Portsmouth to Plymouth bus with National Express

Thu, Sep 03
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Portsmouth to Plymouth

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 03

Cheapest price on Sep 03

$62

Average ticket price on Sep 03

$66

Fastest journey on Sep 03

9 h 50 m

Average journey duration on Sep 03

10 h 37 m

Buses on Sep 03

3

Distance

221 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Portsmouth to Plymouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Portsmouth to Plymouth will cost around $66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $62.

Fast buses

On Thu, Sep 03, we found 3 buses from Portsmouth to Plymouth, including 3 direct services.

On Thu, Sep 03 the direct buses cover the 221 km distance in an average of 10 h 37 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 50 m .

On Thu, Sep 03 the slowest buses will take 11 h 40 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.

  • National Express
    2:35 PM10h20
    Portsmouth
    12:55 AMPlymouth
    $621One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    3:05 PM9h50
    Portsmouth
    12:55 AMPlymouth
    $661One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    8:00 AM11h40
    Portsmouth
    7:40 PMPlymouth
    $711One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Portsmouth to Plymouth

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Plymouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $85 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 39m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $85, while a train costs an average of $134.

Distance: 137 miles (221 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$85

Average price

Cheapest

$134

Average price

$63

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

7h 33m

Average total duration

7h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 39m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 9m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 43m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Portsmouth to Plymouth is a bus with an average price of $85 (€69).

This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to Plymouth:

A bus is $49 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Plymouth costing on average $134 (€108).

The fastest way to travel from Portsmouth to Plymouth is by train with an average journey time of 4h 9m.

Other travel options to Plymouth take longer:

Bus takes on average 7h 3m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Plymouth including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Portsmouth to Plymouth among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around $85 (€69) compared to roughly $63 (€51) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-21.83 (€-17.71). The journey takes 7h 3m versus 3h 43m 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.

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.

Portsmouth to Plymouth Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:20AM
Arrival Time
02:05PM
Duration
8h45
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$72
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:35AM
Arrival Time
02:05PM
Duration
8h30
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$73
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:50AM
Arrival Time
02:05PM
Duration
8h15
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$79
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:05AM
Arrival Time
02:05PM
Duration
8h00
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$74
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
06:40PM
Duration
11h40
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$77
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:30AM
Arrival Time
04:55PM
Duration
9h25
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$79
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:50AM
Arrival Time
04:25PM
Duration
8h35
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$85
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:00AM
Arrival Time
07:40PM
Duration
11h40
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:14AM
Arrival Time
04:25PM
Duration
8h11
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$94
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:20AM
Arrival Time
04:55PM
Duration
8h35
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$82
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30AM
Arrival Time
04:25PM
Duration
7h55
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$95
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:34AM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
8h51
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$63
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:50AM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
8h35
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:34PM
Arrival Time
10:30PM
Duration
8h56
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:50PM
Arrival Time
10:30PM
Duration
8h40
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:05PM
Arrival Time
11:55PM
Duration
9h50
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$48
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:35PM
Arrival Time
12:55AM
Duration
10h20
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$38
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05PM
Arrival Time
12:55AM
Duration
9h50
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:35PM
Arrival Time
12:55AM
Duration
9h20
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$56
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:29PM
Arrival Time
12:55AM
Duration
8h26
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:39PM
Arrival Time
12:55AM
Duration
8h16
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$90
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:45PM
Arrival Time
12:55AM
Duration
8h10
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:55PM
Arrival Time
12:55AM
Duration
8h00
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$92
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:55PM
Arrival Time
04:05AM
Duration
8h10
Departure days
Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:10PM
Arrival Time
04:05AM
Duration
7h55
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:15PM
Arrival Time
04:05AM
Duration
7h50
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$68

Live departures

Portsmouth to Plymouth bus times

The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Plymouth buses for today, Wednesday, September 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express8:00 AM Portsmouth
11h40
7:40 PM Plymouth0 transfersDirect
National Express2:05 PM Portsmouth
9h50
11:55 PM Plymouth0 transfersDirect
National Express2:35 PM Portsmouth
10h20
12:55 AM Plymouth0 transfersDirect
National Express3:05 PM Portsmouth
9h50
12:55 AM Plymouth0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth to Plymouth by train or bus

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.

