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How to Get to Plymouth

How to Get to Plymouth

Plymouth Southwest England, England Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

No direct flights arrive at Plymouth itself. International travelers will fly into a major UK airport and then connect to Plymouth via train or coach.

Exeter Airport EXT

  • Location: Approximately 40 miles (64 km) northeast of Plymouth. Mainly domestic UK flights and some European routes.
  • Airlines: Loganair, Ryanair, TUI, and easyJet.
  • Routes: Domestic cities like Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle. European destinations like Alicante, Faro, Malaga, Palma, Dublin, Amsterdam.

Bristol & London Hubs

These airports serve as main international gateways for the UK, holding the widest selection of global direct flights.

Bristol Airport BRS

  • Location: About 90 miles (145 km) northeast of Plymouth. Wider European destinations, limited transatlantic connections.
  • Airlines: Ryanair, easyJet, KLM, Aer Lingus, TUI.
  • Routes: Extensive European network, some North African destinations, limited transatlantic connections.

London Heathrow / Gatwick

Approximately 200-220 miles (320-350 km) east of Plymouth.

Transfer from Bristol Airport

Bus to Bristol Temple Meads then train to Plymouth (2.5-3.5 hours).

Transfer from Exeter Airport

Local bus to Exeter St David's then train to Plymouth (1.5-2 hours). Taxi/car hire options exist.

Seasonal Flight Availability & Price Fluctuations

Peak Seasons

  • School Holidays: Flight prices increase during UK school holidays: July-August, Christmas, and Easter.
  • Major Events: Prices also go up during major events.
  • Advance Booking: Booking well in advance, typically 3-6 months before travel, often secures better fares.
  • Flexibility: Flexibility with travel dates leads to savings.

Transfer Options from London Airports

  • Train: Heathrow Express to Paddington/Gatwick Express to Victoria, then Great Western Railway to Plymouth. Total journey: 4-5 hours.
  • Coach (Bus): National Express operates direct services from both Heathrow and Gatwick to Plymouth Coach Station. This option is cheaper but longer (5-7 hours).
  • Connections: From Paddington for Heathrow, Victoria for Gatwick.
  • Private Transfer: Pre-booked taxis are an option, but more costly.

Airport Facilities & Services

Major UK Airports

All major UK airports (London Heathrow, Gatwick) hold extensive facilities: shops, restaurants, car rental, currency exchange, lounges.

Smaller Airports

Smaller airports like Exeter and Bristol hold more limited but adequate facilities for travelers.

General Amenities

Expect duty-free shopping, various dining options, and accessible restrooms at all airports.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Great Western Railway (GWR) is the main train operator serving Plymouth. Plymouth railway station (PLY) is centrally located.

Routes & Booking

  • Direct Services: Connect Plymouth to London Paddington (3-3.5 hours), Bristol Temple Meads (1.5-2 hours), Exeter St David's (1 hour). Trains continue into Cornwall.
  • Booking: Book train tickets in advance for cheaper fares. Look for "Advance" tickets, released up to 12 weeks before travel, for the best value.
  • Resources: Visit GWR.com or National Rail Enquiries for schedules and bookings.

Long-Distance Bus Options

National Express is the main long-distance coach operator in the UK. Plymouth Coach Station is on Mayflower Street in the city centre.

Routes & Booking

  • Direct Services: Available from London Victoria Coach Station (5-7 hours), Bristol, Birmingham, and other major UK cities.
  • Booking: Book tickets online via the National Express website for the best prices.
  • Network: Connects Plymouth to a wide network of UK cities.

Self-Driving Considerations

The A38 (Devon Expressway) connects Plymouth to the M5 motorway near Exeter. This holds excellent road access to the rest of the UK's motorway network.

Requirements & Rules

  • License: Valid driving license needed. IDP recommended for non-English licenses.
  • Driving Side: Drive on the left-hand side of the road in the UK.
  • Speed Limits: Generally 30 mph in urban areas, 60 mph on single carriageways, 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Enforcement is strict.

Road Conditions & Parking

Roads in the UK are generally well-maintained. Be aware of narrow country lanes outside the city, especially when exploring Dartmoor or rural areas. Variable weather affects driving.

