The London to Plymouth train route connects the capital with the coastal city of Plymouth in Devon. Direct long-distance services run along the Great Western Main Line, offering a comfortable way to reach the South West from London.
1. Journey Overview
- Fastest journey: ~3 hours 10 minutes
- Typical journey time: 3h 10m – 3h 45m
- Distance: ~215 miles (346 km)
- Direct trains: Yes
- Frequency: 1–2 trains per hour
- Main operator: Great Western Railway (GWR)
2. Departure and Arrival Stations
London Paddington
Most London to Plymouth trains depart from London Paddington. For station facilities and connections, see the London Paddington Station Guide.
Plymouth Station
Plymouth Station is the city’s main rail station, located close to the city centre.
3. Route Highlights
Direct services commonly call at:
- Reading
- Exeter St Davids
- Newton Abbot
The route includes scenic coastal sections in South Devon.
4. Onboard Experience
- Free Wi-Fi on most services
- Power sockets at seats
- Air-conditioned carriages
- Onboard catering on many services
- First Class seating available
5. Best Time to Travel
- Peak: Weekday mornings and evenings
- Off-peak: Late morning, midday and evening
- Weekends: Busy in summer holiday season
6. Ticket Tips
- Book Advance tickets early for lower fares
- Railcards save up to 33%
- Seat reservations recommended
7. Useful Connections
- For Bristol travel, see the Bristol to London Train Guide.
- For Wales routes, check the Cardiff to London Train Guide.
- For northern routes, see the London to Leeds Train Guide.
8. Why Choose the Train?
- Direct services from London
- Comfortable long-distance trains
- Scenic sections along the coast
- City-centre arrival
Part of our Train Routes in the UK series.