- Must visit
The Box
Plymouth’s main museum, gallery, and archive. It covers local art, natural history, and maritime stories in an impressive contemporary cultural hub.
Cheapest price
$13
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
4 h 30 m
Average duration
5 h 43 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
223 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cheltenham to Plymouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cheltenham to Plymouth will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $13.
Of the 3 buses that leave Cheltenham for Plymouth on Wed, Aug 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 223 km distance in an average of 5 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 30 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 8 h 10 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Plymouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a train costs an average of $29.
Distance: 138 miles (223 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$27 Average price Cheapest | $46 Average price | $58 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 39m Average total duration 5h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration Fastest 3h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cheltenham to Plymouth:
A bus is $20 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cheltenham to Plymouth costing on average $46.
Other travel options to Plymouth take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 9m.
Tickets start at around $27 compared to roughly $58 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $31. The journey takes 5h 9m versus 2h 45m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by National Express.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $21 |
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Plymouth buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:55 AM Cheltenham | 4h30 | 1:25 PM Plymouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:20 PM Cheltenham | 8h10 | 10:30 PM Plymouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:25 PM Cheltenham | 4h30 | 10:55 PM Plymouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Cheltenham to Plymouth run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:20, the last at 22:10. The fastest bus covers the 138 miles (223 km) distance in 4h 20m.
Distance 138 miles (223 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 4h 20m |
First bus 1:20 AM |
Last bus 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Plymouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plymouth trip today.
Plymouth’s main museum, gallery, and archive. It covers local art, natural history, and maritime stories in an impressive contemporary cultural hub.
Interactive aquarium on the waterfront with ocean habitats, conservation displays, and a huge tank. A popular family attraction with strong educational value.
Tudor merchant’s residence in the Barbican, furnished to evoke historic domestic life. A compact museum ideal for understanding old Plymouth society.
Large waterfront parkland with sea views, monuments, and lawns. It is Plymouth’s classic promenade and a prime place to start exploring the city.
Historic harbourside quarter of cobbled lanes, old buildings, galleries, and maritime atmosphere. It is among Plymouth’s most characterful walking areas.
Broad city-centre avenue rebuilt after the Second World War. Shops, civic buildings, and public art make it useful for understanding modern Plymouth.
A classic Devon cream tea of scones, jam and clotted cream. In Devon, the cream goes on before the jam, making it a proud local ritual.
A traditional South West pasty with beef, potato, swede and onion in pastry. Common across Devon and Cornwall and a familiar local grab-and-go meal.
Fresh fish landed from Plymouth's historic fishing port, often grilled or battered. The city's waterfront location makes local seafood a signature choice.
Refined fine dining restaurant known for modern British tasting menus, polished service and a special occasion atmosphere near Plymouth Hoe.
Long-established market café famous for generous breakfasts, sandwiches and casual local dining in Plymouth Market.
Historic waterside pub in the Barbican serving seafood, local ales and hearty British dishes in a traditional, characterful setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels are often cheaper than London, while dining and local buses are fairly priced for tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Plymouth Coach Station -> Royal Parade, Plymouth
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham to Plymouth by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Plymouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cheltenham to Plymouth buses use the Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane) to Plymouth, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and Plymouth bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub is 3 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:
Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free WiFi is available throughout the station. ATMs are available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub.
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub.
Available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub: Facilities are accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.
Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Royal Well (in the station), The Coffee House (0.2 km), The Brewery Quarter (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station.
Available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Plymouth, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth, Coach Station. ATMs are available at Plymouth, Coach Station.
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth, Coach Station.
Available at Plymouth, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth, Coach Station: Station is accessible with ramps and level access.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need