Bristol Temple Meads to Plymouth Trains From £20.50*

It takes, on average, around two hours to get from Bristol Temple Meads to Plymouth when travelling with CrossCountry. On your trip, you'll head south from Bristol, passing through the counties of Somerset, Dorset, and finally, Devon, before arriving at Plymouth.

CrossCountry operates a comprehensive network of train services that connect major towns and cities throughout the UK, including cities like Manchester, Bristol, London, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Liverpool.

Departing from Bristol Temple Meads

Bristol Temple Meads is the busiest railway station in the South West, and it’s no surprise, considering trains from Bristol serve destinations across the UK, going East to London, West to Wales, North to Scotland, and South towards Devon and Cornwall. It is also the fifth busiest train station in the UK outside of London. Southeastern, South Western Railway, CrossCountry, and Great Western Railway are the main operators at this station.

The station itself is easily accessible from Bristol City Centre, although it's a twenty-minute walk. If you prefer, you can reach it via public transportation, which drops you off right outside the forecourt on Station Approach. If you'd like an alternative route to the station, you could even catch the ferry to the station by getting off at Temple Quay ferry terminal.

Main stops

When travelling with CrossCountry from Bristol Temple Meads to Plymouth, there are typically five stops along the route: Taunton, Tiverton Parkway, Exeter St Davids, Newton Abbot, and Totnes. It's worth considering that these stops may change due to scheduling adjustments or unforeseen events, such as adverse weather conditions or train faults. It’s best to check which stations you’ll be stopping at to avoid disappointment.

Do you want to buy cheap train tickets? If so, it’s best to book early, use sites like TrainPal to find the best deal, and consider using a Railcard for an additional discount.

Arriving at Plymouth

Plymouth Train Station can be found just north of the city centre, and is only a fifteen-minute walk away. If you'd like to take the bus into the town centre, you can catch the 33, 5, 50, or 43 bus. Alternatively, you could also get a taxi. The journey isn't long and is approximately five minutes by vehicle. CrossCountry and Great Western Railway are the primary rail operators at this stop, serving routes to destinations like Bristol Temple Meads, St Ives, Exeter, and London Paddington.

Plymouth is a city with a great deal to offer. It's a beautiful coastal conurbation with a wonderful harbour, beaches, and stunning views of the Plymouth Sound, while also possessing a fascinating maritime history, as demonstrated by The Barbican, the old harbour area, and the fact that it was here that the Pilgrims set sail for the New World on the Mayflower. The city also boasts a thriving arts scene, exemplified by The Box and KARST galleries, alongside the Theatre Royal. Yet, it's also a modern city with a thriving student population that keeps the city partying well into the night and its pubs and restaurants thriving.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: Provides comfortable seating, ample luggage space, and free Wi-Fi. Snacks and drinks are available from the onboard shop.
• First Class: Offering comfortable seating with larger reclining seats and extra table space, plus free Wi-Fi. Complimentary food and drink are available on most First Class services.

CrossCountry train travel advice

• Luggage: A maximum of three items: one small item, one medium-sized bag, and one large suitcase.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small pets are free of charge. They must be well-behaved and not disturb other passengers. Two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bikes are permitted on board free of charge. Spaces are limited, so reservations are highly recommended. E-bikes shouldn’t exceed 250 watts.
• Children: Children under 5 travel free, and the Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Provide assistance at stations and on trains, or during transfers, help with luggage, offer discounts for disabled passengers, and provide other services.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.