Travelling to the UK to study

Find useful information to help you plan your arrival in Plymouth
Travelling to the UK to study

It is very important to plan your arrival in the UK.

You should arrange your accommodation and travel as early as you can to ensure your trip to Plymouth goes smoothly.

You will also need to bring the right things (such as important documents) and make sure you understand what will happen when you get here.

Preparing to travel to the UK for study


COVID-19 travel advice

Before you leave for the UK you’ll need to:

  • Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test
  • Complete a passenger locator form
  • Check whether you need to quarantine when you arrive in the UK

UK government advice for entering the UK


The rules for people arriving in England from another country continue to change. Please continue to check the latest UK government advice regularly.


UK airports

Most international flights will arrive at London's main international airports, Heathrow or Gatwick.

Bristol and Exeter are alternative airports that are closer to Plymouth (flight availability to these airports may be limited).


Travelling to Plymouth

You can travel to Plymouth from most UK airports by coach or train. The coach and train stations in Plymouth are very close to campus and the city centre but it is advisable to get a taxi if you have a lot of luggage.

Travelling to Plymouth by coach

Coaches from Heathrow
(£20 per student)

We have organised a Heathrow coach pick-up service that will collect students from Terminal 2 (please allow enough time to get to the collection point on time).

Collection times:

  • Thursday 2 September 2021: 10:00 or 12:00 (BST)
    Booking deadline is Thursday 26 August 2021, 12:00 (BST)
  • Friday 3 September 2021: 10:00 or 12:00 (BST)
    Booking deadline is Friday 27 August 2021, 12:00 (BST)
  • Monday 13 September 2021: 10:00 or 12:00 (BST)
    Booking deadline is Monday 6 September 2021, 12:00 (BST)

Book your place on one of these coaches


Coaches from Heathrow and Gatwick

There are two coach companies (National Express and Megabus) running from Heathrow and Gatwick airports to Plymouth approximately every two hours. The journey by coach is longer than the train but it costs less money.


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.

Travelling to Plymouth by train

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.


Find train timetables and ticket prices

Arriving in Plymouth

If you are moving into University-managed halls, you will receive emails from our accommodation team with details of your room, when to arrive, and how to get your keys.

If you are moving into private accommodation, please check with the accommodation provider for their arrival arrangements.

10 important things to do after you arrive in the UK to study

COVID-19 support for students living in Plymouth

If you you are a student who has recently arrived in the UK from another country, find practical COVID-19 guidance to help you settle into university life.

COVID-19 vaccination and self-isolation support