Trains to Plymouth
Heading for a sunny day out or weekend away in this bustling coastal city? Trains to Plymouth take just under three hours from London and just under an hour from Exeter, so you’ll be exploring the a thriving city centre in no time.
We’re here to be your one-stop-shop for cheap train tickets, times and info about how to get to Plymouth by train. If you want to get straight to booking, start a search for times and tickets above, or keep reading to find out more about trains to Plymouth.
How to buy cheap train tickets to Plymouth
There are a few ways you can save money on train travel this summer. Some of our top tips for booking cheap train tickets to Plymouth include:
Travel Off-Peak
Tickets are usually cheaper to Plymouth if you travel during Off-Peak hours. This is normally outside of rush hours during Monday to Friday, and anytime during the weekend. We’ll highlight whether a journey is during Off-Peak train times as your search for tickets.
Book in advance
Train tickets to Plymouth normally go on sale around 12 weeks in advance, usually at their cheapest price. If Advance train tickets aren’t on sale yet, why not sign up to our Ticket Alert tool, and we’ll email you as soon as you can buy tickets for your chosen date.
Save up to 1/3 with a Railcard
Railcards can save you to 1/3 on the price of eligible train tickets to Plymouth. Costing just £30 for one year, it doesn’t take long to make your money back either. Find out if you qualify for one and buy a Railcard online with us today.
Save up to 34% with GroupSave
If you’re heading to Plymouth with three to nine of your favourite pals, we’ll let you know if you qualify for GroupSave when you search. This discount allows groups that are travelling together to save up to 34% on rail fares.
Split your train tickets
Splitting your journey into several sections and buying tickets for each part can sometimes be cheaper than buying a single ticket on longer journeys. Our ticket-splitting app feature, SplitSave, does the hard part for you.
Why not check out our train deals and discounts guide to discover the latest offers from train companies you can book with us.
Popular train journeys to Plymouth
Travelling by train is the easiest and fastest way to get to Plymouth from the other UK destinations. CrossCountry and Great Western Railway (GWR) run frequent services to Plymouth. Have a look at our table below for more information about the most popular routes to Plymouth, or start your search for a different station in our Journey Planner at the top of the page.
| Route | Fastest journey | Train operator |
|---|---|---|
| London to Plymouth | 2h 57m | GWR |
| Exeter to Plymouth | 51m | CrossCountry, GWR |
| Bristol to Plymouth | 1h 55m | CrossCountry, GWR |
| Liskeard to Plymouth | 21m | CrossCountry, GWR |
| Truro to Plymouth | 1h 8m | CrossCountry, GWR |
Visiting Plymouth by train
Few harbours have a history as rich as the Barbicans. In the 16th-century, naval commander Sir Francis Drake set sail from here to defeat the Spanish Armada, and just 32 years later the Pilgrim Fathers set off for New Plymouth, the key colony of the English settlement of North America. The fact that Devonport dockyards were targeted so extensively in WW2 demonstrates the area's continuing importance in the 20th-century.
Here in the 21st-century, it has bounced back with a charming grassy outlook known as The Hoe, and a delightful promenade overlooking the Plymouth Sound, the body of water at the confluence of the Plym, Tavy and Tamar estuaries. Out of town, make a beeline for Mount Edgcumbe, a grand mansion with extensive grounds, for the perfect break from city life. East of Plymouth there's also the early Georgian Saltram House, packed with fine art and furniture.
Back in Plymouth, families should make time to enter the breath-taking underwater world of The National Marine Aquarium. Its tanks are bursting with fascinating sea creatures, including over 70 sharks of more than ten species. Finally, end your visit to Plymouth with a local tipple. The Black Friars Distillery is the home to the world-famous Plymouth Gin and offers tours all year long. It also has an award-winning bar and restaurant.
Beaches around Plymouth
If you fancy a spot of sunbathing or just a day on the beach during your visit, the nearest sandy beaches to Plymouth are either Bovisands and Wembury, which are just a 20-minute taxi ride away from the city centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main train station in Plymouth?
The main train station in Plymouth is Plymouth railway station. Check out live arrivals and station facilities for Plymouth railway station.
Which train companies run trains to Plymouth?
The primary operator of trains to Plymouth is GWR. You can also catch CrossCountry services to Plymouth.
How do I find cheap tickets to Plymouth?
It's easy to bag cheap train tickets to Plymouth. We'd recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
Are trains to Plymouth running?
There are frequent daily services to Plymouth, although there may be fewer services on weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Plymouth.