Festive travel deals for Plymouth shoppers this Christmas

4th November 2025

People visiting Plymouth city centre this Christmas are being offered two fantastic festive travel deals.

Shoppers will be able to catch the bus between the Coypool park and ride and Plymouth city centre for free every Thursday evening and Sunday in the run-up to the big day.

There will be free travel on the Service 200 every Thursday evening and Sunday from the Christmas lights switch-on on Thursday 13 November until Sunday 21 December.

• On Thursday evenings the offer will apply from the 3.55pm departure from Coypool until the 8.35pm departure from the city centre (Union Street 1)

• On Sundays there will be free travel all day between the 9am departure from Coypool and the 5pm departure from the city centre (Union Street 1)

The Service 200 is operated on behalf of the Council by Stagecoach South West and the free Christmas travel is being funded by the Department for Transport’s Bus Grant for 2025/2026.

Alternatively, late-night shoppers can park at the Western Approach car park for just £1 from 3pm every Thursday from 13 November to 18 December. (Normal charges will apply at all other times.)

It’s hoped that both offers will encourage more people into the city centre, where they can stock up on those Christmas goodies and join in the fun and entertainment at this year's all new Christmas Market, which runs from 27 November until 21 December.

Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “We are delighted to be able to provide free travel on the Coypool route in the run-up to Christmas and we hope it encourages more people to give park and ride a go when heading in to buy gifts, pick up some tasty treats or enjoy the festive entertainment.

“This is currently the only tendered park and ride bus service in Plymouth and it relies on financial support from the Council. It doesn’t normally run on a Sunday and finishes at around 7pm during the week.

“By providing these free Thursday evening and Sunday services for Christmas we hope to show people what a convenient option park and ride can be and perhaps increase passenger numbers in the longer term, especially as the Coypool site has capacity for more people to travel this way.

“This will help us in assessing what potential demand there might be and in considering future improvements, in line with the city’s Bus Service Improvement Plan. It could also help us reduce the number of cars heading in and out of the city centre over this very busy period.

“For those who do choose to travel into the centre by car, we hope the discounted rate at Western Approach car park offers another affordable option on late night shopping Thursdays and helps to boost Christmas trade for city centre businesses.”

Peter Knight, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said: “We are proud to work in partnership with Plymouth City Council to offer free travel on Service 200 on selected dates leading up to Christmas. This initiative makes it easier for the community to visit the city centre, support local shops and leisure venues and enjoy a festive season that is more accessible, convenient and sustainable for everyone.”

To view the full timetable for the free Christmas park and ride services see the Coypool park and ride page.

Just as a reminder, bus stops along the eastbound (shops) side of Royal Parade have been temporarily moved to Derry’s Cross Roundabout, Mayflower Street, Exeter Street and Charles Street while work is carried out on the Royal Parade improvement scheme. Full details of the current stop locations, along with a map, can be found at Plymouth City Council's Royal Parade travel information page.