Getting to South West England – Trains, Flights & Driving Guide

South West England is a peninsula located to the Southwest of the United Kingdom, bordered by the English Channel to the South, the Bristol Channel to the North, and the Atlantic Ocean to the West. It is home to Land’s End – the most westerly point of England, and the Lizard Point, which is the most southerly.

The counties include Cornwall (the most Westerly county), Devon, Somerset and Dorset. The Isles of Scilly are part of Cornwall (albeit fiercely independent) and about 28 miles (45km) West of Land’s End. Lundy is part of Devon, a small but lovely island in the Bristol Channel.

Here, we explore how to get to the South West of England and how to get around once you arrive.

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Map of South West England

The South West is closer than you might think. High-speed trains run next to the Dawlish sea wall, a sleeper train runs through the night to Cornwall, coaches run round the clock, ferries link from France and Spain, and short-haul flights fly you to Bristol, Exeter or Newquay (with long-haul international connections to these airports available via Amsterdam, Dublin and London Gatwick.

Whether you’re coming from London and the South East, the Midlands, the North or Scotland, or arriving from continental Europe and Ireland, this guide brings together the best routes, booking tactics, seasonal tips, and car-free itineraries – plus our hand-picked set of tools to compare prices, book with confidence, and keep your plans flexible.

How to choose the best route (at a glance)

• Fastest from London: Great Western Railway (GWR) from London Paddington to Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth, Penzance.
• Most romantic: The Night Riviera sleeper (Paddington ↔ Penzance).
• From London Waterloo (convenient for Dorset & East Devon): Take the South Western Railway (SWR) to Exeter via Salisbury and Honiton.
• From Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Scotland: CrossCountry Trains to Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth and onwards into Cornwall.
• The cheapest option on many dates: Long-distance coaches. Comfortable, affordable and convenient.
• From Europe without flying: Eurostar via the Channel Tunnel to London, then UK rail; or ferries to Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth.
• Flying: Bristol (BRS) is the leading international gateway; Exeter (EXT) and Newquay (NQY) are smaller airports that serve the counties of Devon and Cornwall.
• Driving: Bring your own car via the M4/M5 or A303/A30, or hire locally.

Trains: fast, scenic, relaxing

Train from London Paddington (GWR)

For most travellers, Paddington → West Country is the route of choice. High-speed trains reach Taunton in around two hours and Exeter St David’s in around two and a half hours. Trains then continue to Plymouth, over the River Tamar and into Cornwall. The end of the line is Penzance. The stretch along the River Exe and the Dawlish sea wall is one of the most scenic in the UK – featuring waves, beaches, tunnels, and red sandstone cliffs.

Branchlines connect you with smaller towns and villages:

• The Tarka Line – Exeter St Davids ↔ Barnstaple: Famous for links to Henry Williamson’s Tarka the Otter.
• The Avocet Line – Exeter St Davids ↔ Exmouth: A short but scenic ride along the River Exe estuary, ideal for birdwatching (hence the name “Avocet”).
• The Riviera Line – Exeter St Davids ↔ Torbay: Scenic stretch along the Dawlish sea wall, through Teignmouth and Torbay.
• The Dartmoor Line –Exeter St Davids ↔ Okehampton: Passes through Crediton into the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park.
• The Tamar Valley Line – Plymouth ↔ Gunnislake: Crosses the River Tamar via the impressive Calstock Viaduct, winding through wooded valleys.
• The Maritime Line – Truro ↔ Falmouth Docks: Links the cathedral city of Truro with Falmouth
• The Atlantic Coast Line – Par ↔ Newquay: Runs through mid-Cornwall via Luxulyan, Roche and St Columb Road, ending at the seaside resort of Newquay.
• The Looe Valley Line – Liskeard ↔ Looe: Hugely scenic: starts high above Liskeard, descends through wooded valleys, and then follows the estuary into Looe.
• The St Ives Bay Line – St Erth ↔ St Ives: Although only about 4 miles long, it is world-famous for its views of the beaches and turquoise waters of Carbis Bay and St Ives Bay.

The Night Riviera is one of Britain’s two remaining sleeper services and a fantastic way to start (or end) a trip. Imagine a soft-lit lounge car, a berth to yourself, and Cornwall in time for breakfast. The early arrival into Penzance dovetails with local train services, the Scillonian Ferry (seasonal) and a connecting bus to Land’s End Airport, where you can take a short flight to the magical Isles of Scilly.

