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Trip Summary
You can pick from 8 daily train trips between Edinburgh and Plymouth. The average train journey from Edinburgh to Plymouth takes 9 hours and 49 minutes, but some Virgin Trains + Connections train trips are as short as 7 hours and 52 minutes.
| Distance | 388 mi (624 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 52m |
| Lowest price | £153.75 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Virgin Trains + Connections |
| Train lines | 4 |
Which train should you take from Edinburgh to Plymouth?
There are 4 train lines with service from Edinburgh to Plymouth. Virgin Trains + Connections is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry | 2 | 8h 38m | £114.41 |
| London North Eastern Railway + Connections | 2 | 8h 23m | £174.48 |
| TransPennine Express + Connections | 1 | 14h 18m | £222.22 |
| Virgin Trains + Connections | 3 | 10h 4m | £143.34 |
CrossCountry operates an extensive rail network in the U.K., centered in Birmingham. In standard class, passengers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Trains also contain a small café or a trolley that passes through the carriages. An upgrade to first-class gives passengers more legroom and complimentary food. The journey from Edinburgh to Plymouth usually takes about 8 hours and 38 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 2 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is a privately-owned train company that operates passenger services on behalf of the UK government. LNER manages the prestigious East Coast mainline route, connecting London King's Cross Station to various cities, including Leeds, Bradford, and Hull. With a comprehensive network of 55 stations and a fleet of approximately 75 trains, LNER facilitates numerous daily journeys, offering standard and first-class ticket options.
TransPennine Express + Connections train tickets from Edinburgh to Plymouth start from £222, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 TransPennine Express + Connections schedules to Plymouth. TransPennine Express + Connections in Edinburgh leaves from Edinburgh Waverley . And in Plymouth trains arrive at North Rd .
From Edinburgh to Plymouth train travel on TransPennine Express + Connections takes 14 hours and 18 minutes. If you are looking to get to Plymouth faster, TransPennine Express + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 7 hours and 52 minutes.
Virgin Trains + Connections train tickets from Edinburgh to Plymouth start from £79, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 Virgin Trains + Connections schedules to Plymouth. Virgin Trains + Connections in Edinburgh leaves from Edinburgh Waverley . And in Plymouth trains arrive at North Rd .
From Edinburgh to Plymouth train travel on Virgin Trains + Connections takes 10 hours and 4 minutes. If you are looking to get to Plymouth faster, Virgin Trains + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 7 hours and 52 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Edinburgh and Plymouth is approximately 388 miles, or 624 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 49 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 52 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.
Trains from Edinburgh to Plymouth are the most crowded on Tuesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Edinburgh at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 20:00. 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. 2 of these are direct connections to Plymouth. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Plymouth to Edinburgh.
City Information
Edinburgh
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
As Scotland's capital, Edinburgh and its people are famed throughout history for their contribution to philosophy, literature, science, and industry, among many other areas. This incredibly diverse city promises to provide attractions and entertainment for people of all ages, budgets, and interests. Edinburgh is even ranked as the #6 city with the most historic sites per capita in Europe, and the #1 outside of Italy!
For those looking for outdoor adventure, take a walk up Arthur's Seat, one of four hill forts that date back to over 2,000 years ago. The walk to the top will allow you to embrace some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes and wildlife, and you'll be rewarded with a dramatic view of Edinburgh at the top.
On rainy days, visit the National Museum of Scotland, where each floor provides information on several fascinating eras of Scotland's history. A trip down the Royal Mile will satisfy all your tartan and souvenir needs, while the world-famous Underground Ghost Tour will give you an entirely different view of this seemingly peaceful, quaint city.
If your trip falls during the holiday season, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is guaranteed to give you the festive feeling, while world-renowned Hogmanay celebrations will ensure that you ring in the New Year with a bang.
Edinburgh is easily accessible via train, plane, and bus. Edinburgh Airport provides global access to the city, while rail services connect the city to many other major towns and cities across the UK. In addition, numerous bus companies travel to and from Edinburgh, meaning that no matter your preferred mode of transport, the city is always within reach.
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 centre 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 coaches 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 Edinburgh?
Image credit: Danny Navarro
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Daniel
Link to image attribution
Image credit: David Brossard
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Edinburgh Waverley
Just steps away from the Scott Monument, Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station is the city's main train terminal and the second-biggest in Scotland. It lies at the northern end of the East Coast Main Line, connecting it with London via York and Newcastle Upon Tyne. Situated within a grand structure between Edinburgh Old and New Towns, you can access it from either Princes Street or Market Street. Beneath an impressive Victorian-era glass roof, passengers will find a good range of facilities, including hot and cold food options, ATMs, and public restrooms. Edinburgh Trams and local bus services depart from outside the Princes Street entrance, with links to Edinburgh Airport.
All train stations in Edinburgh:
Edinburgh Waverley
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 centre, 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 car hire 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 Edinburgh?
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