How to Get to South West England: Best Routes by Train, Car, Plane & Ferry

The best ways to get to South West England by train, car, plane or ferry, with routes, travel times and practical tips.

How to Get to South West England

Planning how to get to South West England? Whether you are travelling to Devon, Cornwall, Somerset or Dorset, this guide compares the fastest, cheapest and most practical routes by train, car, coach, plane and ferry.

From high-speed trains from London to scenic coastal railways, overnight sleeper services to Cornwall, ferry routes from France and Spain, and road trips via the M5 or A303, there are several straightforward ways to reach the region depending on your starting point and budget.

If you are travelling from London or the South East, rail is often the quickest option, with direct services to Exeter, Plymouth and beyond. From the Midlands, the North or Scotland, cross-country routes avoid the need to change in London. Coaches offer lower-cost travel, while driving gives the most flexibility. Flights into Bristol, Exeter or Newquay can save time on longer journeys.

Once in the region, a network of railway branch lines, buses and ferries links coastal towns, cities and countryside, making it entirely possible to explore South West England without a car.

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What is the best way to get to South West England?

The best way to get to South West England depends on where you are travelling from. From London, fast direct trains to Exeter and Plymouth are usually the quickest option. From the Midlands and North, cross-country rail services work well, while driving via the M5 or A303 offers flexibility. Flights into Bristol, Exeter or Newquay are useful for shorter trips or international connections.

• From London: Fast direct trains from London Paddington to Exeter, Plymouth and Cornwall
• From the Midlands and North: Direct CrossCountry trains to Exeter and Plymouth
• Cheapest option: Long-distance coaches to major towns and cities
• From Europe: Ferries to Portsmouth, Poole or Plymouth, then onward travel
• By air: Fly into Bristol, Exeter or Newquay for quick access

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Best way to get to Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset

Getting to Devon

Exeter is the main gateway to Devon, with direct trains from London Paddington and cross-country services from across the UK. Exeter Airport offers domestic and European flights. By road, Devon is reached via the M5 to Exeter or the A303 and A30 for a more direct and often more scenic route into the county, particularly from London and the South East.

Getting to Cornwall

Cornwall is best reached by train to Plymouth or Penzance, with direct services from London Paddington. By road, follow the M5 to Exeter, then continue on the A30 into Cornwall. The Night Riviera sleeper train from London to Penzance is a popular and memorable option.

Getting to Somerset

Taunton is the main rail hub, with fast connections from London and the Midlands. The M5 runs directly through Somerset, making it one of the easiest counties to reach by car, with straightforward access to places such as Bridgwater, Taunton and the wider countryside.

Getting to Dorset

Dorset is best accessed by train from London Waterloo to Weymouth or Dorchester. By road, the A303 provides a useful route from London to the edge of the South West, while the A31 and A35 give direct access into Dorset’s towns, coast and countryside.

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Disclosure: Some of the outbound links on this page are affiliate links to sites that we use and would genuinely recommend. Using them doesn’t cost you extra, but it does help support this free guide. We also provide links to other sites that we believe may be helpful to you.

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How to choose the best way to get to South West England

• Fastest from London: Great Western Railway (GWR) from London Paddington to Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth, Penzance
• Most scenic: The Night Riviera sleeper (Paddington ↔ Penzance)
• From London Waterloo (best for Dorset and East Devon): South Western Railway (SWR) via Salisbury and Honiton
• From the Midlands, North and Scotland: CrossCountry trains to Taunton, Exeter and Plymouth
• Cheapest option: Long-distance coaches
• From Europe without flying: Eurostar to London or ferries to Portsmouth, Poole or Plymouth
• By air: Bristol, Exeter or Newquay airports
• Driving: M4/M5 for speed or A303/A30 for a more scenic route

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Train to South West England from London and the UK

Travelling by train is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach South West England, with direct services from London, the Midlands, the North and Scotland to Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance.