Train from London Waterloo

The Waterloo → Exeter line via Salisbury, Gillingham, and Honiton is slower, but once beyond Basingstoke, it becomes wonderfully rural, making it perfect for Dorset and East Devon. Compare South West Railway (SWR) options alongside Great Western Railway (GWR) on booking sites like Omio or Trainline to see which one best suits your timing and budget. GWR is probably the best option if you are flying into London Heathrow; SWT is recommended for London Gatwick.

From the Midlands, North & Scotland (CrossCountry)

CrossCountry operates long-distance services to Taunton, Exeter, and Plymouth from Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. If you don’t fancy crossing London, this is your route.

Practicalities

• Search & book: With a multitude of train operators in the UK, booking direct can sometimes be complicated. Instead, we use Omio or Trainline. These are simple booking platforms that clearly show the best timings and prices for your route. Rome2Rio is also a great, free resource that allows you to check for alternative options and transportation methods.
• Seat reservations: We highly recommend these wherever possible.
• Advance and Off-Peak fares can offer significant savings if you’re flexible.
• Consider splitting tickets to make cost savings. Trainline often flags these. They are perfectly legal; you just need to show the right ticket for the stage of your journey. Don’t forget to apply for a Railcard if you meet the eligibility criteria.
• Consider purchasing a rover or a ranger ticket if you plan to use the train to get around during your stay.
• If you’re arriving by Eurostar, allow a generous time (at least an hour) to get from St Pancras to Paddington. If you need help planning your journey, Transport for London offers a helpful planner, which can be found here.

Coaches: big value and a big network

If speed isn’t everything, long-distance coaches can offer excellent value and convenience, especially during peak seasons or when trains are busy.

Coaches typically run to Bristol, Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth, Newquay and Truro, with direct airport connections to the South West from London Heathrow and Bristol Airports. Overnight options are possible on longer routes, effectively adding a “bonus night” to your holiday and, if you are on a budget, saving you a night’s accommodation.

• UK & Europe searches: Whether in the UK or Europe, we use Omio for checking schedules and making bookings..
• Coaches typically run to Bristol, Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth, Newquay and Truro, with airport connections through Bristol. Overnight options on longer routes, which can effectively add a “bonus night” to your holiday and, if you are on a budget, save you a night’s accommodation..

Flights: the quick hop

Short-haul flights are a sensible choice for weekenders, families with limited time, or anyone connecting from Ireland, continental Europe, or even further afield.

Airports that serve the South West

• Bristol (BRS) — the leading international hub for the region; rail link via the Airport Flyer to Bristol Temple Meads for onward rail services. Coaches from the airport to Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth and beyond.
• Exeter (EXT) — compact and convenient for East Devon/Dartmoor/West Dorset.
• Newquay (NQY) — the easiest gateway for north Cornwall and the Atlantic coast.

Practicalities

• Our favourite site is Skyscanner. Skyscanner searches all airlines (including low-cost carriers), offers multi-leg trips when cheaper, and provides a calendar showing the cheapest days to travel if you’re flexible with your dates. It then links you to your selected airline to make the actual booking. For research, try google.com/travel.
• Check packages and bundled savings on Expedia
• For a car-free trip, consider continuing by coach or rail.
• For flexibility, consider hiring a car at the airport. For the best deal, we suggest searching RentalCars, which compares multiple suppliers and insurance options.

Airlines are very strict about carry-on baggage; it is always best to select the baggage allowance you need at the time of booking. If you have to upgrade at the airport, you will be charged a premium.

Ferries: Europe to the South West without flying

If, like us, you are a fan of slow travel, ferries are an excellent option for getting to and from South West England from France, Spain and Ireland – cabins, sea air, a proper breakfast on arrival – ferries are a lovely way to start your holiday. They’re also efficient if you’re bringing your own car, bikes or surfboards.

France / Spain → South West (Brittany Ferries)

• Roscoff ⇄ Plymouth (seasonal) is the most direct sailing to Cornwall/Devon.
• St Malo ⇄ Portsmouth makes for a calm overnight crossing with cabins; dawn arrival sets you up for Dorset/Devon.
• Cherbourg ⇄ Poole is one of the shortest crossings into Dorset.
• Santander ⇄ Portsmouth is a slower (often two-night), scenic ‘mini-cruise’ from northern Spain.
• Santander ⇄ Plymouth – similar but usually one night onboard.

