Lowest Prices
We partner with the top coach & train carriers to bring you the best deals.
Best Travel Options
We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Trip Summary
You can pick from 16 daily train trips between Southampton and Plymouth. The average train journey from Southampton to Plymouth takes 4 hours and 39 minutes, but some Great Western Railway train trips are as short as 3 hours and 43 minutes.
| Distance | 126 mi (202 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 43m |
| Lowest price | £28.68 |
| Most frequent service | South Western Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 3 |
Which train should you take from Southampton to Plymouth?
There are 3 train lines with service from Southampton to Plymouth. South Western Railway + Connections is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 13 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Western Railway | 1 | 3h 44m | £28.68 |
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 2 | 4h 30m | £59.84 |
| South Western Railway + Connections | 13 | 4h 45m | £58.47 |
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 Southampton to Plymouth start from £60, and on average cost . Daily there are 2 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to Plymouth. Great Western Railway + Connections in Southampton leaves from Overline House . And in Plymouth trains arrive at North Rd .
From Southampton to Plymouth train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 4 hours and 30 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 43 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Great Western Railway + Connections offers 2 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Southampton and Plymouth is approximately 126 miles, or 202 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 39 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 43 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.
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Southampton to Plymouth. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Southampton at 06:00 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 16 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 Southampton.
City Information
Southampton
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Southampton is a scenic city along England's south coast, known for its history as an important port. No matter the time of year you visit, Southampton has a wealth of activities and attractions.
Your first stop is the SeaCity Museum, where you can discover the city's history and engage with the model of the RMS Titanic. Next, the Solent Sky Museum turns your attention skyward as it details Southampton's aviation history. The Southampton City Art Gallery is a hidden gem to view painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, print, and video exhibits. And if you're on a tour of England's premier league stadiums, Southampton's St. Mary's Stadium is a must.
For a unique dining experience, try the café at the Tudor House and Garden Museum. They serve local food and fantastic coffee in a home that's over 800 years old. Then, as you walk through the nearby Cultural Quarter, keep your eyes peeled for remnants of the city's medieval walls amidst the chic bars and stores.
Southampton Airport does serve international flights, but it's easy to reach Southampton even if you fly into one of London's airports. South Western Railway and Megabus provide train and coach service from London and other cities throughout the United Kingdom.
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 Southampton?
Main departure station: Overline House
There are two stations in Southampton where you can board the train to Plymouth.
All train stations in Southampton:
Overline House
Woolston
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 Southampton?
Search Train Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book coach and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare coach and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap coach and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading coach and train companies, we always have the best coach and train deals out there.
Book coaches and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more