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Trip Summary
You can pick from 8 daily train trips between Bournemouth and Plymouth. The average train journey from Bournemouth to Plymouth takes 6 hours and 1 minute, but some South Western Railway + Connections train trips are as short as 4 hours and 12 minutes.
| Distance | 102 mi (164 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 12m |
| Lowest price | $109.87 |
| Most frequent service | South Western Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Bournemouth to Plymouth?
2 train services operate from Bournemouth to Plymouth. South Western Railway + Connections usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry + Connections | 2 | 4h 58m | $312.38 |
| South Western Railway + Connections | 6 | 6h 23m | $174.22 |
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Bournemouth to Plymouth start from $312, and on average cost . Daily there are 2 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Plymouth. CrossCountry + Connections in Bournemouth leaves from Bournemouth Train Station . And in Plymouth trains arrive at North Rd .
From Bournemouth to Plymouth train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 4 hours and 58 minutes. If you are looking to get to Plymouth faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 4 hours and 12 minutes.
UK's South Western Railway operates passenger rail services in London, Windsor, Reading, and Southampton. Both standard class and first-class seating are available, with the first-class section clearly marked and physically separated from the rest of the train by internal doorways. These cars offer more space and quiet away from the more crowded areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Bournemouth and Plymouth is approximately 102 miles, or 164 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 1 minute, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 12 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Bournemouth to Plymouth. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Bournemouth at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 8 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Plymouth to Bournemouth.
City Information
Bournemouth
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Bournemouth, in picturesque Dorset County, is located on the South Coast. As such, you can enjoy several miles' worth of beaches. But aside from the world-class resorts and water activities in Bournemouth, this city also reflects England's rich history, culture, and heritage.
If you're drawn to Bournemouth's museums and galleries, you must visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. This museum, styled as an Italian villa, sits atop a cliff, ensuring the views outside are as gorgeous as the art inside. The Poole Museum, housed in a Victorian warehouse, offers impressive exhibits to art, archeology, pirate, and pottery enthusiasts.
But if you're here for the beach, head straight to the Fisherman's Walk Beach, ideal for relaxation because of its quiet atmosphere. If you’d like to stay in a dog-friendly beach lined with pretty beach huts, then it's Southbourne for you. The Alum Chine Beach is recommended for families because of its pirate-themed playground, ice cream kiosks, and restaurants.
Bournemouth also offers cliff hiking, golfing, bowling, and tennis. Of course, you can also do some watersports on a kayak, paddleboard, or surfboard. Diehard sports fans shouldn’t miss the chance to visit Bournemouth’s premier league stadium, Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth Airport is about 7 miles from the center of town. The South Western Railway or CrossCountry trains are available to travel to Bournemouth from Liverpool, Manchester, or other destinations. In addition, Megabus provides bus service in and out of Bournemouth.
Plymouth
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Located on the south coast of Devon, Plymouth is an English port city steeped in maritime heritage with a recently-revitalized waterfront. Although many seaport towns in Britain have a boastful history, none can quite match Plymouth's. It was here, just off the coast of Plymouth Port, that English naval forces defeated the Spanish Armada. Plus, one of the most famous landmarks in the city is the Mayflower Steps. These meaningful steps commemorate when the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth port in 1620 for the New World.
In addition to its history, Plymouth has enough modern amenities to compete as a tourist destination. With big brands and independent stores on offer, the city center is a wonderland for shoppers. Drake Circus is the town's premier shopping venue, with over 70 covered shops for the rainier days. The West End area offers more independent retailers, including the Plymouth Market, selling local crafts, foods, and much more.
Travel to Plymouth is simple. Either fly in via Exeter Airport, or catch a train from destinations like London, Liverpool, or Leeds. National Express and Megabus buses also operate routes to the city as a more affordable way to travel throughout the United Kingdom.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Bournemouth?
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Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bournemouth Train Station
Bournemouth Railway Station is the primary train station serving the seaside town of Bournemouth. This station is a major stop along the South West Main Line from London Waterloo to Weymouth and the end of the CrossCountry route from Manchester to Bournemouth. The large red-brick building is across from an Asda Superstore and adjacent to the Bournemouth Coach and Bus Station. Since the train station is slightly northeast of downtown Bournemouth and the famous quayside, most travelers will likely transfer to a local bus right outside to reach their accommodations and activities.
All train stations in Bournemouth:
Bournemouth Train Station
Where is the train station in Plymouth?
Image credit: Reading Tom
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Plymouth Station
Plymouth Railway Station is north of the city center, very close to the North Cross roundabout, and within a short walk of the Plymouth Coach Station. The station building is simple but efficient and includes a café with hot food, retail shops, restrooms, and a parking and rental car agency outside. The Great Western Railway route from London to Penzance stops in Plymouth, as do an additional GWR route and a CrossCountry train route heading north.
Train stations in Plymouth:
Plymouth Station
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Need a return trip from Plymouth to Bournemouth?
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