• London to Exeter: around 2 hours 30 minutes
• London to Plymouth: around 3 hours
• London to Penzance: around 5 hours 30 minutes
• Birmingham to Exeter: around 2 hours 30 minutes

London to South West England by Train (GWR)

For most travellers, London Paddington → West Country is the route of choice. High-speed trains reach Taunton in around two hours and Exeter St Davids 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 sleeper (Paddington ↔ Penzance)

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 Western Railway (SWR) options alongside Great Western Railway (GWR) on booking sites like Omio to see which one best suits your timing and budget. GWR is usually the best option if you are flying into London Heathrow, while South Western Railway can work well from 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 numerous train operators in the UK, booking directly can 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 lets you check 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 reduce costs. Omio and Trainline often flag 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 across London, Transport for London offers a helpful planner.

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Coach Travel to South West England: Cheapest Routes and Tips

If speed isn’t essential, long-distance coaches are one of the best-value ways to reach South West England, with direct services to Bristol, Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth, Newquay and Truro, including connections from London Heathrow and Bristol Airport.

Overnight coaches are available on longer routes, giving you an extra night’s travel while potentially saving on accommodation costs – ideal for budget travellers.

Practicalities

For quick UK and Europe-wide searches, Omio is our go-to tool for checking timetables, comparing operators and booking tickets. Coach services to the South West are frequent and reliable, with additional capacity during peak periods.

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Flights to South West England: Airports, Routes and Tips

Short-haul flights are a practical option for shorter trips or international connections.

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.

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Practical Flight Tips for Travelling to South West England

• 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 sends you to the airline or provider to complete the 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.

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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 England (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 route 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 England

• 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 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.

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Driving to South West England: Best Routes and Travel Tips

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 an eye on live traffic and incidents: Traffic England is a free site that shows real-time traffic and is worth checking ahead of any long journey. Have a Plan B. Sometimes it pays to switch between the M5 and 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 at Bristol, Exeter, or Newquay and use buses, coaches, and trains to get around. For the occasional day when a car is needed, book a hire car.

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Where to Stay in South West England (and How to Book Smartly)

The South West offers a wide range of places to stay, from boutique B&Bs and harbourside apartments to family-run pubs, cottages and hotels.

• Hotels, apartments, and holiday cottages: Our favourite booking site is Booking.com; we use it frequently. Look for options that allow free cancellation if you prefer to keep your plans flexible. 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.

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Best Activities and Days Out in South West England (What to Book in Advance)

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 have extensive local knowledge and can connect you with local tour guides.
• Bespoke Tours: For a more tailored experience, consider Viator or GetYourGuide, online marketplaces offering a wide range 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.

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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.

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Sustainable choices & Car Free Travel

• Rail is the lowest-carbon long-distance option for most UK journeys and offers some of the best views in the region.
• 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.

Car-free travel works surprisingly well in South West England, especially if you enjoy a slower, more scenic way of getting around. We particularly like using the trains and the region’s railway branch lines, which link coastal towns, market towns and rural landscapes in a relaxed and enjoyable way. When you combine these rail routes with local buses, you can reach a good proportion of the region without needing a car at all. It does take a little planning, especially in winter when services are less frequent, but for many trips, the combination of trains, buses, and ferries offers a stress-free, sustainable, and rewarding way to explore.

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Official Travel Tools and Journey Planners (Non-affiliate)

For practical planning, a range of official travel resources can help you navigate the region with confidence. Traveline SW is perhaps the best free-to-use tool. It provides live travel tools for routes across the South West, while Stagecoach South West, Dartline, South West Coaches and Berrys Coaches cover the wider bus and coach network across Devon, Dorset and Somerset.

For rail travellers, the National Rail journey planner is invaluable, alongside timetable and route information from GWR, South Western Railway and CrossCountry. If you are travelling via London, Transport for London offers a reliable journey planner.

Drivers may find Traffic England helpful for checking live road conditions before setting off.

You may also find our in-depth guides on when to visit South West England, the best places to stay, and the best places to eat and drink useful – links to these and more are provided at the foot of this page.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Getting to South West England

How do I get to South West England from London?

