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Trip Summary
8 trains operate daily from Poole to Plymouth. The train trip from Poole to Plymouth is usually about 6 hours and 58 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest South Western Railway + Connections train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 51 minutes.
| Distance | 98 mi (157 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 51m |
| Lowest price | £58.94 |
| Most frequent service | South Western Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Poole to Plymouth?
South Western Railway + Connections is the one and only train line which connects Poole to Plymouth. However, there are 8 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Western Railway + Connections | 8 | 6h 59m | £67.49 |
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 Poole and Plymouth is approximately 98 miles, or 157 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 58 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 51 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 departing from Poole to Plymouth tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Poole at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 23:00. 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. 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 Poole.
City Information
Poole
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Endless golden, sandy beaches on the south coast of England characterize the popular destination of Poole. After its neighbor, Bournemouth, the coastal town is the second-largest in Dorset. Many travellers head to Poole to spend long, sunny summer days on one of its beaches. Sandbanks Beach is one of the most beloved, with a unique location on a small peninsula at the mouth of Poole Harbor. Gorgeous landscapes, excellent kitesurfing, soft sand, and a lively promenade make this beach the ultimate summer destination.
Poole still offers plenty to do if you visit outside of sunbathing months. Its vibrant quayside is filled with fantastic restaurants and trendy bars, and the highstreets offer boutique and local shopping experiences. Poole also serves as a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast. Many public transport options provide access to this breathtaking geological and archaeological site.
Since it's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, Poole can be reached by many forms of travel for those without cars. Poole is only 2.5 hours from London by train on the South West Train line, and frequent trips on Megabus and National Express from London also arrive roughly every hour at peak season.
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 Poole?
Image credit: Elliott Brown
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Poole Train Station
Trains to Poole arrive at the train station along Serpentine Road, opposite the expansive Dolphin Shopping Centre. The station includes a small building with seating and a coffee shop, but it is not open past the evenings. However, the platforms do offer covered outdoor seating if you're catching a later train. Stop in the mall for additional amenities, including shops and restaurants. The train station is just a short walk from Poole's primary coach station. Poole is one of the stops on South Western Railway's Main Line from London to Weymouth, and connections in either of these cities open up further rail travel to destinations throughout the United Kingdom.
All train stations in Poole:
Poole 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 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 Poole?
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