Arriving in the UK

Find useful information to help you plan your arrival in Plymouth
UK airport arrivals sign

Arriving in the UK

Find useful information to help you plan your arrival in Plymouth
 
 

What to expect when you arrive at a UK airport

Passport Control
To avoid delays, when you arrive at UK passport control, please:
  • remove your passport from its cover and have it open at the photo page
  • take off any hats, headphones and sunglasses
  • put mobile phones or tablets away when it’s time to see an officer
  • stay together when travelling as a family.
Always keep your passport and travel documents with you – don’t be tempted to pack them away in your luggage as you will need to show your passport on your arrival.

Use the eGates for quicker entry
You might be able to use an automated e-Passport gate instead of having your passport checked by a Border Force officer.
You can normally use eGates if you:
  • have a biometric symbol on the cover of your passport
  • have a valid immigration status (a valid ETA, eVisa, digital record of exemption, or are a British or Irish passport holder)
  • are 8 years old or over (8 to 17 year olds must be accompanied by an adult)
  • are at least 120cm tall
  • are one of the following:
  • a British citizen
  • a national of an EU country, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the USA
  • a member of the Registered Traveller Service.
Those travelling with ID cards cannot use the eGates.

Getting your passport stamped by a Border Force officer
Check GOV.UK's Guide to faster travel through the UK border to see if you need to get your passport stamped on entry.

EU/EEA arrivals: Bring your passport rather than an ID card
If you are an EEA citizen, you may find it faster to use your passport rather than your EEA national identity card at the UK border.
This is because:
  • passports are faster for our Border Force officers to process
  • you can use your EU passport at our eGates
You cannot use an EU, EEA or Swiss national ID card to enter the UK unless you: 
In these cases, you can continue to use your national ID card to enter the UK until at least 31 December 2025.

Know what you can or can’t bring into the UK
Check the GOV.UK webpage to find out about bringing goods into the UK for personal use and banned and restricted goods.
Food and plant products
There are restrictions on bringing some food products into Great Britain such as meat, dairy, fish, eggs, honey, fruits and vegetables, as well as live plants or plant based products, traditional medicines or products of animal origins, depending on the country you're bringing it from.
Medication
If you need to bring medicine with you to the UK which contains a 'controlled drug', you should carry this on you when you enter the UK with a letter of proof that the medicine was prescribed to you from your doctor or prescribing clinician, as you may need to show this at the border. 
Check the Gov.UK webpage to find out what you need to do: Travelling with medicine containing controlled drugs.
You can only bring up to 3 months' supply of your medicine with you. When you register at a Doctors Surgery in Plymouth, you will be able to discuss your medication requirements, although there is no guarantee that you will be able to get the same medication in the UK as prescribed to you in your home country.
Cash
Taking cash in and out of Great Britain: you must declare cash of £10,000 or more to UK customs. You should also check any restrictions on taking money out of your home country.
 
 
 

Ways to travel from your port of arrival to Plymouth

You can travel to Plymouth by coach or train. Generally, a journey by coach is longer than a train, but it costs less.
Most airports have information desks for advice and up-to-date travel information, however it is best to plan and book your travel tickets in advance to secure the best price and guarantee a seat, as services can sell out.

Trains
Trains to Plymouth can be booked online via Trainline.
Trains from Heathrow
The Heathrow Express train runs every 15 minutes from Heathrow to Paddington Station in London. From here, you can catch the train to Plymouth. The train journey from London Paddington to Plymouth takes three to four hours.
Trains from Gatwick
You can catch the train to Reading station, where you'll join the train to Plymouth. These services are approximately hourly.
Trains from Bristol
To travel by train, you'll first need to catch the Airport Flyer Express Link service which connects you to Bristol Temple Meads station, with services every ten minutes during peak times. There are direct trains running every hour during the daytime between Bristol Temple Meads and Plymouth, which take around two hours.
Trains from Exeter
To get to Plymouth from Exeter airport, you'll first need to take a taxi or bus to Exeter St Davids train station. There are direct trains running every hour during the daytime between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth, which take around one hour.

Coaches
Coaches from Heathrow and Gatwick
National Express and Flixbus services run from Heathrow and Gatwick Airports to Plymouth approximately every two hours.
Coaches from Bristol and Exeter
Stagecoach and Megabus services run from Bristol and Exeter to Plymouth. The coach journey from Bristol takes approximately three hours. The coach journey from Exeter takes approximately one hour.

See below for details on how to save up to 20% on coach travel with National Express.
 
 
 

Discounted coach travel with National Express (London Heathrow to Plymouth)

We are delighted to announce that for 2026 the University of Plymouth has partnered with National Express to offer new international students up to 20% off journeys from Heathrow Airport to Plymouth Coach Station during September, giving you complete flexibility to choose a coach to suit your flight arrival time and date.

