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Portsmouth, Hampshire to Plymouth, Devon 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
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Traveling From Portsmouth to Plymouth

This route takes you from Portsmouth's vibrant maritime heritage and bustling port atmosphere to Plymouth's rich naval history and scenic coastal views.

Best Neighbourhoods in Plymouth

Plymouth features diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinctive experiences for visitors.

The Hoe
• Stunning views of Plymouth Sound.
• Home to the iconic Smeaton's Tower lighthouse.
Mutley Plain
• Lively area with numerous cafes and shops.
• Close to the University of Plymouth and student culture.
Royal William Yard
• Beautiful waterfront dining and shopping options.
• Historic naval victualing yard with stunning architecture.

Best Times To Visit Plymouth's Attractions

Strategizing your visit can enhance your experience at Plymouth's attractions.

The Hoe
Early mornings during weekdays offer peaceful views and fewer tourists.
Mayflower Steps
Visit in the late afternoon for beautiful sunset lighting and a quieter atmosphere.
National Marine Aquarium
Weekdays during school hours typically see lighter crowds, making for an enjoyable visit.

Plymouth Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Plymouth experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers, making it a pleasant destination throughout the year. Spring and early autumn often bring the best weather for exploring, while rainy days are common in winter, which may influence your outdoor plans.

Dining in Plymouth: A Taste of the Coast

When in Plymouth, don't miss the opportunity to savor the fresh seafood at The Fish & Chip Shop, known for its sustainable catch and traditional cooking methods. This dining experience, featuring locally sourced ingredients and a warm, inviting atmosphere, contrasts with Portsmouth's bustling street food scene, offering a deeper connection to the region's maritime heritage.

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
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.

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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.