How to get to Plymouth
Head for the South West on the M5 from Bristol to Exeter, then the A38 Devon Expressway to Plymouth. Drive time from London is around three and a half hours.
A Rapide luxury coach service from London's Victoria Coach Station (via Heathrow) takes four and half hours.
Rail services from London (Paddington) to Plymouth take three and a half hours. Direct services also run from South Wales, the Midlands, the North of England and Scotland.
Brittany Ferries sail from Plymouth to Roscoff in France and Santander in Spain.
Travel Information
Plymouth is well connected by road and rail to the rest of the country, and by ferry to Europe.
By Rail
Plymouth railway station is just a few minutes’ walk from the campus. The regular train service from London Paddington to Plymouth takes around three to four hours. Other direct services head to Plymouth from across the South West, South Wales, the Midlands, the North of England and Scotland.
For rail enquiries, call +44 8457 484 950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.thetrainline.com
Train tips
It’s sometimes cheaper to buy two separate single tickets, rather than one return ticket – check the train websites for details.
If travelling from Exeter, avoid the local 'stopping' trains if you can. They’re slower, less comfortable and don’t cost any less than the larger inter-cities.
Tickets are often much cheaper during off-peak times – check with train companies for specifics.
By Coach
Plymouth Bretonside Bus and Coach Station is in the city centre, about ten minutes’ walk from the campus. There are regular coach services from most major cities to Plymouth. A typical coach journey from London to Plymouth takes about 4.5 hours.
For coach enquiries, call +44 8705 808 080 or visit www.nationalexpress.com or www.megabus.com/uk
Air links
Rail and coach services connect Plymouth to the regional airports of Exeter and Bristol. There are also transport links to Plymouth from London Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport.
By car
From the North: the main route is via the M5 motorway and then continuing on the A38 Expressway via Exeter. Leave the A38 at March Mills interchange and take the A374 which is clearly signed for the city centre. It takes about 3.5 hours from London to Plymouth.
From the West:leave the A38 at Manadon interchange and take the A386 into the city. It's about 1.5 hours from Truro.
Parking: there are plenty of car parks in the city centre within walking distance of the University.
A full list and car park maps is available from Plymouth City Council. The nearest are Mayflower House Court, Mayflower Street East and Regent Street.
Park and Ride is also a good option for getting into the city centre if you’re travelling by car. Services run Monday to Saturday from three locations around the city.
Check if you can help cut the cost and environmental impact of travelling by car with the car share scheme.
By ferry
Brittany Ferries operates car ferry services to Plymouth from Roscoff (France) and Santander (Spain). Go to www.brittany-ferries.com for details.
Accessibility
Access guides for the campus and buildings are available on DisabledGo. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Disability ASSIST team.