Cheap train tickets from Birmingham to Plymouth
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Trip Summary
12 trains operate daily from Birmingham to Plymouth. The train trip from Birmingham to Plymouth is usually about 4 hours and 30 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest CrossCountry train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 28 minutes.
Distance | 175 mi (282 km) |
Fastest train | 3h 28m |
Lowest price | $150.07 |
Trains per day | 4 |
Most frequent service | CrossCountry |
Train lines | 4 |

Which train should you take from Birmingham to Plymouth?
There are 4 train lines with service from Birmingham to Plymouth. CrossCountry is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 5 trains each day.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
CrossCountry | 5 | 4h 9m | $160.11 |
CrossCountry + Connections | 3 | 5h 23m | $167.36 |
Virgin Trains + Connections | 3 | 4h 6m | $164.55 |
West Midlands Railway + Connections | 1 | 4h 14m | $159.19 |
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 Birmingham to Plymouth usually takes about 4 hours and 9 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 5 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Birmingham to Plymouth start from $166, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Plymouth. CrossCountry + Connections in Birmingham leaves from New St Station and one other station. And in Plymouth trains arrive at North Rd .
From Birmingham to Plymouth train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 5 hours and 23 minutes. If you are looking to get to Plymouth faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 28 minutes.
Virgin Trains + Connections train tickets from Birmingham to Plymouth start from $159, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 Virgin Trains + Connections schedules to Plymouth. Virgin Trains + Connections in Birmingham leaves from Birmingham International Rail Station . And in Plymouth trains arrive at North Rd .
From Birmingham to Plymouth train travel on Virgin Trains + Connections takes 4 hours and 6 minutes. If you are looking to get to Plymouth faster, Virgin Trains + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 28 minutes.
West Midlands Railway + Connections train tickets from Birmingham to Plymouth start from $159, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 West Midlands Railway + Connections schedules to Plymouth. West Midlands Railway + Connections in Birmingham leaves from Birmingham International Rail Station . And in Plymouth trains arrive at North Rd .
From Birmingham to Plymouth train travel on West Midlands Railway + Connections takes 4 hours and 14 minutes. If you are looking to get to Plymouth faster, West Midlands Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 28 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Birmingham to Plymouth
The distance between Birmingham and Plymouth is approximately 175 miles, or 282 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 28 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.
Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Birmingham to Plymouth. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday 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 Birmingham at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. 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 12 scheduled trains on most days. 4 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 Birmingham.
City Information
Birmingham



As the second-largest city in the UK, Birmingham effortlessly blends the city’s quaint vibe with modern-day high-rises. One of the top local attractions is St. Martin in the Bull Ring, the original parish church of Birmingham. Featuring remarkable Gothic Revival architecture standing in stark contrast with the futuristic-looking shopping centers, the church is a great spot for travelers looking for a bit of respite. As you stroll around the city, don’t forget to visit the famous Cadbury World, which details the long history of the brand, as well as all the products it produces. For culturally-inclined activities, head to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which offers over 40 exhibits.
If you wish to try out authentic Indian dishes with a local twist, head over to Pushkar. For those who wish to enjoy a more upscale dining experience, Bank offers a chic menu in an elegant setting.
The principal rail station is Birmingham New Street Station, which is the busiest train station in the UK. The Birmingham Coach Station offers coach services by National Express as far as London and Dublin. The city’s main airport is the Birmingham Airport, which is located 6 miles east of the city center.
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 Birmingham?

Image credit: Bs0u10e01
Link to image attributionMain departure station: New St Station
Birmingham New Street Station is a major hub for UK transportation at the heart of the city. Passengers can reach its glistening main concourse via the Grand Central shopping mall. Inside, passengers will find higher-end stores, cafés, and public restrooms. The primary rail providers are Avanti West Coast Trains, West Midlands Railway, and Cross Country, which operate services to destinations including London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Buses and coaches, including FlixBus and National Express, pick up from roadside stops on St Martin's Queensway and Station Street. Trams (streetcars) have a dedicated stop outside Grand Central for connections to Edgbaston cricket ground.
All train stations in Birmingham:
New St Station
Birmingham International Rail 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.
All train stations in Plymouth:
Plymouth Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Plymouth to Birmingham?
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