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Trip Summary
There are usually 16 daily train trips available from Manchester to Plymouth. Traveling by train from Manchester to Plymouth usually takes 6 hours and 57 minutes, but the fastest CrossCountry train can make the trip in 5 hours and 18 minutes.
| Distance | 229 mi (369 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 18m |
| Lowest price | $104.63 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | CrossCountry |
| Train lines | 4 |
Which train should you take from Manchester to Plymouth?
There are 4 train lines with service from Manchester to Plymouth. CrossCountry is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 7 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arriva Trains Wales + Connections | 1 | 12h 48m | $109.87 |
| CrossCountry | 7 | 5h 22m | $180.99 |
| Northern Rail + Connections | 4 | 9h 7m | $171.53 |
| TransPennine Express + Connections | 4 | 6h 8m | $199.88 |
Arriva Trains Wales + Connections train tickets from Manchester to Plymouth start from $110, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Arriva Trains Wales + Connections schedules to Plymouth. Arriva Trains Wales + Connections in Manchester leaves from Manchester Piccadilly . And in Plymouth trains arrive at North Rd .
From Manchester to Plymouth train travel on Arriva Trains Wales + Connections takes 12 hours and 48 minutes. If you are looking to get to Plymouth faster, Arriva Trains Wales + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 5 hours and 18 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Plymouth on a weekend there is typically one Arriva Trains Wales + Connections scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Manchester.
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 Manchester to Plymouth usually takes about 5 hours and 22 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 7 trips on this route every day, and 7 daily trips on weekends.
Northern Rail + Connections train tickets from Manchester to Plymouth start from $105, and on average cost . Daily there are 4 Northern Rail + Connections schedules to Plymouth. Northern Rail + Connections in Manchester leaves from Manchester Airport . And in Plymouth trains arrive at North Rd .
From Manchester to Plymouth train travel on Northern Rail + Connections takes 9 hours and 7 minutes. If you are looking to get to Plymouth faster, Northern Rail + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 5 hours and 18 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Northern Rail + Connections offers 4 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Plymouth.
TransPennine Express + Connections train tickets from Manchester to Plymouth start from $177, and on average cost . Daily there are 4 TransPennine Express + Connections schedules to Plymouth. TransPennine Express + Connections in Manchester leaves from Manchester Airport . And in Plymouth trains arrive at North Rd .
From Manchester to Plymouth train travel on TransPennine Express + Connections takes 6 hours and 8 minutes. If you are looking to get to Plymouth faster, TransPennine Express + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 5 hours and 18 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, TransPennine Express + Connections offers 4 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Plymouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Manchester and Plymouth is approximately 229 miles, or 369 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 57 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 18 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 Manchester 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 Manchester at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. 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 16 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Manchester to Plymouth. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Plymouth to Manchester.
City Information
Manchester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Most recognizable for its world-famous football team, Manchester is a modern, vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that will appeal to explorers of all kinds. Often referred to as "The Capital of the North," Manchester is also known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Visitors can relive this booming era by taking a trip to the Science and Industry Museum to see how this previously small town changed the world's ideas of industry and manufacturing forever. These days, Manchester is famous for its music and art scene, with it being the birthplace of bands like The Smiths and Oasis.
Art and music-lovers may want to visit Afflecks, a vast and eclectic emporium of all things indie and grunge, to purchase records, artwork, and memorabilia, among many other things. Manchester is also home to 15 parks and gardens, with Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens among the most popular. This park provides a beautiful setting for picnics and scenic walks, perfect for when you need an escape from the bustling city.
And if you really are only here for Man U, both Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are stops on our itinerary to visit every premier league stadium in England.
With three large train stations—Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria—Manchester is easily accessible via rail. National Express and Megabus coaches also allow access from all over the country. In addition, Manchester Airport houses three large terminals, which provide global entry to the city.
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 Manchester?
Image credit: North West Transport Photos
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Manchester Airport
Refurbished in 2004 and 2014, Manchester Airport Station is a combined rail, Metrolink tram, and bus station. Referred to as "The Station" on signage, it is linked to the airport terminals by the Sky Link elevated walkway. Northern, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales operate rail services, with destinations including central Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. National Express and Megabus also operate frequent buses to and from the airport. The Metrolink tram connects with Manchester Victoria rail station, located much closer to the center of Manchester.
All train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Airport
Manchester Piccadilly
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
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