Thu
Sep 03
Fri
Sep 04
Sat
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09

Why should you book Portsmouth to Plymouth buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Portsmouth to Plymouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Portsmouth to Plymouth.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Portsmouth to Plymouth.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Portsmouth to Plymouth.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Portsmouth to Plymouth

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Portsmouth to Plymouth run on average 11 times per day, taking around 7h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $64 (€52) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 137 miles (221 km) distance in 6h 25m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
137 miles (221 km)
Average bus duration
7h 3m
Cheapest ticket price
$64 (€52)
Buses per day
11
Fastest bus
6h 25m
First bus
12:30 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
91 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: National Express from Portsmouth to PlymouthYou can travel by bus between Portsmouth to Plymouth with National Express for as low as $64 (€52). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
6h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
$64 (€52)
National Express frequency
13 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Complete guide to Plymouth

Things to do in Plymouth

Discover the best of Plymouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plymouth trip today.

  • 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.

  • Must visit

National Marine Aquarium

Interactive aquarium on the waterfront with ocean habitats, conservation displays, and a huge tank. A popular family attraction with strong educational value.

  • Recommended

Merchant's House

Tudor merchant’s residence in the Barbican, furnished to evoke historic domestic life. A compact museum ideal for understanding old Plymouth society.

British pound (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels are often cheaper than London, while dining and local buses are fairly priced for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Bus from Portsmouth to Plymouth

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Portsmouth to Plymouth can start from as little as $64 (€52) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Portsmouth to Plymouth is $85 (€69) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Portsmouth to Plymouth is 6h 25m to travel the 137 miles (221 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Portsmouth to Plymouth leaves at 12:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Portsmouth to Plymouth leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 11 buses a day from Portsmouth to Plymouth which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Portsmouth to Plymouth, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Plymouth. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Portsmouth and Plymouth and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Portsmouth , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth, University, Portsmouth, International Port, Southsea, Clarence Esplanade . When arriving in Plymouth , you can end your journey in bus stations like Plymouth, Coach Station .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange, which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Plymouth, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Plymouth from Portsmouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Portsmouth to Plymouth is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Plymouth including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Portsmouth to Plymouth for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Portsmouth to Plymouth:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Portsmouth to Plymouth depends on the bus companies:
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Portsmouth to Plymouth.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Portsmouth to Plymouth:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Portsmouth to Plymouth:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Portsmouth to Plymouth.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Portsmouth to Plymouth with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Portsmouth to Plymouth with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Portsmouth to Plymouth with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Portsmouth nor Plymouth are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Portsmouth to Plymouth among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Plymouth, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas such as the Barbican and city center. Some may encounter overcharging or unofficial taxi services, so it's advised to use licensed taxis. Additionally, travelers should be aware of occasional scams involving street vendors or unsolicited offers for tours. Staying vigilant and using official transportation and booking channels helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Portsmouth to Plymouth

Most Portsmouth to Plymouth buses use the Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange to Plymouth, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Plymouth bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Portsmouth
Arrival bus stations in Plymouth

Which Portsmouth station do buses to Plymouth leave from?

Buses from Portsmouth to Plymouth leave from Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Portsmouth city centre at The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UK.
Portsmouth, The Hard InterchangeThe Hard Interchange, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange from Portsmouth city centre

Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLondon Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour, Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour, Littlehampton - Portsmouth Harbour, Three Bridges - Portsmouth Harbour, Barnham - Portsmouth Harbour, Gatwick Airport - Portsmouth Harbour, Havant - Portsmouth Harbour, Bognor Regis - Portsmouth Harbour · 3m · $1 · every ~4 min
Bus1, 2, 8, 3, 7, X4, H1, X5, Pr1 · 6m · $2 · every ~214 min

Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange bus station facilities and services

Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café at The Hard (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Elevators, ramps.

Portsmouth, University
Portsmouth, International PortWharf Road, Portsmouth PO2 8RU, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Portsmouth, International Port from Portsmouth city centre

Portsmouth, International Port is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:

BusX4, X5, Pr1 · 3m · every ~55 min
8, 3, 7, X4, X5 · 6m · $2 · every ~113 min
725 · 15m · $2

Portsmouth, International Port bus station facilities and services

Portsmouth, International Port has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café in the terminal (in the station), Fast-food outlet (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance of the terminal.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, International Port.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Portsmouth, International Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, International Port: Elevators, ramps.

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