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Trip Summary
You can pick from 35 daily train trips between Portsmouth and Plymouth. The average train journey from Portsmouth to Plymouth takes 5 hours and 15 minutes, but some Great Western Railway train trips are as short as 3 hours and 57 minutes.
| Distance | 138 mi (221 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 57m |
| Lowest price | £67.22 |
| Most frequent service | South Western Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 4 |
Which train should you take from Portsmouth to Plymouth?
There are 4 train lines with service from Portsmouth to Plymouth. South Western Railway + Connections is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 20 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Western Railway | 9 | 4h 19m | £67.22 |
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 3 | 5h 12m | £67.22 |
| South Western Railway + Connections | 20 | 5h 46m | £108.67 |
| Southern + Connections | 3 | 4h 50m | £67.22 |
Great Western Railway is a train company in the United Kingdom responsible for rail services in the west of England and south Wales, including many intercity services to and from London. Whether you book a seat on a standard or first-class carriage, you can expect plenty of legroom, complimentary WiFi, power outlets/USB charging points, and onboard restrooms. There are also café cars or snacks trolleys onboard.
Great Western Railway + Connections train tickets from Portsmouth to Plymouth start from £67, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to Plymouth. Great Western Railway + Connections in Portsmouth leaves from Portsmouth Harbour and 2 other stations. And in Plymouth trains arrive at North Rd .
From Portsmouth to Plymouth train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 5 hours and 12 minutes. If you are looking to get to Plymouth faster, Great Western Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 57 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Great Western Railway + Connections offers 3 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Plymouth.
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.
Southern Railway is part of the British rail network serving stations predominantly between central London and the British south coast. Destinations include Brighton, Gatwick Airport, and Worthing. WiFi and accessible restrooms are available on most trains, plus the option to upgrade to a first-class ticket with extra legroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Portsmouth and Plymouth is approximately 138 miles, or 221 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 57 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 Portsmouth to Plymouth tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. 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 Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Portsmouth at 08:00 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 35 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 Portsmouth.
City Information
Portsmouth
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Portsmouth, located on the South coast of England, is home to several important historical dockyards and thus a storied maritime heritage. Though many people travel here to experience the nautical atmosphere, Portsmouth also offers many attractions and experiences to suit every taste.
For a taste of the sea, Henry VIII's Mary Rose is a must-see attraction, as well as Lord Nelson's famous HMS Victory. Both ships are accompanied by museums where visitors can learn more about these significant historical warships. If the weather drives you inside, take a walk around the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, hosting a variety of displays and recreations of how life has changed in Portsmouth over the centuries. To see the whole city all at once, climb Spinnaker Tower to see the city from 170 meters high. Finally, if you're feeling brave, walk across the glass Sky Walk to see the waves crash on the shore beneath your feet.
Due to its many ports, Portsmouth is accessible via ferry, as well as train, car, and bus. The South Western Railway makes getting to Portsmouth from London and other southern towns easy, while National Express and Megabus provide bus services that link many other major towns and cities.
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 Portsmouth?
Main departure station: Hilsea Station
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 5 stops and stations in Portsmouth where you can board the train.
All train stations in Portsmouth:
Hilsea Station
Cosham Train Station
Portsmouth Harbour
Portsmouth & Southsea
Fratton
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
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Plymouth to Portsmouth?
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