth easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Colchester to Plymouth.

FAQs
There are 3 options to travel between Colchester and Plymouth including taking a train, coach and flight.
The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Plymouth is a coach with an average price of £87.

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

A coach is £5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Plymouth costing on average £92.

A coach is £306 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Colchester to Plymouth costing on average £393.

The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Plymouth is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 38m.

Other travel options to Plymouth take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 54m.

Coach takes on average 9h 3m.

The Colchester to Plymouth distance is approximately 390 km.
The average frequency per day from Colchester to Plymouth is:
  • Around 14 coaches per day.
  • Around 6 trains per day.
  • Around 5 flights per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Colchester and Plymouth as scheduled services by train, coach and flight can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Colchester to Plymouth:
  • Flights mostly depart from London Heathrow Airport and arrive in Exeter International Airport.
  • Trains mostly depart from Colchester station (COL) and arrive in Plymouth station (PLY).
  • Coaches mostly depart from Colchester, East Hill / High Street and arrive in Plymouth, Coach Station.
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Colchester to Plymouth, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with National Express to go to Plymouth by coach.
  • Travel with Great Western Railway to go to Plymouth by train.
  • Travel with Loganair, British Airways to go to Plymouth by flight.
Omio customers who travel from Colchester to Plymouth often also extend their vacation to go to London, Bristol, Bristol Airport, Exeter, Edinburgh. Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Plymouth and these popular destinations at a great price.
To get from Colchester to Plymouth, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
To fully experience Plymouth's historic sites, waterfront attractions, and vibrant cultural scene, a stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal.

Travelling from Colchester to Plymouth: related information

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

HomeTravelTravel to United KingdomTravel to PlymouthHow to get to Plymouth from Colchester

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