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Portsmouth to Plymouth from $55: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Portsmouth, United Kingdom
to
Plymouth, United Kingdom

How to Get from Portsmouth to Plymouth: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$55 - DriveBest price
171.2 milesDistance
3h 15m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Portsmouth to Plymouth with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Train
Average Duration
5h  4m
Estimated price
$119-292
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
5h  6m
Estimated price
$109-272
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 171.2 miles
Duration: 3h 15m

See more options

Company
Driver
Drive
Average Duration
3h  15m
Estimated price
$55-85

Traveling From Portsmouth to Plymouth

The journey from Portsmouth to Plymouth offers a striking contrast between the historic naval vibe of Portsmouth and the vibrant coastal charm of Plymouth.

Best Neighbourhoods in Plymouth

Plymouth's neighborhoods offer diverse experiences, each with its own charm.

The Hoe
• home to stunning sea views
• rich in maritime history
Plympton
• features picturesque parks
• a mix of residential and historic sites
Mutley
• vibrant atmosphere with shops and cafes
• popular among students and young professionals

Best Times To Visit Plymouth's Attractions

Timing your visits can significantly enhance your experience in Plymouth.

Mayflower Steps
Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer tourists and better light.
National Marine Aquarium
Weekdays during school hours typically offer a quieter experience.
Royal William Yard
Evenings or weekdays provide a peaceful atmosphere and stunning sunset views.

Plymouth Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Plymouth enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers, making it a great destination year-round. Consider visiting during late spring or early autumn for pleasant weather that enhances your exploration of this vibrant coastal city.

Dining in Plymouth: A Taste of the Coast

The fish stew at The Oyster Shack showcases fresh local seafood with bold, comforting flavors, providing a warm atmosphere that contrasts with the more historic dining spots found in Portsmouth. Here, you can savor the essence of the region while enjoying the casual, welcoming vibe that Plymouth’s beachside locale offers.

Portsmouth - Plymouth operators

Explore transport companies operating between Portsmouth and Plymouth, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+44 3457 000 125
Website
https://www.gwr.com/

Train from Portsmouth & Southsea to Westbury (Wilts)

Average Duration
1h 42m
Estimated price
40-100

Train from Westbury (Wilts) to Exeter St Davids

Average Duration
1h 9m
Estimated price
45-110

Train from Exeter St Davids to Plymouth

Average Duration
58m
Estimated price
30-75

Train from Portsmouth & Southsea to Salisbury

Average Duration
1h 12m
Estimated price
29-70
Contact phone
0344 736 9123
Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/

Train from Exeter St Davids to Plymouth

Average Duration
57m
Estimated price
40-85
Contact phone
0345 6000 650
Website
https://www.southwesternrailway.com/

Train from Salisbury to Exeter St Davids

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
50-120

Portsmouth to Plymouth: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Portsmouth and Plymouth offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic journey from Portsmouth to Plymouth covering a distance of 275.2 km, ideal for road trip enthusiasts seeking coastal views and charming towns along the way. 💸 Experience a range of budget options for the road trip, with prices typically varying from £43 to £67 for the trip from Portsmouth to Plymouth by car, offering flexibility to suit different travel preferences. 🌅 Enjoy a leisurely 3-hour and 15-minute drive, reveling in the landscapes as you make your way from Portsmouth to Plymouth, immersing yourself in the allure of southern England's coastal beauty.
Average price
£43 - £66
🚆 Although there is no direct train from Portsmouth to Plymouth, travelers can take a route that includes transfers at Westbury and Exeter St Davids. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 5 hours and 4 minutes. 🌊 The train services on this route are operated by First Great Western Service, offering a comfortable and scenic journey through the English countryside. Passengers can relax and enjoy the views as they travel from the south coast to the southwest of England. 💷 Ticket prices for the train journey between Portsmouth and Plymouth vary between £94 and £231, depending on factors such as class of travel and booking time.
Departure Point
Portsmouth & Southsea station
Arrival Point
Plymouth station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your train trip from Portsmouth to Plymouth include catering options provided by South Western Railway. You can enjoy a selection of snacks, hot and cold beverages, and light meals available for purchase. It’s a good idea to have some cash or a card ready for this service as not all trains accept contactless payments. For more details, visit their website at southwesternrailway.com
• The train service offers both Standard (Economy) and First Class seating options. First Class provides more spacious seating, complimentary refreshments, and a quieter atmosphere, while Standard seats are comfortable and budget-friendly. You can check seat availability and book your tickets at the South Western Railway or GWR website: gwr.com
• There are multiple operators for this route, including South Western Railway and Great Western Railway (GWR). You can check schedules and book tickets through their websites: South Western Railway at southwesternrailway.com and GWR at gwr.com Additionally, consider checking National Rail for real-time updates at nationalrail.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Portsmouth to Plymouth.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Portsmouth and Plymouth is 222.1 km by air. The road distance is 275.5 km. If you prefer to travel by train, it takes approximately 5 hours and 7 minutes to reach Plymouth from Portsmouth. However, if you choose to take a combination of train and bus, the travel time increases to 7 hours and 14 minutes. Alternatively, if you decide to travel by car, it takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes to drive from Plymouth to Portsmouth.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Portsmouth to Plymouth is by driving. It takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes to cover the road distance of 275.5 km.
The prices for train travel between Portsmouth and Plymouth range from £80 to £203, depending on factors such as the type of ticket, time of travel, and availability.
To travel from Portsmouth to Plymouth without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 275.2 km, which takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. The driving route offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to explore the scenic countryside along the way. The estimated cost for this journey by car ranges from £43 to £66, accounting for fuel expenses.
The best way to travel from Portsmouth to Plymouth without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 7 minutes and costs between £78 and £203. There are no direct bus routes between the two cities, but you could potentially take a train to a nearby town and then transfer onto a bus to complete the journey. However, this option would take significantly longer, with a total travel time of around 7 hours and 14 minutes.
Yes, there is a connection between Portsmouth and Plymouth, but it is not a direct link. The journey by train involves taking a train from Portsmouth & Southsea station to Salisbury, then transferring to another train to Exeter St Davids, and finally catching a train to Plymouth. This entire journey takes approximately 5 hours and 7 minutes.
There are no direct flights between Portsmouth and Plymouth as they are both located within the same region in the United Kingdom. The quickest and most convenient option would be to travel by train or car. However, if you are looking to fly, the closest airport to Portsmouth is Southampton Airport, and the closest airport to Plymouth is Newquay Airport. The quickest direct flight from London Gatwick Airport to Newquay Airport takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the time of booking and availability, but it typically ranges between £100 to £200 per person.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Plymouth. With over 1297 hotels to choose from, there is something for every budget and preference. Prices start at £38, catering to both budget-conscious travelers and those looking for more luxurious options.

Trips from Portsmouth

Trips to Plymouth