Le Shuttle (Eurotunnel) from Calais to Folkestone (with your car) is the fastest way to travel from northern France. From Folkestone, follow the M20 to the M25, then the M4/M5 or the A303/A30 for the scenic route to Stonehenge.

Ireland → South West

• Dublin ⇄ Holyhead (Wales) – Operated by Irish Ferries and Stena Line. Multiple daily crossings, taking around 3 hours 15 minutes, with onward road and rail connections to the South West.
• Rosslare ⇄ Fishguard or Pembroke Dock (South Wales)
• Rosslare ⇄ Fishguard – Operated by Stenna Line. A longer crossing than Dublin‑Holyhead, but closer to southwest England.
• Belfast ⇄ Liverpool – Operated by Stenna Line

We use Direct Ferries to search for sailings and book. When it comes to Brittany Ferries, we tend to book direct.

Cabins cost ££’s. If you are travelling on a budget, consider the less expensive option of booking a reclining seat. We take a sleeping bag and a travel towel for overnight ferries. Brittany Ferries offers free showers near the reserved seating lounges for passengers to freshen up.

Driving: classic routes & brilliant timing

Two main corridors feed the region:

1. M4 → M5 via Bristol — the fastest route for Somerset, North Devon, and much of Cornwall.
2. A303 → A30 — the scenic spine past Stonehenge, folding into a fast dual carriageway across Cornwall.

When to drive

• Changeover days (Fridays and Saturdays in July and August, as well as around Easter) are notoriously busy. We suggest travelling mid-week, very early, or after dinner.
• Keep a live eye on traffic and incidents: Traffic England is a free site showing live traffic, which is worth checking ahead of any long journey. Have a Plan B. Sometimes it pays to switch from the M5 to the A303 or vice versa. The A30 or A35 are other possible routes to the South West, but are usually slower.
• No car? No problem. You can land in Bristol/Exeter/Newquay, and use buses, coaches and trains to get about. For the occasional day when a car is needed, book a hire car.

In the summer, public transport in the South West is quite good. With planning and some flexibility, it is relatively easy to go car-free to visit the major sights. Services are reduced to match demand during the winter months. Local bus links are provided at the end of this article.

Where to stay (and how to book cleverly)

There is no shortage of places to stay. The South West excels at boutique B&Bs, harbourside apartments, family-run pubs, and sea-view cottages – plus big-name hotels in some of the larger cities and towns.

• Hotels, apartments, and holiday cottages: Our favourite booking site is Booking.com; we use it frequently. Whilst less obvious, Skyscanner is also a good option.
• Hostels: We have recently discovered Hostelworld.com, which is excellent for finding dorms in Newquay, St Ives, Exeter, and beyond. If you’ve never tried hostel life, give it a go. It’s great for solo travellers, as you meet many people and make new friends. Notably, the HostelWorld site offers features to assist with this.
• Trip planning: Use TripAdvisor to shortlist areas and read recent traveller posts.

During high season, the “changeover day” (usually Friday or Saturday) reduces availability and increases prices. Arriving mid-week often means better rates and quieter roads.

Activities & days out (book ahead for the best)

Whether it’s a Jurassic Coast cruise, a surf lesson in Newquay or Croyde, a boat trip to seal colonies, or timed entry to headline attractions, it really does pay to pre-book the big ones, and within our guide, we will do our best to provide links to help you do that.

• Tourist Information and Visitor Centres: They possess a wealth of local knowledge and can connect you with local tour guides.
• Bespoke Tours: For something a little more tailored, consider Viator, an online marketplace offering a multitude of tours, activities, and attractions. It features everything from guided city walks and cultural experiences to adventure excursions, with no shortage of providers in South West England.
• Crowd-pleasers: Eden Project, Tintagel Castle, Isles of Scilly Day Trips, Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door, Exmoor night-sky tours, Lundy Island day trips. Book early during the school holidays.

Seasonal travel: when to go (and how to dodge crowds)

• Spring (March–May): Blossom, lambs, lengthening days. Trains and roads are civilised, prices friendlier.
• Summer (June–August): Long days, festival energy, warm seas from late July. It’s glorious and busy. Book trains, accommodation and headline attractions early.
• Early autumn (September–October): Often the sweet spot, with warm seas lingering, sunsets sharpening, and crowds thinning.
• Winter (Nov–Feb): Quiet lanes, storm-watching, Christmas markets, and dramatic days along the coast – many attractions reduce their hours, so it pays to plan.

You can read our article on ‘When to Visit South West England (and the Weather to Expect)’ here.

Booking tools that we use (save time, save money)

• Trains: Trainline.com (split tickets, seat maps, mobile tickets).
• Flights: Skyscanner (find the cheapest month), Expedia (bundle with a hotel).
• Buses, Coaches (and Trains): Omio.com
• Accommodation: Booking.com, Expedia, and budget stays on Hostelworld.com.
• Car hire: Rentalcars.
• Tours & tickets: Viator, Klook, Expedia.com & Tripadvisor
• Research & reviews: Tripadvisor.

Sustainable choices

• Rail first: It’s the lowest-carbon long-distance mode for most UK routes, and the views are a reward in their own right.
• Car-free once there: Base in a rail-linked town (St Ives, Falmouth, Exmouth, Barnstaple, Totnes) and use buses/ferries for day trips.
• Electric hire cars: Compare EVs on DiscoverCars/Rentalcars. Many larger hotels now offer destination charging; check the amenity filters on Booking.com or Expedia for availability.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the quickest London → Cornwall route?
Usually high-speed GWR from Paddington. The train takes about 5 hours and 45minutes if you are going to the end of the line, Penzance. For a memorable start to your visit, take the Night Riviera.

How long does it take to drive?
Driving times vary dramatically, and we won’t lie. Traffic during the season, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays, can be a nightmare, with queues likely on the main roads. But in ideal conditions, you can travel from:

• London to Exeter in about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Manchester to Exeter in about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Birmingham to Exeter in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Exeter to Penzance in about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Exeter to Plymouth in about an hour.

Is it worth hiring a car?
If you want freedom to chase beaches and moorland pubs, yes. If you’re coast-path focused, consider going car-free and using local buses/ferries.

What about last-minute accommodation in peak season?
Check Booking.com, Expedia and for the budget-conscious, Hostelworld, which often have private rooms at short notice. Tourist Information Centres are great for knowing who has local availability – they sometimes charge a small booking fee.

How can I keep costs down?
Travel mid-week, book trains early, consider coaches for longer hauls, and look for free-cancellation rooms you can release if prices drop or plans change. Self-catering, glamping and camping are also possibilities.

Can I book everything in one place?
Only if you use a travel agent or one of the specialist tour operators, and there are advantages to having a single point of contact in case things go wrong (such as flight delays, etc.). But it is simple, straightforward and fun to travel independently in South West England, and we are here to help you if that’s what you would like to do!

Useful official links

• For Cornwall: Visit Transport for Cornwall for live travel tools.
• Across the Southwest: Check Stagecoach South West for regional routes.
• Devon-specific routes: Explore Dartline’s website.
• Dorset & Somerset: Browse South West Coaches and Berrys Coaches for route specifics.
• National Rail live journey planner: nationalrail.co.uk
• GWR timetables and Night Riviera details: gwr.com
• South Western Railway (Waterloo → Exeter): southwesternrailway.com
• CrossCountry route info: crosscountrytrains.co.uk
• Transport for London (journey planner): TFL
• South West Coast Path travel planning: southwestcoastpath.org.uk
• Traffic England live map: trafficengland.com

Final thought

However you arrive, the luxury sleeper train from Paddington, the sea-wall-skimming high-speed train from London, a Channel ferry, a relaxed coach, or a short flight, the South West rewards the journey with harbourside towns, stunning beaches, granite tors, and wild headlands.

Pick the route that suits your time and budget, book the long legs smartly, secure a comfortable base that fits your budget, and cherry-pick a few special days out. The rest is simple: salt on the air, cream on the scone (order it how you like), and the sense that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

Over to you … have you recently travelled to South West England? What worked for you? What advice would you give to others? Please leave your comments below or join in the discussion in our Facebook Group.

New to South West England or returning after a while? Start with our ‘Travel Basics’ – quick guides packed with tips to help you plan your trip.

• South West England Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit
• Getting to South West England
• Best Places to Stay
• Best Places to Eat & Drink
• What’s On
• Things to Do in South West England
• Travel Essentials