Is there a direct train from Belfast to Plymouth?

No, there is no direct rail link between Northern Ireland and England.

How long does the ferry take?

The ferry from Belfast to Birkenhead takes approximately 8 hours.

Can I take a car on this route?

Yes, you can take a car on the ferry from Belfast to Birkenhead and drive to Plymouth.

What is the best airport for Plymouth?

Exeter Airport is the closest commercial airport to Plymouth.

Are there buses from Belfast to Plymouth?

Yes, but they involve multiple changes and are generally slower than flying.

Ballymena

Plymouth

Flight Ship

Ballymena to Plymouth

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Ballymena to Plymouth requires a multi-modal approach involving a transit to Belfast, a flight to the South West, and a final rail leg. The journey spans over 750 km, crossing the Irish Sea and the length of England. You will typically fly from Belfast International to Exeter or Bristol before catching a Great Western Railway service. This route is best managed by booking the flight and train segments separately to optimize costs. Expect a full day of travel given the geographical distance between Northern Ireland and the Devon coast.

Total Distance: Driving distance 780 km, straight-line air distance 510 km.

Fastest Way

Flight from Belfast International to Exeter, then a 1-hour train to Plymouth, totaling 7 hours.

Cheapest Way

Flight from Belfast to Bristol followed by a coach connection, costing roughly 100 GBP.

Compare Ballymena to Plymouth Routes

	Flight Connecting	Ship Connecting
Duration	8 hours	16 hours
Avg Price	120-250 GBP	150-300 GBP
Operator	EasyJet	Stena Line
Route	Belfast International to Bristol/Exeter, then GWR train to Plymouth.	Belfast to Birkenhead, then train via Crewe and Bristol to Plymouth.
Tip	Book your train ticket in advance via the GWR website to save on walk-up fares.	The overnight ferry allows for a comfortable sleep before the long train journey.

Travel Tips

Book Early
Train tickets for the final leg to Plymouth are significantly cheaper when booked 12 weeks in advance.
Airport Transfers
Use the Airport Express bus from Belfast city center to reach the airport efficiently.
Luggage Limits
Check your airline's baggage policy carefully, as budget carriers charge extra for hold luggage.
Railcards
If you are aged 16-30 or over 60, purchase a Railcard to save one-third on your train fares.
Connectivity
Download the Trainline app to track your connections in real-time during the journey.

Safety Tips

Travel Insurance
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering domestic transit delays.
Valuables
Keep your passport and travel documents in a secure, zipped pocket while navigating busy stations.
Night Travel
Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas near train stations late at night; use licensed taxis.
Emergency Contacts
Save the local police non-emergency number in your phone before you depart.