The fastest route is by Great Western Railway (GWR) from London Paddington to Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth or Penzance. Trains to Exeter take around 2 hrs 30 mins. You can also travel from London Waterloo to Exeter via South Western Railway (SWR), which is slower but ideal for Dorset and East Devon. Coaches run from Victoria Coach Station, and flights are possible to Bristol, Exeter or Newquay.

How do I get to South West England from Birmingham?

CrossCountry operates direct trains from Birmingham to Taunton, Exeter and Plymouth, continuing through to Cornwall. Journey times are usually between 2 hrs 20 mins and 3 hrs 30 mins depending on destination. Coaches also run from Birmingham to Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth and Cornwall.

How far is South West England from Heathrow Airport?

Heathrow to Exeter is around 120 miles (193 km). By car, the journey normally takes 2 hrs 30 mins to 3 hrs, depending on traffic. Heathrow has direct coach services to Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth and Cornwall. Travelling by rail requires the Elizabeth Line or Heathrow Express into London, followed by GWR from Paddington.

What is the quickest London to Cornwall route?

The fastest route is GWR high-speed services from London Paddington. Reaching Penzance takes around 5 hrs 30–45 mins. For a memorable experience, the Night Riviera sleeper travels overnight between Paddington and Penzance.

How long does it take to drive to South West England?

Driving times vary with traffic and the season. In good conditions: London → Exeter: ~3 hrs 30 mins Birmingham → Exeter: ~2 hrs 30 mins Manchester → Exeter: ~3 hrs 30 mins Exeter → Penzance: ~3 hrs 30 mins Exeter → Plymouth: ~1 hr Expect slowdowns on Fridays and Saturdays in July and August, and around Easter.

Is it worth hiring a car in South West England?

Hiring a car offers maximum flexibility for beaches, moorland pubs and rural villages. However, car-free travel works very well if you base yourself near a rail line and use buses and ferries. Popular car-free bases include St Ives, Falmouth, Exmouth, Totnes and Barnstaple.

Can I explore South West England without a car?

Yes. The region’s branch-line railways and local bus networks make car-free travel enjoyable with a little planning. Scenic lines such as the Tarka Line, Avocet Line, Riviera Line and St Ives Bay Line offer excellent access to coast and countryside.

What are the main airports serving South West England?

The region is served by Bristol Airport (BRS), Exeter Airport (EXT) and Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY). Bristol is the largest and best for international connections; Exeter and Newquay are ideal for regional access.

What ferries operate to South West England?

Ferries run from France and Spain into Plymouth, Poole and Portsmouth (with onward road/rail links). Key routes include Roscoff–Plymouth, St Malo–Portsmouth, Santander–Portsmouth and Santander–Plymouth. From Ireland, sailings operate from Dublin and Rosslare via Welsh ports.

What is the best month to travel to avoid crowds?

May, June, early July, September and October offer the best combination of good weather, lighter traffic and lower prices. Avoid Fridays and Saturdays during school holidays if possible.

How do I keep travel costs down?

Book trains early, compare coach alternatives, travel mid-week, and choose accommodation with free cancellation so you can rebook if prices drop. Self-catering, hostels and mid-week stays often reduce costs significantly.

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Helpful Links

• Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
• Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
• Expedia – good for flights and packages.
• Get Your Guide – find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
• Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpack connections.
• MetOffice – Weather forecasts from the UK official meteorological office.
• National Express – UK-based coach operator providing long-distance bus services
• Omio – Book travel tickets by comparing trains, buses and planes in one search.
• Rental Cars – to search out and book hire cars.
• Rome2Rio – Great for comparing local transport options (and for locating bus stops).
• Ticketmaster – What’s On – Major Events – Venues – Bookings
• Trainline.com – our go-to online platform for booking train and bus tickets, offering route planning, price comparisons, seat reservations, and ticket sales.
• Traffic England – for live traffic updates on major roads.
• Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
• TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
• Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.

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Final thought

However you arrive, the South West rewards the journey with harbourside towns, beaches, granite tors and wide coastal landscapes.

Choose the route that fits your time and budget, book the long-distance legs early, secure a base that suits your plans, and leave room for a few memorable days out once you arrive.

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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.