Parking & Tips

  • Parking: City centre parking is challenging and expensive. Utilize multi-storey car parks (Drake Circus, Western Approach, Mayflower Street).
  • Park & Ride: Facilities exist on the outskirts, for city centre access without driving in.
  • Navigation: Use a GPS or navigation app for city driving.

Land Transportation Comparison

  • Train: Fastest, comfortable, scenic views, direct to city centre station. Can become expensive if not booked in advance. Less flexible departure points than coaches. Costs £30-£120+, takes 3-3.5 hours. Book via GWR.com, National Rail Enquiries.
  • Coach (Bus): Generally the cheapest option. Direct services from airports and city centers. Longest journey time. Less spacious or comfortable than trains. Costs £15-£40, takes 5-7 hours. Book via National Express.
  • Car: Holds maximum flexibility for exploring surrounding areas. Fuel costs. Parking is difficult and expensive in city centre. Requires driving on the left. Costs Fuel + Parking + Rental, takes 4-5 hours. Use major car rental companies (e.g., DiscoverCars.com).
  • Border Crossing: This section is not applicable, as Plymouth is within the United Kingdom. There are no internal border crossings.
  • Road Conditions & Safety: Roads are generally well-maintained. Be aware of narrow country lanes outside the city, especially when exploring Dartmoor or rural areas. Speed limits are enforced strictly.
  • Weather Impact: Variable weather conditions, including rain and fog, can affect driving. Check forecasts before travel.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Plymouth’s strong maritime heritage extends to its role as a port for ferry services and cruise ships.

Ferry & Cruise Info

  • Brittany Ferries: Runs services from Plymouth to Roscoff (France) and Santander (Spain). Ideal for car travel. Ferries arrive at Millbay Docks. Book your passage via the Brittany Ferries website.
  • Cruise Port: Plymouth serves as a port of call for various cruise lines. Cruise ships dock at Millbay Cruise Terminal, located close to the city centre and attractions.
  • River Transportation: No significant river transportation for arrival into Plymouth from outside. River services mainly operate within Plymouth Sound for short trips or local connections.

Port Procedures & Connections

Standard UK border control procedures apply upon arrival at seaports. These are similar to those at airports, involving passport control and potential questions about your visit.

Port Access & Departure

  • Port Location: Millbay Docks are a short taxi ride or bus journey from Plymouth city centre and Plymouth railway station, accessing convenient onward connections.
  • Departure Procedures: The UK levies no specific exit fees or taxes on departing travelers. For ferries, check-in times are typically 60-90 minutes before departure.
  • Facilities: Millbay Cruise Terminal holds basic passenger facilities. Major airports have extensive facilities for departing travelers.

Pedestrian Access

Millbay Docks are accessible by foot for those staying nearby.

Vehicle Access

For car passengers, direct driving access to the ferry terminal is available.

Timing for Departure

Arrive at airports 2-3 hours before international flights; 1-2 hours for domestic.

Departure Information Summary

General Departure Protocol

The UK levies no specific exit fees or taxes on departing travelers.

Timing & Check-in

  • Airports: For international flights, arrive 2-3 hours before departure; domestic flights, 1-2 hours. Always check airline recommendations.
  • Train/Coach: Arrive at the station 15-30 minutes before departure to find your platform or bus bay.
  • Ferry: Brittany Ferries has specific check-in times, typically 60-90 minutes before departure. Check your booking for precise requirements.

Station & Airport Facilities

Major airports like London Heathrow and Gatwick hold extensive facilities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges.

Amenities for Travelers

  • Duty-Free: Available at major airports for last-minute shopping.
  • Dining: Variety of food and beverage options at airports.
  • Lounges: Premium lounges available for relaxation before flights.

Local Station Facilities

Plymouth Train Station

Holds basic facilities like cafes and restrooms. Plan accordingly if you require specific amenities before departure.

Plymouth Coach Station

Also offers basic amenities. Consider nearby city centre options for more choices.

Pre-Departure Needs

If needing more extensive dining or shopping before departing from local stations, the city centre offers options within walking distance.

Seamless Connections

Each transport mode has distinct benefits regarding speed, cost, and comfort.

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