Booking instructions
  1. Visit www.nationalexpress.com
  2. Register or sign in to 'My Account'
  3. Plan your journey and select any optional extras
  4. Enter code: UOPLYAPTINT1020 in the 'Voucher Code' box on the payment page
NOTE: Discount is only applicable on the coach fare, not the optional extras such as seat reservation, extra luggage or ‘change & go’.

Booking terms and conditions
  • Only valid for travel from Heathrow Airport to Plymouth Coach Station, Armada Way for the University of Plymouth.
  • Only valid for travel from 1 September until 30 September 2026 inclusive.
  • Receive up to 20% off your journey from Monday to Thursday and 10% off Friday to Sunday.
  • Valid for 1 person per booking.
  • Users must register or sign into 'My Account'.
  • Only valid for students arriving in the UK who will be starting a course at the University of Plymouth.
  • Must book a minimum of 2 days prior to travelling.
  • Any extras such as luggage or seat reservations are not included in the discount. If required, you will need to add these to the booking and pay for them by card on the payment screen.
  • The National Express luggage allowance is;
    - You may store luggage in the hold of the coach, free of charge, 1 large suitcase or rucksack each measuring no more than 75cm x 50cm x 32cm and weighing no more than 20 kg.
    - Subject to availability only - 2 medium suitcases may be carried each measuring no more than 70cm x 45cm x 30cm and weighing no more than 20kg, free of charge, instead of 1 large suitcase.
  • Read the full National Express terms and conditions.
  • All tickets are issued and all passengers are carried subject to National Express' General Conditions of Carriage.

Directions to Central Bus Station, London Heathrow Airport
For London Heathrow airport, all coaches depart from the central bus station which is near Terminals 2 and 3. 
If you arrive into a different Terminal you will have to make your way to the bus station either on foot or via bus/train, as shown on this Heathrow Free Travel Map (available via the Heathrow airport website). 
The Heathrow airport app has a wayfinding option and National Express have a staffed kiosk in the Central Coach Station to assist with bookings and queries (note: if you wish to use the National Express discount code, travel should be booked online at least 2 days in advance).
 
 
 

Arriving at the University of Plymouth

The University of Plymouth is located right in the heart of Plymouth city centre, just across the street from an extensive shopping district and surrounded by great culture, heritage and entertainment.
The University campus and most student accommodation is within walking distance of the coach station, or a short taxi ride away.
Further information about getting to the University of Plymouth with maps, information on travel and accessibility on campus.

Arriving at the coach station
Plymouth Coach Station is in the city centre and about a five minute walk from campus.

Arriving at the train station
Plymouth Railway Station is just five minutes’ walk from campus.

Arriving at the seaport of Plymouth
Plymouth International Port is about 30 minutes’ walk or a 10 minute drive from campus.
What to expect if you are travelling through a seaport
Plymouth has its own International Port, ideally situated for passengers sailing from France and Spain. Other ports in the UK include Dover, Folkestone and Portsmouth. Plymouth International Port is about 30 minutes’ walk or a 10 minute drive from campus.
If arriving by ferry, you still need to go through immigration, customs and port services, whether you’re in a vehicle or a foot passenger:
  • Vehicles must have windows (and any curtains) open so that the Border Force officer can see into your vehicle.
  • You will need to show your passport and travel documents when requested.
  • If you are travelling by bike or motorcycle, you must remove your helmet, including open-faced helmets.
  • If the Border Force officer can’t identify you (or any accompanying passengers), this will delay your journey.

Getting a taxi to the University or to your accommodation
If you have lots of luggage, it may be easier to get a taxi or an Uber. A taxi rank is available at each station/port entrance and should not cost more than £10. You can queue up and wait for a taxi or, alternatively, you can call a taxi company in advance or arrange an Uber. There will be private taxi companies advertised in the stations, or you can search online ‘Taxi firms in Plymouth’. Most taxis accept cash or debit/credit card.
 
 
 

Top travel tips

  • Plan ahead - visit out Preparing to travel to the UK page.
  • Book your coach or train tickets in advance as services can sell out in September.
  • Check luggage allowances for your airline or coach, and book extra luggage if needed.
  • Make sure your travel insurance is valid.
  • Avoid arriving into Plymouth in the middle of the night – instead, consider booking into a hotel when you arrive in the UK and book onward transport for the following day. 
  • If you will be under 18s at the time of travelling, you may wish to consider travelling with a family member or friend.
  • Check any restrictions on taking money out of your home country 
  • Check what items you can bring into the UK 
  • Read UK government guidance on entering the UK and information about faster border checks.
Please note:
  • You must arrange for somewhere to stay from your day of arrival in the UK and should only book travel/accommodation once you have received your CAS and visa.
  • The University is unable to provide emergency accommodation; if you arrive out of hours or are unable to access your accommodation you will be required to book a hotel or B&B. 
  • It is your responsibility to arrange key collection with your accommodation provider and keep them informed of any delays or change of arrival time on your day of travel.