We've put together some useful information to help you plan your journey. Whether you are going from the airport, finding your way around, or getting to work in Plymouth.
Travelling to Plymouth from the airport
You can arrive in Plymouth by coach or train from an international airport (London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Bristol or Exeter).
Coach or Train
When deciding how to travel to Plymouth, it is important to consider how much luggage you intend to bring with you.
Coach
- The coach is slower but less expensive and has under vehicle luggage storage. Always check with your travel provider what their policy is on luggage. If you plan to travel by coach it is a good idea to book your ticket before you leave your home country. You can purchase tickets from the National Express coach service and Megabus coach service.
Trains
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Trains are more frequent but more expensive and typically have less luggage space available. You can book trains via the National Rail website.
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If you are planning to return to London within four weeks consider buying a return ticket - this is valid for 28 days and is much cheaper than two single tickets.
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It is also possible to purchase a Britrail train pass for use on the UK rail network in your home country before you arrive in the UK. A Britrail Pass allows you to plan and budget for travel within the UK prior to your departure. It is ONLY available to non-UK residents and must be purchased outside the UK. Find out about BritRail Passes
Getting to Plymouth from London Heathrow Airport
There are two routes to Plymouth:
Train
Take the Rail-Air link coach which leaves from each terminal and goes directly to Reading railway station . Change at Reading for a direct train to Plymouth.
Or
Take the Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth underground line into Paddington station in Central London, where you can then change for the train to Plymouth. The Heathrow Express is faster but more expensive than the RailAir link.
For all train timetables in Britain visit National Rail.
From the railway station in Plymouth you can take a taxi to your destination.
Coach
There are direct coaches, normally every 2 hours, from the central bus station at Heathrow Airport. You can either buy your ticket at the office in the bus station or in advance on the National Express coach service website.
From the bus station in Plymouth, you can take a taxi to your destination.
Getting to Plymouth from London Gatwick Airport
Train
The best way is to take a train from Gatwick Airport to Reading where you can change and take the train to Plymouth. You can buy a train ticket to Plymouth in the Arrivals Hall. Alternatively, you can purchase your train tickets in advance from National Rail.
Coach
You must take a coach to London Heathrow Airport (these run at half-hourly intervals) and change there for the coach to Plymouth. There are direct coaches, normally every two hours, from the central bus station at Heathrow Airport. You can buy your coach tickets from the National Express coach service website
Other Airports
Stansted Airport
Your flight may also arrive at Stansted Airport (30 miles north of London). From Stansted you will need to travel by train or coach to Central London then continue your journey by train from Paddington Station or coach from Victoria Coach Station. For details of onward travel visit Stansted Express.
Bristol Airport
Your flight may also arrive at Bristol Airport (110 miles north-east of Plymouth). From Bristol Airport you can take a bus to the Bristol Temple Meads railway station in the city centre, then travel by train to Plymouth, or get the Falcon coach, which will take you straight to Plymouth. For travel details visit Bristol Airport.
Exeter Airport
From Exeter Airport you can take a bus or taxi to Exeter St. David's railway station in the city centre, then travel by train to Plymouth. For travel details visit Exeter Airport.
Getting around Plymouth
Transportation around Plymouth City is available as follows:
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Waterlinks
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Park & Ride
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Bus Services
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Bike Hire and cycle routes
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By Train
For more information about Getting Around Plymouth at Visit Plymouth
Driving
If you have a non-UK driving licence then you might be able to drive legally in the UK with this for 12 months. Find out about Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence.
After this point, depending on where your licence is from, you will either need to register for an UK provisional driving licence and pass a UK driving test or exchange your licence.
Getting to Work (Derriford Hospital)
Find options for getting to work at Derriford Hospital
Driving to Derriford Hospital:
Parking is only available for staff who hold a valid permit. The application system is (at the time of publishing) closed as the site is over-capacity. For staff members with exceptional circumstances, please email plh-tr.siteservicesuhp@nhs.net
Disabled parking is free. Blue badge parking can be found mainly in car park F, although there are also some spaces in car parks A, C and D- the blue badge must be taken to the parking desk to be added to our staff list.
For staff who work nights, parking will be free on site from 7pm to 8am. During the day, there is a daily rate of £2.50.
There is motorcycle parking located at several places around the site. Parking for motorcycles is free and you don't require a permit, but you do have to register your motorbike with the parking desk, to ensure that if there's a problem your contact details are known.
View the Derriford Hospital site map for parking
Park and Ride:
There is a public park and ride site located north of Derriford Hospital at the George Junction (opposite the George Pub/Hotel). Staff can park their cars at the George Park and Ride for free and either walk to Derriford Hospital or catch the bus. Find out more about George park and ride
If you live close by and are fit, we would encourage you to walk to Derriford Hospital.
Car Share:
Did you know a typical commuter can save around £900 a year carsharing? As a Trust we encourage car sharing as this is a more sustainable mode of travel. You can find other people who you can travel with, to and from work via the following sites:
Buses:
There are two main bus providers in the City: Stagecoach and Plymouth City Bus. Both provide services directly to the bus shelters at the front of the hospital's main entrance.
Plymouth CityBus
Plymouth CityBus offers a 15% discount on its services if you sign up to the app with a valid NHS email address. Once you have signed up to the app, enter the code NHS15 at the checkout. You must pay for your tickets in advance to get this offer.
Stagecoach
Stagecoach is currently offering up to 15% discount on some tickets to UHP staff with a valid NHS email address. You will need to download their app on your phone and buy the tickets through it. Go to Stagecoach Plymouth bus services
How to get the Stagecoach discount:
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Click on the Get the Stagecoach Bus App button.
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Download their app and open it.
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On the following screen, click on Continue with Corporate Travel.
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Create an account using your work email address. You will need to verify your email address.
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Choose your discounted tickets. Check it covers the area you need.
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Pay and activate your ticket.
Cycling, walking and running
Cycling, walking and running are the cheapest, most hassle-free, healthy and environmentally friendly modes of travel. We have many changing rooms with showers available for staff use. Many wards also have their own changing rooms and showers which can be used by staff working on those wards. There are several secured bicycle shelters at various locations on-site, as well as open shelters and Sheffield stands. If you require access to one of the secure bicycle shelters, please go to the parking desk on level 6 (next to the main entrance).
Sites at University Hospitals Plymouth
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust provides services at the following sites:
We also run an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) and Minor Injuries Units (MIU). These are alternatives to attending the Emergency Department when an injury is not considered life-threatening, but still requires urgent treatment, at the following locations:
