rail journeys to cornwall

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23 Inspiring Rail Journeys & Days Out by Train in Cornwall

By Chris P King

Getting to Cornwall from London on the Night Riviera train is a classic journey that shouldn’t be missed, and all the more special as it’s the last sleeper journey within England. Taking the trip in the daytime is also highly recommended as you can enjoy the changing scenery as the train winds its way from London, through the West Country, and into Cornwall.

We’ve brought together 23 stories, photos, guides and videos to inspire you to explore to Cornwall by train. Throughout you’ll also find some money-saving tips so you can make sure you get the best value on your day out.

Cornwall By Train: 23 Inspiring Journeys & Days Out By Rail – Quick Links

Night riviera – london paddington to cornwall sleeper train.

• Scenic Rail Journeys in Cornwall – St Ives Bay Line, Looe Valley Line, Maritime Line and Atlantic Coast Line
• Cornish Riviera Express – London Paddington to Cornwall

More Ways to Save Money on Trains in Cornwall

The Night Riviera Sleeper Train to Cornwall getting ready to leave from Paddington one of London’s grandest railway stations – © The Train Hacker images/Chris P King

The most romantic way of getting to Cornwall from London is on the Night Riviera sleeper train. Setting off from Paddington – one of London’s grandest railway stations – and waking up in Cornwall is, without doubt, one of the most exceptional travel experiences in Britain.

You can book a trip on the Night Riviera with both GWR  and The Train Line .

British style breakfast of bacon sarnie with HP sauce, Scottish shortbread and a pot of tea or coffee – © The Train Hacker images/Chris P King

Night Riviera sleeper train – London to Penzance, Cornwall

For starters check out our London to Cornwall sleeper train photoblog – it’ll whet the appetite for this classic journey that really shouldn’t be missed.

In October 2012 I took the sleeper train to Cornwall. I was looking forward to the journey but wasn’t expecting quite the experience I enjoyed. From the First Class lounge at London Paddington to disembarking in Truro (Cornwall), it was an absolute joy.

I’ll never forget how friendly and generous the staff were, who fascinated me with their stories of life working on Britain’s sleeper trains. There was also a real sense of camaraderie among the passengers, embarking one of Britain’s last real rail adventures.

Wake up to the vibrant colours and lush landscape of Cornwall as depicted in this photo taken from the Night Riviera Sleeper Train – Image credit: Mike Fleming

The night train to Cornwall, the most romantic way to visit

This video from Visit Cornwall does a great job of conjuring up the experience and in particular the romance of sharing the Night Riviera sleeper service with someone you love. And of course, if you are travelling the Night Riviera with your partner, the bonus – along with the memories – is that you’ll get 1/3 OFF the journey with a Two Together Railcard .

Night riders: aboard the Paddington-Penzance sleeper train

Get a different take on the journey by finding out what it’s like for people commuting to London from Cornwall on the sleeper train.

…those who can afford a berth are prone to fall in love with the service the moment they step on board, and the numbers of people using it are going up at a rate of around 10% a year: nearly 30,000 people used the train last year. – ‘Night riders: aboard the Paddington-Penzance sleeper train’ – Emily Barr

The article is written by Emily Barr, the author of ‘The Sleeper’ a fictional thriller which itself is set on and inspired by the sleeper train.

For interesting facts, anecdotes and stories from commuters we recommend ‘Night riders: aboard the Paddington-Penzance sleeper train’ . It’s a great read, and if you’re not already sold on the idea of this journey, you will be after dipping into some of its fascinating stories.

Early morning scene at Truro (Cornwall) railway station after disembarking the Night Riviera Sleeper train – © The Train Hacker images/Chris P King

London to Cornwall Sleeper Train – The Man in Seat 61

As anyone scouring the internet for rail information is sure to have noticed, The Man in Seat 61 has plenty of expert advice for train travellers in the UK and further afield. His excellent guide to the London to Cornwall sleeper train contains all the information you need and a lot more.

For the journey itself, there’s detailed information on timetables, fares, how to buy tickets, what it’s like, children, luggage, bikes, pets, showers, toilets, the station lounge at London Paddington, wheelchair access and the sleeper cabins themselves. And even details about power sockets if you’re worried about keeping your devices charged up.

There’s also information on onward journeys to the Eden Project, Lands End and the Scilly Isles, plus recommended hotels in Cornwall.

The Man in Seat 61 guide to the London to Cornwall sleeper train is an excellent resource which admirably covers all the bases and some you hadn’t even thought about.

Scenic Rail Journeys in Cornwall – St Ives Bay, Looe Valley, Maritime and Atlantic Coast Lines

Travelling the branch lines of Cornwall is full of contrasts. From Truro, Cornwall’s ancient capital, you can head out to explore the county’s classic seaside resorts, picturesque villages, maritime heritage and renowned coastal stretches.

The Looe Valley Line – Liskeard to Looe

The maritime line – truro to falmouth docks, the atlantic coast line – par to newquay, the st ives bay line – st erth to st ives.

Train approaching Terras Crossing on the Looe Valley Line which is renowned for its natural beauty – Image credit: Robert Pittman

Starting in a heavily wooded valley, the line soon opens out as the river nears the sea. The last two miles between Sandplace and Looe are stunning. – Great Scenic Railways Devon & Cornwall

Nature lovers and walkers will be in their element as they journey from Liskeard to Looe on the Looe Valley Line .

Starting in the handsome market town of Liskeard, the Looe Valley Line takes you on a  meandering route to Causeland. From here you can disembark for a while to make the short walk to Duloe, a quaint village famous for its ancient stone circle. After some refreshments at a local pub, step back aboard to make your way to the picturesque seaside town of Looe.

Anytime and Off-Peak Day Return tickets between Liskeard and Looe allow a break of the journey on both the outward and return leg so you can stop at one place along the way.

If you want complete flexibility to roam when and where you like, a Looe Valley Line Day Ranger is a great value option which allows railcard discounts too.

Falmouth on The Maritime Line has something for everyone from maritime heritage to exhilarating watersports – Image credit: Tim Green

Fancy exploring winding back streets lined with quirky independent shops or maybe discovering some of Cornwall’s maritime heritage? Or, if you fancy an adrenaline rush, what about some all-action watersports like sailing, kayaking, windsurfing or snorkelling?

You’ll have all these options exploring the Maritime Line linking Truro – Cornwall’s capital city – to Falmouth , the historic and scenic harbour town.

Anytime and Off-Peak Day Return tickets between Truro and Falmouth docks allow one break of the journey so you can stop off and explore the medieval port town of Penryn along the way.

A Maritime Line Ranger gives you complete flexibility to jump on and off as many times as you want. Great value and allows railcard discounts too.

Fistral Bay in Newquay popular with surfers and sunbathers can be reached from the Atlantic Coast Line which links Par to Newquay – © The Train Hacker images/Chris P King

Cornwall is famous for its sandy beaches and crashing Atlantic breakers. Nowhere epitomises this spirit more than Newquay. The Atlantic Coast Line between Par and Newquay has plenty of countrysides, real pubs and walking trails in between.

Newquay has plenty more to offer than sea and surf though and hosts several festivals and music and cultural events in the summer. It’s a popular spot for young people, so don’t forget you can get discounted rail travel with a 16-25 Railcard .

Anytime and Off-Peak Day Return tickets between Par and Newquay allow one break in your journey so giving you plenty of time to explore and find out about the mining heritage at Luxulyan.

If you want the added freedom to explore all seven stops along the line, grab a great value Atlantic Coast Line Ranger which allows railcard discounts too.

St Ives Viaduct hugging the coastline on the short and spectacular St Ives Bay Line – Image credit: Geof Sheppard

For panoramic views as you travel the coast, the journey to the picturesque town of St Ives is probably the most scenic trip in Cornwall by train. And once you’ve arrived, there’s plenty of things to do in St Ives. Besides lounging on one of its four beautiful beaches or enjoying some seafood in a harbourside pub or restaurant, there’s the famous Tate St Ives along with numerous other smaller art galleries to enjoy.

The St Erth to St Ives the St Ives Bay Line is short and spectacular. If you grab an Anytime or Off-Peak Day Return ticket , you can stop off and visit beautiful Carbis Bay along the way.

For more flexibility to hop on and off en route, a great value St Ives Bay Line Ranger allows railcard discounts too. Groups of adults can roam together all day with a St Ives Bay Group Ranger .

The St Ives Bay Line is excellent for families if you’re lucky you may see a seal in the harbour at St Ives – Image credit: John Stratford

Nanny Pat’s Days Out: St Ives by Train

The St Ives Bay Line is excellent for families. There are plenty of places on the route for kids to explore and keep them occupied. And family days out by train are just as much fun in winter as they are in summer.

Nanny Pat’s Days Out: St Ives by Train is full of ideas and tips for a family day out by train to St Ives.

Just make sure you’re getting discounted train travel with a Family and Friends Railcard as adults get 1/3 OFF and children 60% OFF. But even if you don’t have one, you can always get a St Ives Bay Line Family Ranger which gives you the freedom to explore all day.

Cornwall is famed for its natural beauty and has some great scenic railway lines to explore. So before setting out, make sure you know about all the ways to save money on days out in Cornwall by train .

InterCity 125 high-speed train passing through Lostwithiel in Cornwall is the same train used for the Cornish Riviera Express service – Image credit: Robert Pittman

The Cornish Riviera Express – London Paddington to Penzance, Cornwall

The first train after 10am from London Paddington to Penzance has become known as the Cornish Riviera Express. It’s a service that’s been running since 1904. If it didn’t sound enticing, enough here’s a way to inspire you to take this classic journey to Cornwall by train.

Cornish Riviera Express: On a Slow Train to Yesterday

Capturing the age of steam this nostalgic look at one of Britain’s classic rail journeys Brian Jackman revisits adventures from his youth. It brings the Cornish Express to life with lots of history and anecdotal stories.

He details the journey as it weaves its way from London, skirting past the flanks of Salisbury Plain, before entering the West Country proper. Onwards he really brings the trip to life as it continues through Devon to include the scenic English Riviera Line, where it navigates the banks of the River Exe before riding along the coast at Dawlish.

Leave England and enter Cornwall via the Royal Albert Bridge built by Brunel to span the River Tamar – Image credit: Robert Pittman

As he crosses Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge over the River Tamar he leaves England to enters Cornwall. Continuing on through Truro he swaps trains in St Erth, avoiding Penzance and heading straight to St Ives instead.

You can relive the nostalgia for yourself on the Cornish Riviera Express from London to Cornwall , an incredible rail journey from the capital and through the West Country.

There’s plenty of ways to save money on train travel in Cornwall on days out or longer trips

We all know that you’ll get a better deal on train tickets by buying in advance and travelling off-peak, But you should also make sure you’re not paying additional charges by getting tickets direct from rail companies such as Virgin Trains .

And don’t forget to make the most of national railcard discounts and get 1/3 OFF travel for adults and 60% OFF for children. Everyone can benefit from railcards, whether you’re a young person , travelling in a pair , taking the family or are over 60 .

Residents of Cornwall can get similar reductions on rail travel with a Devon and Cornwall Railcard . This card is a bargain at just £10 per year. It lets kids go for £1 and up to two adults getting a 33% discount.

Explore more of Cornwall with rail passes and see the wonders of the county such as spectacular St Ives

If you’re planning on seeing as much as possible in one day, a Ride Cornwall Ranger may be just the ticket. It offers unlimited rail travel in Cornwall (including journeys to and from Plymouth) for adults, children and families.

Travellers who want to spend more time in Cornwall and other parts of the region may want to consider the rail rover tickets available in south-west England .

If you’re not a UK resident and travelling to Britain from overseas, meanwhile, you can travel in Cornwall with a BritRail South West Pass .

Travelling through Cornwall by train is full of contrasts, from coast to countryside and through picturesque villages and bustling towns. Taking the trip from London is a great way to start exploring Cornwall by rail and one you’re unlikely to regret, especially with all the money-saving deals on offer.

Image credits: Mike Fleming , Robert Pittman , Tim Green , Geof Sheppard , John Stratford , Robert Pittman , Robert Pittman ,

May 13, 2016 at 4:07 pm

Cornwall is wonderful. I must visit again soon and I intend to travel all the branch lines. It is too long since I did my last trip, described here if you’re interested, there by Night Riviera via London, back by Cross Country via Birmingham: https://mwtrips.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/the-cornish-riviera.html

Thanks for your blog, and Twitter posts

May 13, 2016 at 9:44 pm

Yes, I’d like to travel on all the branch lines as well. Especially so after doing the research for this article! There’s definitely some classic journeys and hidden gems. I’ve taken the sleeper from London Paddington to Cornwall as well. Top notch service and quality. Thanks for your tweets and sharing your article.

Chris (The Train Hacker)

Travel by Train

Trains to cornwall.

Cornwall from UK locations

Great Western Railway (GWR) trains from Paddington call at all principal stations throughout Cornwall including Saltash, St Germans, Liskeard, Lostwithiel, Bodmin Parkway, Par, St Austell, Truro, Redruth, Camborne, Hayle, St Erth and Penzance. For the Tamar Valley Line to Calstock and Gunnislake change at Plymouth, Devon For the Looe Valley Line to Looe calling at Coombe, St Keyne, Causeland and Sandplace please change at Liskeard For the Atlantic Coast Line to Newquay calling at Luxulyan, Bugle, Roche, St Columb Road, Quintrell Downs please change at Par For the Maritime Line to Falmouth calling at Perranwell, Penryn, Penmere, Falmouth Town and Falmouth Docks please change at Truro For the St Ives Bay Line to St Ives calling at Lelant Saltings, Lelant, Carbis Bay please change at St Erth

From London: From Paddington station take First Great Western to Cornwall which stops at all the principal stations throughout Cornwall including: Liskeard, St. Austell, Truro, Redruth, Penzance.

From London Heathrow Airport From Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 (Rail Station only). The Heathrow Express runs directly to Paddington where you board a Great Western Railway (GWR) train calling at all principal stations to Penzance. Tickets can be booked online for the entire journey by clicking on the Trainline banner below.

From London Gatwick Airport (Non-rail legs on some routes) Great Western Railway (GWR) runs trains from Gatwick Airport to Reading where you connect with Great Western Railway (GWR) services to Cornwall. Trains from Reading call at all principal stations to Penzance.

From London Stansted Airport (Non-rail legs on some routes). Greater Anglia run trains to Liverpool Street Station. Then take the Tube to London Paddington, where you connect with Great Western Railway (GWR) services to Cornwall. Trains from London Paddington call at all principal stations to Penzance.

Trains can be booked from destinations throughout the UK From Edinburgh From Glasgow and The North of England From Manchester via Birmingham and Taunton From Liverpool via Stafford From Birmingham via Cheltenham, Bristol, Taunton, Exeter From Cardiff via Bristol To book your train journey to Cornwall click on the banners below for easy online booking.

For London Tube maps click here

To book train tickets to Cornwall online, quickly and easily please click on the Trainline banner below:

To see Live Arrivals and Departures please Please click here

RailEasy offer split ticketing which could make your journey cheaper. To find out more click on the banner below to visit the Journey Planner.

Travel to Cornwall from Europe Book Online With Rail Europe Buy your train tickets from Rail Europe

Click here for route planning map of Cornwall

Cornwall Areas

One-week coastal Cornwall by train itinerary

Posted on Last updated: December 11, 2023

Explore Cornwall by train in just one week on this rail itinerary packed with beaches, gardens, castles and pretty fishing villages as you travel from St Ives to Falmouth, Newquay, Looe and Plymouth.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Surf on golden beaches, visit colourful fishing villages, walk rugged coast paths, admire tropical gardens and feast on Cornish pasties and cream teas as you travel from St Ives to Plymouth though Falmouth, St Austell, Newquay and Looe in just one week.

And you can do it all without a car on this Cornish rail journey, exploring the far south-west of England along some of Cornwall’s most beautiful coastal and countryside railways. This Cornwall by train itinerary will show you which trains to take, how much they cost, how to book tickets and what to see, do and where to stay along the way.

One-week Cornwall by train itinerary

Day 1: St Ives

Start your Cornwall by train trip with a full day in St Ives . If you’re travelling from London, you can catch the Night Riviera Sleeper overnight service to Cornwall – one of only two sleeper trains in the UK. The train departs from London Paddington at 23.45 (excluding on Saturdays) and arrives into St Erth at 07.42 the following morning.

Choose from a seat or a single or twin sleeper compartment with washbasin (and shared toilets at the end of each carriage), and there’s a café-bar in the lounge car. Then change in St Erth onto a local train for the 10-minute journey along the St Ives Bay Line.

Grab a seat on the right side of the train for great views as the line hugs the coastline, running alongside the wide sandy beaches of Hayle Towans and Carbis Bay. Then you have the rest of the day to explore St Ives – if you need to store your bags, there’s a left luggage facility available at the Travel Centre next to St Ives train station.

St Ives’ clear light has made it a favourite with artists, and it’s the home of the Cornish outpost of the Tate Gallery as well as the Barbara Hepworth sculpture museum, and there are plenty of artists’ studios and galleries where you can pick up an artwork of your own.

Shop the independent shops on Fore Street, soak up the sun on one of St Ives’ golden beaches, or take a hike along the South West Coast Path, following the steep, rocky cliff path towards the village of Zennor (6.5 miles/3-4 hours one way).

Where to stay in St Ives: The Pedn-Olva * hotel is perched on a cliff on the edge of Porthminster Beach, with panoramic views across St Ives Harbour. Its 30 en-suite bedrooms come with coastal-inspired décor, sea views and some have private balconies, and there’s also a sunny terrace, restaurant and heated outdoor pool.

Read more: A weekend in St Ives: 2-day St Ives itinerary

Day 2: St Ives > Falmouth

Next morning, catch the 09.02 train from St Ives for the 1.5-hour journey to Falmouth Town, changing at St Erth and Truro and arriving at 10.35. The port town of Falmouth has a long seafaring history and the sea is still a big part of local life, with sailing contests and sea-themed events, including the International Sea Shanty and Oyster Festivals.

Visit Pendennis Castle, which along with nearby St Mawes is one of two twin Tudor castles built by Henry VIII to protect the bay from invaders. Find out more about Falmouth’s maritime history at the National Maritime Museum in the dockside. Or take a boat trip along the Fal River or across the bay to St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula.

Take a walk along the seafront to one of Falmouth’s beaches – Gyllyngvase and Swanpool beaches are both just a short walk away from the town centre and are connected by the coast path. Both have beach cafés where you can stop for an ice cream.

With a big student population, it’s no surprise Falmouth has a good selection of pubs. Head to quirky bookshop-meets-bar Beerwolf Books for real ale and board games, or the harbourside Chain Locker in one of the oldest buildings in Falmouth.

Where to stay in Falmouth:  Above the Star and Garter * gastropub are three serviced apartments. Each has views across Falmouth Harbour, an open plan kitchen/lounge and one or two bedrooms – the attic Crow’s Nest also has a log-burner. You’re provided with a welcome pack of local produce, and have the bar and restaurant just downstairs.

Read more: A weekend in Falmouth: 2-day Falmouth itinerary

Day 3: Falmouth > Eden Project

Next travel east towards the Eden Project – you can’t get all the way there by train so have to catch a bus for the last part of the journey. First take the 09.18 train from Falmouth Town, changing at Truro onto the 09.53 to St Austell, which arrives at 10.08. Then catch a no 101 bus, which takes 30 minutes from St Austell bus station to the Eden Project.

The 35-acre Eden Project was a china clay quarry before being planted with 3000 species of plants and trees by an ecological charity. The site is dominated by the world’s largest greenhouses – two giant biomes recreating the climate and vegetation of the rainforest and the Mediterranean (a great place to hide out if the weather’s misbehaving).

Get up in the treetops on the rainforest canopy walkway, explore gardens dotted with giant sculptures, see concerts in summer and ice skate on an indoor rink in winter. The Eden Project is also home to England’s longest and fastest zip wire, which runs over the top of the biomes at 60mph, as well as an aerial trekking course and giant swing.

Where to stay at the Eden Project: The YHA Eden Project * has compact en-suite ‘Snoozebox’ rooms made from recycled shipping containers right on site, sleeping one–four people. Or Ivy House * in St Austell is a boutique bed and breakfast in a traditional Cornish manor house with three bedrooms, colourful gardens and locally sourced breakfasts.

Day 4: St Austell > Newquay

The following day, head back to St Austell to catch the 09.46 train to the surf town of Newquay. The journey takes just over an hour, with a change at Par, and arrives into Newquay at 11.04. The stretch from Par to Newquay is known as the Atlantic Coast Line and travels across the Luxulyan Valley and Goss Moor Nature Reserve.

Newquay is surrounded by 11 beaches. Closest to town are Tolcarne, Harbour, Towan and Great Western, and you’ll also find the famous surf beaches of Fistral Beach, Lusty Glaze and Watergate Bay within walking distance. Watch the surfers in action, give it a go with a surf lesson, or try other watersports like paddleboarding or wakeboarding.

Head to Newquay Harbour to watch the fishing boats come in with a Cornish pasty (just watch out for seagulls). Or head underwater at the Blue Reef Aquarium with a mix of local and tropical fish species, talks and feeding sessions. Newquay’s also known for its nightlife, with busy bars and clubs – and more than a few stag and hen dos – in summer.

Where to stay in Newquay: The grand Victorian Headland Hotel * occupies a prime position on a clifftop overlooking Fistral Beach (as seen in the film of Roald Dahl’s The Witches ). It has a mix of rooms and cottages, all individually designed and some with sea views, as well as a luxurious spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and two restaurants.

Day 5: Newquay > Looe

Then leave the Atlantic Coast behind and travel south to Looe. The journey takes around 3 hours, departing Newquay at 09.15 and arriving into Looe at 12.06, with changes at Par and Liskeard. The final stretch of the trip is along the scenic Looe Valley Line, which runs from Liskeard to Looe past woodland and an estuary full of birdlife at low tide.

The pretty fishing port of Looe is split into two separate towns – East and West Looe – connected by a bridge across the river. Go for a paddle on sandy East Looe Beach, follow the South West Coast Path along the headland on a 5-mile coastal walk to Polperro, or take a boat trip to Looe Island, a marine nature reserve with medieval ruined chapel.

Learn about Looe’s fishing industry at the Old Sardine Factory heritage centre, and try the day’s catch at one of the town’s restaurants. Taste local wine with a tour and tasting at Looe Valley Vineyard just outside town. And you can’t visit Cornwall without trying a traditional Cornish pasty – Sarah’s Pasty Shop in East Looe has won awards for theirs.

Where to stay in Looe: Schooner Point Guest House * is a bed and breakfast on the hillside in West Looe, with views along the estuary. There are four en-suite bedrooms, with refillable toiletries to reduce plastic waste, and a full Cornish breakfast is included.

Day 6: Looe > Plymouth

Finish your Cornwall by train trip by catching the 10.08 train from Looe, changing at Liskeard then crossing the county border into Devon as you arrive in Plymouth at 11.07. Plymouth is one of the UK’s biggest and most important Naval bases.

This is where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America and where the Spanish Armada was beaten – though according to legend, Sir Francis Drake refused to set sail until he’d finished the game of bowls he was playing on Plymouth Hoe.

Walk around the waterfront park at Plymouth Hoe, where you can see Drake’s statue, the Armada Monument and Naval War Memorial. Climb the 93 steps to the top of Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse for views across Plymouth Sound, or visit the 17th-century Royal Citadel fortress – it’s still used by the military base so you need to take a guided tour .

Head back in time to Plymouth’s historic Barbican area with its cobbled streets and Elizabethan warehouses converted into museums, galleries and boutiques.

It’s also home to the Plymouth Gin Distillery, England’s oldest operating gin distillery where you can take a tour. Then finish the day in Royal William Yard, a former victualling yard which supplied food and drink to navy vessels and is now full of bars and restaurants.

Where to stay in Plymouth: Residence One * is at the heart of Royal William Yard, surrounded by places to eat and drink. The building originally housed Royal Navy officers, but has been converted into 14 boutique bedrooms – run by Bistrot Pierre across the green – with original Georgian features and a few nautical-themed touches.

Day 7: Plymouth

Spend your last morning seeing more of Plymouth. The National Marine Aquarium is the UK’s largest aquarium, with over 400 different marine species, from the coasts of Devon and Cornwall to the Pacific. Follow the journey of the Pilgrims from Plymouth to the New World at the Mayflower Museum. Or take a boat trip around Plymouth Sound.

Then if you’re flying back home, the nearest airport is in Exeter, around an hour from Plymouth by train. From Exeter St Davids station you can catch the 56 bus to Exeter Airport, which runs every half hour and takes 35 minutes. Or if you’re travelling back to London, direct trains from Plymouth to London Paddington take 3 hours 10 minutes.

If you have more time, you can carry on east into Devon to explore seaside resorts like Paington, Torquay, Dawlish and Exmouth. And Devon has its own scenic train routes too.

The Riviera Line from Paington to Exeter is one of England’s most famous railway lines, running through cliff tunnels and right along the seafront. The Avocet Line follows the Exe Estuary from Exeter to the coast at Exmouth. Or the Tarka Line heads north from Exeter to Barnstaple through the tranquil countryside of the Yeo and Taw river valleys.

How much does it cost?

When you’re planning a Cornish rail trip, you can either book individual tickets or get a railpass, which can be a better deal if you’re under 28/over 60, want more flexibility or are booking late. Here’s how the prices break down for the two different options on this route.

Individual tickets

Ticket prices depend on how early you book and if you’re booking a specific train or want to be flexible. There are three main fare categories: Advance, Off-Peak or Anytime. Advance are cheapest and can be booked 8–12 weeks in advance, but are non-transferable so you’re tied to a specific train. Off-Peak services are valid on any train outside weekday peak hours. And Anytime are the most expensive but can be bought on the day and used on any train.

Using the cheapest Advance fares, the cost of trains on this route starts at £83 per person:

• London > St Ives: from £43
• St Ives > Falmouth: from £9.50
• Falmouth > St Austell: from £8.20
• St Austell > Newquay: from £6.10
• Newquay > Looe: from £8.80
• Looe > Plymouth: from £7.70

For the Night Riviera Sleeper , the price includes a seat (which is booked like a normal train ticket). Then if you want to upgrade from a seat to a cabin you pay a supplement, which starts at £42.50 for a single-berth room or £32 per person for a twin-berth room.

You can also save a third on all rail fares with a Railcard *. These cost £30 with different versions for 16–25s, 25–30s, Seniors and Disabled People. You can also get a Two Together railcard for two named adults travelling together, or a Friends and Family Railcard for up to four adults and four children. Both UK and overseas residents are eligible.

The railpass option

There are various rail passes available, and which you’re eligible for depends on where you live. If you live outside the UK, you can can get a InterRail / Eurail pass (InterRail is for European residents and Eurail is for non-European residents) or BritRail pass. They work in a similar way and cover either a set time period or a certain number of travel days.

For the Cornwall by train itinerary, the best InterRail/Eurail option is the One Country Great Britain pass for 5 travel days within 1 month (£220 adults, £191 youths aged 12–27 or £198 seniors over 60). Or the best BritRail option is the South West Pass for 8 Consecutive Days (£198 adults, £158 youths aged 16–25, £168 seniors over 60).

Passholders are recommended to make seat reservations, but it’s only compulsory if you’re travelling on the Night Riviera Sleeper . You can reserve a seat or sleeper cabin online via the GWR website or at any UK train station (though cabins do sell out fast). If you have a railpass it’s free to reserve a seat but you do need to pay a supplement for a cabin.

Rover tickets are also available, which give you unlimited train travel in a certain region, and are available to both UK and overseas residents. The best option for this itinerary is National Rail’s Freedom of Devon and Cornwall Rover (8 in 15 Days) .

It costs £97.50 for adults, £48.75 for children aged 5–15 and there are discounts for Railcard holders. The Night Riviera Sleeper isn’t included so must be booked separately.

How to book

There are a variety of websites where you can book UK train journeys, but some charge a booking fee. To avoid fees you can book with Transport for Wales * (excluding the Night Riviera Sleeper which must be booked directly through GWR ) and either use a mobile ticket on your phone or collect them from a ticket machine or a counter at the station.

Or if you have an international credit card you can book with The Trainline for a small fee.

Don’t want to do it yourself? You can also book a custom trip based on this Cornwall by train itinerary through our partners Byway ,* the flight-free holiday platform, which includes transport and accommodation.

Save for later

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DOUGLAS HAY

Friday 23rd of July 2021

My wife and I are intending to travel to England from Australia some time next year, if practical. Please advise whether on the train trips elderly ( 82 / 73) disabled persons are catered for both being in wheel chairs? Other than being disabled (inability to walk) both couples are quite well. Please advise by return email. Thank you. Douglas Hay

Lucy Dodsworth

Wednesday 28th of July 2021

Hi Douglas, trains in the UK are accessible to wheelchairs – you can request assistance via and app now to make sure that there is ramp access etc (see https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/plan-assistance.aspx), ideally booked in advance especially in smaller stations. There's also a Disabled Railcard available which saves 1/3 of fares for £30.

We love to connect with our guests on the phone! Call us on - +44(0)1840 230 492

About Trevigue

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5 Most Scenic Train Journeys in Cornwall

Five train journeys in cornwall that are all about the adventure.

Cornwall has long been famed for its picturesque scenery and breath-taking landscapes. From moor to coast and everything in-between, this corner of the British Isles has more than its fair share of natural beauty, and what better way to see it than by train! There are some beautiful branch train line rides and also some breath-takingly beautiful steam train rides in Cornwall to be enjoyed, and they really aren’t publicised enough. For this reason, we thought we’d put together our top 5 scenic train journeys in Cornwall for you to experience whilst staying at Trevigue. Enjoy!

St Erth to St Ives Branch Line

The scenic branch line from St Erth to St Ives follows the sweeping crescent of St Ives Bay with awe-inspiring views of the sea from the train window as you pass Carbis Bay and Hayle Towans. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and is an easy and visually beautiful way of getting to St Ives as parking can sometimes be tricky in the town itself. You can park your car in St Erth, enjoy the short pleasant train ride, and then stroll into St Ives harbour from the station to enjoy the shops, art galleries and restaurants. You could also consider taking The St Ives Bay Line real ales tour. See the  rail ale trail  website for distinctive pubs serving real ales and situated within walking distance of the St Ives Bay Line.

• Tip Sit on the right-hand side of the train when you get on at St Erth for the best views
• Cost £4 (adult off-peak day return)
• Journey Time 20 minutes
• Dogs Welcome Yes
• Booking and Ticket Info

Tamar Valley Line

Perhaps one of the most picturesque train journeys in Cornwall, this line from Gunnislake to Plymouth stops at Plymouth’s historic Royal Naval dockyard, Calstock and all the stunning coastal and riverside places along the way. This branch line follows the River Tamar as it wends its way through 14 miles of countryside and crossing the Calstock viaduct which joins Devon and Cornwall. You will also cross Brunel’s famous Tamar Bridge – a momentous feat of engineering – before travelling through areas once busy with mining activity. If you love Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and historic places of interest, this Cornwall train journey is for you.

• Tip When the train slowly creeps down over the Calstock viaduct120 feet over the river, look closely out of the window and see the National Trust house Cotehele nestled in the woods below.
• Cost £5.80 (adult off-peak day return)
• Journey Time 35 minutes

Atlantic Coast Line

This popular train line from Par to Newquay treats passengers to a truly Cornish train journey through the beautiful Luxulyan Valley and across Goss Moor before the great Atlantic Ocean breaks into view on arrival into surf town Newquay. This route can get very busy in summertime as despite it being only a small branch line, it is the main train route into Newquay town. Once in Newquay there is a popular aquarium (The Blue Reef), many restaurants and pubs and with 8 beaches it is a popular town for surfers, sun worshippers and families alike.

• Tip Hop off the train in Luxulyan for stunning walks and a valley-full of a rich mining heritage waiting to be discovered.
• Cost £4.90 (adult off-peak day return)
• Journey Time 50 minutes

Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway

If you’ve always wanted to experience the glory days of steam-powered locomotives by experiencing an authentic steam train journey in Cornwall, the Bodmin & Wenford Steam Railway is for you. All through the year the heritage railway puts on events such as ‘Santa by Steam’ or the beautifully nostalgic ‘Dining by Train’ where you can enjoy dinner, or an afternoon tea surrounded by the sights and smells of the evocative steam train journey from Bodmin General Station to Bodmin Parkway. You will follow the Camel Trail and take in stunning woodland views. Trains run intermittently during off-peak seasons so do check online (or call 01208 73555) for services.

• Tip Stop at Colesloggett Halt, a peaceful wayside station set amongst the most beautiful scenery, to enjoy a 1.5mile walk along a footpath to Cardinham Woods where there is a charming woodland café serving up the most delicious cakes!
• Cost £13 (adult off-peak day return)
• Journey Time 1hr 45mins
• Dogs Welcome Yes (£1 per ticket)

Looe Valley Line

The journey down to Looe from Liskeard is chock-full of beautiful views; heavily wooded valleys teaming with wildlife open out to glorious estuary views as the river meets the sea. Starting in a heavily wooded valley, the line soon opens out as the river nears the sea past St Keyne Wishing Well Halt and Sandplace. This is one of the most perfect train journeys in Cornwall for bird watchers, especially at low tide, because the river is full of wading birds such as egrets, grey herons, oystercatchers and curlews. Trains run regularly throughout the day. Looe is blessed with some great local independent pubs full of character, such as The Jolly Sailor which dates from 1516.

• Tip Don’t nod off for the last two miles as the stretch between Sandplace and Looe are simply stunning!
• Cost £4.40 (adult off-peak day return)
• Journey Time 1 hour

We can’t wait to welcome you to Trevigue and introduce you to this beautiful corner of the UK. Experiencing it by train is perhaps the most picturesque and evocative way of exploring Cornwall and makes it easy for non-drivers to be able to navigate the stretch of coastline for which Cornwall is famous. Please do get in touch to tell us about your favourite train journeys in Cornwall, and further afield too!

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Clifftop Cornish Holiday Cottage and Self-Catered Farmhouse Accommodation. A stunning farm tucked into the cliffs above Crackington Haven in North Cornwall. We are a family business who are passionate about bed and breakfasts, good local fresh food and providing great holidays!

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Getting Here

It won't take long to get to paradise, just choose your way to get here!

Great Western Railway (GWR) operate high speed train services frequently from London Paddington station including the Night Riviera Sleeper service to Penzance. There are also direct trains daily from Bristol and beyond using Cross-Country.

Once in Cornwall, there's a great rail network for getting around the county, perfect for those car-free breaks. Explore the corners of Cornwall from St Ives to Looe, sit back and enjoy the scenery on the Tamar Valley Line or head to the beach at Newquay or Falmouth.

Park-and-ride schemes are in place at Liskeard (for Looe) and St Erth (for St. Ives).

Night Riviera Sleeper Service

The Night Riviera Sleeper service runs between London Paddington and Penzance. The comfortable cabins have everything you need, including USB and plug sockets, a wardrobe, a sink, and storage space.

The on-board lounge bar is open for drinks and snacks throughout the journey, and you can even order room service!

It takes less than five hours to get from London to the heart of Cornwall by either train or car. Drive along the M4 motorway from London, or M6 from Manchester, and then the M5 to Exeter and finally either the A30, that is mostly dual carriageway, or the A38 passing Plymouth and Saltash into South East Cornwall. Alternatively if you enter Cornwall from North Devon, there is the scenic A39 Atlantic Highway running through Bude, which you can join from Junction 27 on the M5.

There can be a high volume of traffic during peak season, school holidays, and on weekends. Travelling overnight or outside peak rush hours is recommended to avoid long delays.

To plan your journey, use the AA Route Planner for a tailor made travel plan with timings and mileage - just click on the link below.

Please be aware that Sat-Navs can lead you to some wonderful places in Cornwall, many of them down narrow country lanes with high hedges and few reversing points. Please follow local road signage to help get you to your destination.

Coach and bus

National Express operate a full service into Cornwall as far as Penzance, Megabus also go to a few towns including Newquay and Falmouth.

Coach travel times from London or Birmingham to the city of Truro are around 7-8 hours

Many tour operators offer coach holidays to Cornwall, contact your local travel agent for details.

Flying to Cornwall can offer an attractive and shorter alternative to the journey by train or car.

Newquay Airport is served by a variety of routes from across the UK and beyond. For more information, please visit the Cornwall Airport Newquay Website or call 01637 860600 or e-mail [email protected]

The Airport offers year-round onward connectivity to the Isles of Scilly with Skybus.

Exeter Airport is also withing easy reach of Cornwall via the A30 and A38.

Plymouth is the closest ferry port to Cornwall, being just across the River Tamar. Brittany Ferries offer services from Roscoff in France and Santander in Northern Spain into Plymouth as well as further services from France and Spain into Portsmouth and Poole.

In Cornwall already? Click on the link for our guide to public transport across Cornwall.

Everything you need to know to plan your perfect Cornish getaway.

Travel to Cornwall by car

It takes less than five hours to get from London or Birmingham to the heart of Cornwall by car.

Drive along the M4 motorway from London, or M6 from Manchester, and then the M5 to Exeter and finally either the A30, that is mostly dual carriageway, or the A38 passing Plymouth and Saltash into South East Cornwall.

Alternatively if you enter Cornwall from North Devon, there is the scenic A39 Atlantic Highway running through Bude, which you can join from Junction 27 on the M5.

Due to the high volume of traffic on Cornwall's roads during the summer months the main routes can become congested especially at weekends. Travelling overnight or outside peak rush hours is recommended to avoid long delays.

• To plan your journey use the AA Route Planner for a tailor made travel plan with timings and mileage
• For information on possible delays or roadwork's throughout the UK or in Cornwall visit Traffic Watch
• Travelling to Cornwall with a caravan? Check out this Caravan Towing guide

Travel to Cornwall by coach and bus

National Express operate a full service into Cornwall as far as Penzance, Megabus s also go to a few towns including Newquay and Falmouth.

For information on public transport, including local bus timetables, once you are in Cornwall [click here].( https://www.firstbus.co.uk/cornwall/plan-journey/timetables ).

If you are bringing a coach to Cornwall, did you know Cornwall Council now offers a weekly coach rover ticket . This is available for all car parks where coaches are permitted and costs £16.60 for 24 hours or £55.35 for 7 days and £38.75 for 4 days.

You can drive via either the M4 and M5 to Exeter and then take either the A30 or A38 depending on where in Cornwall you are heading.

You can also use the M3 and A303 from west London.

Both National Express and Megabus operate coach's into Cornwall

Trains to Cornwall leave from Paddington Station

You can fly to Cornwall from both Gatwick and Heathrow (Jan 2023)

The North coast of Cornwall is a wonderful place to come for a holiday. A very family-friendly area, it has long attracted visitors looking for a traditional “bucket-and-spade” holiday, as well as surfers, walkers and those seeking the more relaxed pace of life.

From Bude down to Sennen Cove, there are loads of long sandy beaches, including the popular ones at Newquay and St Ives, but there are also sections of high cliffs, great for walking or just watching the summer sunsets.

Cornwall's south coast tends to be quieter than the north with its vast sandy beaches and great surf. Instead you will find picturesque fishing villages, and the occasional sandy cove. Families can still enjoy a traditional “bucket-and-spade” holiday at places like Looe or Pentewan, whilst others might prefer the yachting meccas of Fowey, Falmouth or St Mawes.

With beautiful scenery around every corner and vibrant towns and villages full of great places to eat and drink, we are sure you will want to return again and again to the south coast of Cornwall.

Avoid the traffic jams, the arguments when the GPS sends you the wrong way and the general hassle of having to drive great distances...

GWR operate high speed train services frequently from London Paddington station including the Night Riviera Sleeper Service to Penzance. There are also direct trains daily from Bristol and beyond. More info from: nationalrail.co.uk

Once in Cornwall, there's a great rail network for getting around the county, ideal for when the roads are busy in the summer. Give the driver a rest and grab a cheap day return to St Ives or Looe. Sit back and enjoy the scenery on the Tamar Valley Line or head to the beach at Newquay or Falmouth. For more info, go to Great Scenic Railways

For National Rail enquiries telephone 08457 484950

The First Group co-ordinate bus services from many Cornish stations.

Park-and-ride schemes run in season at Liskeard (for Looe) and St Erth (for St. Ives).

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Proud of its identity, Cornwall boasts some of Britain's finest gardens, plus scenic branch lines revealing sandy beaches, rocky coves and smugglers' havens, plus a striking cathedral city in Truro.

Experience a delightful Cornish rail holiday as we meander along scenic branch lines, capturing the cream of the coastal and countryside views, to visit charming ports and seaside resorts, an award-winning vineyard, and the world-renowned Eden Project.

Experience the character and charm of the Isles of Scilly on our exciting new tour. Journey along the English Riviera, discover Cornwall's cathedral city of Truro, admire the iconic Cornish coastline, and stay in the beautiful Star Castle Hotel. Enjoy commanding views of the archipelago, immerse yourself into island life, and marvel at the natural beauty of these isles plus partake in a vineyard tour and tasting, and sample some of the best seafood caught on the hotel's very own fishing boat.

Travel coast to coast from Land's End to John O'Groats, including many of Britain's great scenic rail journeys along the way. Explore England, Scotland & Wales on a one off, once in a lifetime, grand rail tour of mainland Britain!

Experience a joyful Cornish holiday visiting some of the most enchanting gardens in Cornwall from great grandeur to hidden sanctuaries. Discover the Lost Gardens of Heligan, relax in the tranquillity of Pinetum Gardens, learn the history and secrets of Pencarrow House, and visit the world-renowned Eden Project plus enjoy a nostalgic steam journey.

Experience a delightful Cornish rail holiday as we meander along scenic branch lines, capturing the cream of the coastal and countryside views, visiting charming ports, seaside resorts, an award-winning vineyard, and the world-renowned Eden Project plus time to explore Padstow, Looe, Penzance & St. Ives.

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Related Content

How to take the rail journey from London to Cornwall

Share this journey with a friend..., london to penzance by train.

There are two options available for taking the train from London to Cornwall (Penzance is the final station call on the Cornish Main Line): 1: Taking the scenic journey by day, 2. Travelling overnight on one of Europe's smartest night trains.

Routes you can take to go from London to Penzance (in Cornwall)

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:

Looking for connections, route information, option 1: travelling by day, station guides.

Travel Time (approx)

5hr 4min - 5hr 19min

Travel Info

Mon-Thurs = 10 x trains per day Friday = 11 x trains Saturday =7 x trains Sunday = 8 x trains (A higher number of departures per day will available in the summer months)

Purchase Tickets

ShowMeTheJourney earns a small commission on Trainline ticket sales. On longer-distance journeys within the UK it automatically offers a split ticket option if it will be cheaper. Plus it sells tickets for all train operators on each route.

Trainline (UK) Guide

Other Ticket Providers

National Rail Guide

In Great Britain each Train Operating Company provides its own booking service for journeys by its trains, but many of their websites also sell tickets for nationwide journeys, regardless of which company operates the trains on the routes you wish to travel by.

The National Rail website is plugged into all of the train operator's booking services, so when more than one of these companies offers tickets for a route, it in effect offers a price comparison service. It isn't a ticket agent, so you will be connected to the website of your choice in order to make a booking.

Travel Information

Final Destination: Penzance

All trains also call at: Liskeard (connect for Looe); Bodmin Parkway ; Par (connect for Newquay * ); St Austell ; Truro and St Erth (connect for St Ives )

*On Mondays to Saturdays in the summer there are daily direct trains from London to Newquay.

The first trains of the day are scheduled to arrive in Penzance after 11:30 and they begin to travel through Cornwall from around 10:00. If you need or want to arrive in the county earlier, then on Monday to Saturday evenings an overnight train is available.

The 'Pullman' dining service:

The trains which are usually scheduled to depart from London on Mondays to Fridays at 12:04 and 18:04 (year round) and at 13:04 (summer only) are the only regularly timetabled British trains to convey conventional restaurant cars.

First Class passengers can reserve prior to boarding and ShowMeTheJourney recommends booking your travel tickets and dining reservations together by calling 0345 7000 125. Standard Class passengers can ask the train conductor if any spare places are available after boarding and reserve a place with the conductor.

This is a direct journey

You will be travelling on one of these trains....

Journey Features

Good to know.

As is evident from the description of the journey by train from London to Cornwall, most of the highlights of this train ride can be seen from the left-hand side of the train when travelling westwards.

So to increase your chances of making the most of the stunning journey aim to be at Paddington station, ready for boarding, 30 minutes before departure. Then if you discover when entering the coach in which your assigned seat(s) is located, that it is on the right, you can check to see if any unreserved window seats are available on the left-hand side

If there are any free, you can occupy them for the journey, as you don’t have to sit in the seat(s) you have been assigned, for your ticket to be valid.

Journey description:

The route of the Cornish Riviera express is arguably the most delightful journey that can be taken when heading off from London by train. The routes up to Scotland by the East Coast and West Coast main lines may have more dramatic moments, but when travelling by either of those routes, the initial 2hr 30mins of those train rides aren’t particularly special.

In contrast the charms of this route to the West Country begin to kick in around 50 mins after departure from London and they don’t let up until journey’s end.

This train journey from Paddington station to the end of the line at Penzance is a journey of six distinct phases.

(1) For 50 minutes from London until Newbury, the train reaches its highest speeds of the journey as it uses electric power to travel at up to 200 km/h.

(2) Between Newbury and Exeter the railway follows a route through a pastoral landscape of rolling green fields and woodlands.

Soon after departing Newbury the train will travel parallel to the charming Kennet & Avon canal, which can be mainly seen from the left-hand side of the train when heading west.

(3) A highlight of this journey is the 20ish minutes that the train spends travelling between Exeter and Newton Abbot; it’s probably the most fantastic 20 mins that can be enjoyed when looking out of the window on a British express train.

For on this part of the journey the railway is on shore line of the South Devon coast, so when heading west, the sea views are on the left-hand side of the train.

Whenever a train travelling by the sea is shown on British television the footage will show a train travelling through Dawlish and Teignmouth, two stations that are right beside the beach.

Though when looking out of the train windows, the views over the river estuaries which can be seen between Exeter and Dawlish, and then between Teignmouth and Newton Abbot are possibly even more magical.

(4) The railway turns inland between Newton Abbot and Plymouth, but this area of South Devon is very hilly, so the necessary twists and turns slow the train down, but the views of the countryside are rather lovely.

(5) After departure from Plymouth the journey takes on a different character, as from both sides of the train there are sweeping views over the city.

Then around 7 minutes after leaving Plymouth station come the most spectacular views that can be seen when travelling to Cornwall by train, the vistas that can be enjoyed from the Royal Albert Bridge which conveys the train over the River Tamar and into England’s most westerly county.

The best of the views are again on the left-hand side.

(6) The first five minutes of the journey through Cornwall are the loveliest, if you’re sitting on the left-hand side of the train. Between Saltash and St Germains there are some utterly charming views down over the Lynher River Estuary.

Cornwall’s primary lure for travellers is its dramatic coastline, but despite travelling for most of the county’s length, the railway through it avoids the coast. There are some distant sea views on the right near Hayle, but the train won’t travel right beside the shore again until it approaches journey’s end near Penzance station.

After departure from St Erth, look out for view over on the left of St Michael’s Mount.

Boarding at Paddington station:

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So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please go here to say thank you .

Book Early And Save: Yes

Online Bookings Open: Usually 12 weeks ahead, but this period can be longer if Great Western Railway is running a promotion

If you want to travel at the cheapest possible price, book an 'Advance' ticket - though be aware that this type of ticket can't be refunded if you subsequently change your travel plans.

If the booking period has been extended beyond 12 weeks, it seems as though 'Advance' tickets will be the only type of ticket available if you book more than 12 weeks ahead.

Also worth knowing is that on this route, Advance tickets will only be available until 18:00 (6pm) on the day before travel.

Though partially due to the frequency of the train service, you shouldn't have to book months in advance to obtain the cheapest possible price for a London to Bath train journey, particularly if you won't be travelling at business hours.

If you would like the flexibility to be able to obtain a refund if you subsequently change your travel plans, it's best to book 'Off-Peak' tickets, though this type of ticket lives up to its name, and may not be available on departures at peak business hours.

'Advance Tickets' are specific to the departure selected when making a booking, but they can be transferred to an alternative departure, though you will incur an 'admin fee' if you have booked an 'Advance' ticket.

Travelling on Saturday-Sunday

Maintenance work on the railway is periodically undertaken at weekends and if it is scheduled on your travel date, it can affect when tickets will be released for sale.

If you're looking up a journey less than around 10 - 12 weeks ahead and the cheaper 'Advance' tickets aren't available, it can be a good indication that works will be impacting on your travel date. It can be worth checking this on the National Rail website - select 'Great Western Railway' as the operator.

Making an end-to-end journey will still be possible, though you MAY ultimately have to take a substitution bus service for part of the trip. It's the confirmation of these alternative travel arrangements which can hold up the release of the tickets for sale.

Choosing a departure

There can be significant differences in prices between departures on your travel date, it's often possible to save more than £20 by taking an earlier or later train; the trains which depart London in the middle of the day tend to be cheaper.

Reservations:

When you book an Advance ticket for a London to Bath train journey online, you will automatically be assigned a seat(s) - because a guaranteed seat reservation is a benefit of using a website to purchase the ticket(s). If you book an Anytime or Off-Peak ticket ahead of your travel date, you can request a reservation.

However, if you buy an Anytime or Off-Peak ticket at the station just prior to boarding, a seat reservation WON'T be automatically included with your booking. That's because reservations at stations need to be booked by the end of the previous day for morning departures and 3 - 4 hours ahead for afternoon/evening departures; so keep that in mind if you will be using a rail pass, including a Britrail or Eurail pass.

On this route ShowMeTheJourney particularly recommends making reservations when travelling at these times (1) Any journey on Fridays (2) On trains departing London before 14:00 on Saturdays (3) On trains departing London after 14:00 on Sundays

Receiving Your Ticket(s) booked with GWR

The four options for receiving and using your ticket(s) you book on the Great Western Railway (GWR) website are:

(1) Using e-tickets: You can opt to have an e-ticket attached to your confirmation email, which you can then download to your mobile device. Then when boarding you can access your ticket(s) on your phone and use it to open the ticket gates. Though if you opt to use this service, GWR will prompt you to make a test download prior to completing your booking, so that you can be sure that your mobile device is compatible with using this service.

(2) Opt to 'self-print', you will need then need to print off the ticket attached to your confirmation email.

(3) Collecting from the 'Fast-Track' ticket machines at the station. You will receive a booking reference number on your order confirmation email and you can use this reference number to collect ticket(s) from a 'Fast-Track' ticket machine. You will need to enter your reference number into the machine, so make sure you'll have easy access to it when you are using the machine.

You will also need to insert the specific credit or debit card you used when making the booking, so have that with you too. Showing the email you will have received to staff at the ticket gates won't get you on to the train, nor will this be valid if you can only show the email to the conductor when you are on the train.

Take your time and take care that you have picked up all your ticket(s) and seat reservations.

(4) Opt to pay an additional charge to have your tickets posted to you (not an option if you book tickets from outside the UK).

The potential to save by splitting tickets on Trainline

It can be worth looking up this journey on Trainline .

It can be possible to save money by using split ticketing, with the booking process being no more complicated than booking conventional tickets - find out more .

Option 2: travelling overnight

8hr 5 min - 8hr 59min

Not Every Day

1 x train per night except on Sundays

The Monday departure has the slower journey time.

The train also calls at: Liskeard (connect for Looe); Bodmin Parkway ; Par (connect for Newquay * ); St Austell ; Truro and St Erth (connect for St Ives )

When departing from Paddington, you can board the Night Riviera train more than an hour before departure, so if you have opted to travel in a sleeping cabin, you can be settled in for the night before the train has left London.

Though you don’t have to travel in a sleeping cabin when making the overnight train journey from London to Cornwall, some of the coaches convey seats

This train is usually scheduled to arrive in Penzance at 08:49 on Tuesday mornings and at 07:50 on Wednesday to Sundays mornings, while the first of the daytime trains isn't due to arrive there until after 11:30. (There isn’t a departure on Sundays).

So if you need or want to be in Cornwall before in late morning then you need to make the journey on this newly refurbished train and forsake the scenic highlights, which are available on the daytime journey.

The booking info on the GWR website .

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The cheap fare finder from National Rail Enquiries shows the fares for all UK train operators on all routes.

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If you are flexible with dates and times for your journey, and can book in advance, you can often achieve huge discounts when buying train tickets. Whether you're travelling for work or leisure, the cheap fare finder is your one-stop shop to finding the best option for your selected point-to-point journey.

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St Ives Bay Line: Breathtaking views from Britain's most scenic railway

It is one of the most spectacular experiences in Cornwall, and only costs £4 for the whole day

• 05:00, 28 APR 2024

One of the most scenic railway lines in Britain is on track for a busy season this year. Despite being just over four miles long, the St Ives Bay Line - once described as 'the most beautiful branch line in Britain' - culminates at one of the busiest train stations in Cornwall.

St Ives Railway Station recorded 720,062 entries and exits between April 2022 and March 2023, the most journeys from any station in Cornwall with the exception of Truro. The majority of these train rides are taken during the holiday season, when visitors opt to leave their cars at the Park & Ride in St Erth, and enjoy 10 minutes of breathtaking views as they trundle along the coastal tracks to St Ives.

This short, but spectacular railway line was opened on June 1, 1877, becoming the last broad gauge passenger railway route to be built in Britain. By 1892, it had converted to standard gauge, and was used for transporting fish that had been landed in St Ives, as well as Victorian tourists who had landed in St Erth.

Though popular in the early twentieth century, passenger numbers on the St Ives Bay Line began to fall in the '50s and '60s as visitors increasingly arrived by car. The line was proposed for closure, but reprieved by the then Minister of Transport, Barbara Castle, as well as a plan to create a large car park at Lelant Saltings, which would open as the St Ives Park & Ride in 1978.

Read more: Forgotten Victorian swimming pool hidden in the woods

With the Park & Ride now relocated to St Erth Station, today, passengers can enjoy one of the most scenic train rides in Britain as many times as they want in one day for just £4. Taking in the birdwatching beauty spot of Hayle Estuary Nature Reserve, the beautiful expanse of Porth Kidney Sands, the subtropical colours of Carbis Bay and the iconic arrival at the final destination, this short railway journey is a truly breathtaking experience - unlike trying to find a parking space in St Ives.

There are 18 pictures in this photo story - click on the 'Next' button at the bottom of the page to see them all.

For visitors to St Ives, the journey begins at St Erth Station. Before the branch line opened in 1877, St Erth Station was called St Ives Road, because passengers would continue their journey to St Ives by road.

After St Erth, there are two small stations next to Hayle Estuary. The first, Lelant Saltings, became the St Ives Park & Ride station in 1978, and recorded around 140,000 passenger journeys a year before it was relocated in 2019. Now, as a request stop, it is lucky to see more than 500 a year, with many more passengers using the next stop at Lelant Station, depiste the lack of parking.

The train journey continues over the sand dunes west of Hayle rivermouth, taking in views of the three-mile beach stretching to Godrevy Lighthouse.

The coastal footpath follows the trainline as it sweeps along beside the sea.

The trains can be very busy during the summer holidays, with seats on the coastal side being highly sought after.

St Ives author Cyril Noall once described the short railway line as the 'most beautiful branch line in Britain.'

More recently, the St Ives Bay Line has ranked highly in lists of the most scenic railway journeys in Britain.

As the train sweeps round to Hawkes Point, passengers get their first glimpse of St Ives.

The train journey from St Erth to St Ives only takes around 10 minutes, but takes in a succession of unmissable views.

As the train trundles past the end of Porth Kidney Sands, it sounds its horn to warn anyone thinking of using the pedestrian crossing at Hawkes Point.

There are not many train journeys in Britain that can match views out of the window like this.

Rounding the headland into Carbis Bay, the golden sand stretches out before the train.

The view from the train is worthy of a postcard.

As popular as the St Ives Bay Line is, passenger numbers were effected in 2020 and 2021 by the Covid pandemic and the G7 Summit at Carbis Bay.

Built from local granite, the viaduct at Carbis Bay is around 80ft high, with four arches, each spanning 40ft across.

Leaving Carbis Bay, the train has one last headland to round before arriving into St Ives.

The breathtaking view of St Ives harbour from the train as it approaches its final destination.

It is no wonder that so many people rate the St Ives Bay Line as the most scenic railway journey in Britain.

• Most Recent

• Lines to Explore
• Plan a trip

Tamar Valley Line

Plymouth - Gunnislake

Explore the riverside village of Calstock. Great pubs & walks.

Looe Valley Line

Liskeard - looe.

Enjoy great estuary views and Looe’s harbour and beach.

St Ives Bay Line

St Erth (P&R) - St Ives

One of Britain's most scenic railways. Amazing views.

Maritime Line

Truro - Falmouth Docks

Visit Falmouth’s harbour, beaches, castles and shops.

Atlantic Coast Line

Par - Newquay

Arrive in the heart of Newquay ready to hit the beach.

Dartmoor Line

Exeter - Okehampton

Dartmoor adventures right from Okehampton station.

Exeter - Barnstaple

Take in the countryside views and explore North Devon.

Riviera Line

Exeter - Paignton

Travel the famous Devon coast to the English Riviera.

Avocet Line

Exeter St Davids - Exmouth

Journey along the Exe Estuary to Topsham and Exmouth.

East Devon Line

Exeter St Davids - Axminster

Visit Honiton and Axminster with countryside views.

• Tamar Valley Line Plymouth – Gunnislake
• Looe Valley Line Looe – Liskeard
• St Ives Bay Line St Erth – St Ives
• Maritime Line Truro – Falmouth
• Atlantic Coast Line Par – Newquay
• Dartmoor Line Exeter – Okehampton
• Tarka Line Exeter – Barnstaple
• Riviera Line Exeter – Paignton
• Avocet Line Exeter – Exmouth
• East Devon Line Exeter – Axminster
• Explore Cornwall by train Glorious beaches, estuaries, wooded valleys – soak up the views on your way to beloved coastal destinations.
• Explore Devon by train From rolling countryside to seaside views, Devon’s branch lines offer a real taste of the West Country.
• Walks from the railway
• Rail Ale Trails
• Beaches by train
• Arts, culture and heritage
• Vinyl Trail
• Times and prices
• Parking and public transport
• Travelling with kids
• Taking bikes
• Dogs on trains
• Assisted travel

Strike action: Wed 8 May – see full info

• Train Times

Featured Destinations

The Looe Valley Line links the bustling market town of Liskeard with the picturesque fishing port of Looe .

The journey to Looe is full of beautiful views out of the train window. The wooded valley teeming with wildlife opens up to glorious estuary views as the river meets the sea.

Bird watchers will love this line as, especially at low tide, the river is full of wading birds such as Little Egrets, Grey Herons, Oystercatchers and Curlews.

The line runs six days a week all year round, plus Sunday trains from April to mid October.

Once in Looe, there’s plenty to explore. Safe beaches, the harbour, excellent restaurants and a maze of narrow streets full of lovely independent shops and pubs.

Dogs are welcome on the train.

View station

• Coombe Junction Halt
• St Keyne Wishing Well Halt

Journey highlights

Starting in a heavily wooded valley, the line soon opens out as the river nears the sea.

The last two miles between Sandplace and Looe are stunning, particularly at high tide (look up tide times ).

Visit the beautiful seaside town of Looe in South East Cornwall. A firm family favourite, explore its narrow streets, harbour, beaches and coastal walks.

Causeland is the station for the pretty village of Duloe (a 1.3 mile walk). The village is best known for its stone circle and its excellent pub, The Plough.

Liskeard is an ancient Cornish market town located on the southern edge of Bodmin Moor. The town prospered with the mining boom in the 19th century and has lots of fine buildings designed by the architect Henry Rice. Whilst Liskeard isn’t necessarily a tourist destination there are some interesting shops, museums and cafes to explore as well as an interesting walk which explores some of the industrial heritage of the area.

Line Highlights

Stunning coastal walks.

You can walk from Looe to the beautiful village of Polperro along the stunning South West Coast Path.

The walk is only 6 miles and you can catch the bus back to Looe from Polperro to make it a circular walk.

MORE HIGHLIGHTS

Pubs full of character.

Looe is blessed with some great local independent pubs full of character. Pubs, such as The Jolly Sailor which dates from 1516, are a great place to meet locals, share a pint and a tall tale or two! Check out our Looe Valley Line Rail Ale Trail page for more great pubs.

Food and Drink

Looe is famous for its fresh fish. Day boats bring in a fantastic array of fish and seafood everyday, ready to sell to local restaurants.

Check out our Looe Valley Line Foodie Guide for top tips on where to eat and buy local produce along the line.

The nearby Looe Valley Vineyard , just a 10-minute walk from both Causeland station and St Keyne Wishing Well Halt, offers tours and tasting events.

Buying Tickets

Liskeard to looe.

Off-Peak Day Return. Valid after the morning peak, and anytime weekends or Bank Holidays.

If you can, please buy your ticket online on the GWR app or website . Download it to your mobile device or smart ticket where possible.

Great fares from further afield

Plymouth to looe.

Adult Off-Peak Day Return

Fares explained

Approximate journey time

TRURO TO LOOE

Valid after 09 00 Mon-Fri and any time on weekends or Bank Holidays

UNDER 5s TRAVEL FREE

Children under the age of 5 travel free and don’t require a ticket.

For advice on taking buggies or prams on the train visit our page about travelling with kids .

5-15 YEAR OLDS GO HALF-PRICE

5 to 15 year olds get 50% off. Over 15s are classed as adults, but can save with the 16-17 Saver or a 16-25 railcard .

If you live locally, the Devon & Cornwall Railcard is just £12 a year and saves a third for you and an accompanying adult on many local journeys, with up to four kids travelling for just £1 each. Terms apply.

Another option is the Family & Friends railcard .

SAVINGS FOR SMALL GROUPS

Groups of three to nine people who buy their ticket together get a third off thanks to the Groupsave discount.

Groupsave is valid on Off-Peak Day Return tickets on Great Western Railway services.

On the Looe Valley Line, this includes all trains that depart after 09 00 Monday-Friday and any time on weekends or Bank Holidays.

SAVE 1/3 WITH A RAILCARD

Devon and cornwall railcard.

Live locally? For just £12 a year this card gives Devon and Cornwall residents a third off most Standard Off-Peak tickets for you and a friend when travelling in the two counties. You can also take up to four accompanying children (ages 5-15) on the journey for £1 each.

Now available online – find out more and get yours.

National railcards

Whether you want to travel Standard or First Class, national railcards give a third off Anytime, Off-Peak and Advanced fares. Most cost just £30 a year.

Available railcards include:

16-25 26-30 Senior Two Together Disabled Persons (£20) Family & Friends

There is also a 16-17 Saver which offers even better savings.

Ticket Buying Tips

What type of ticket to buy.

On the Looe Valley Line, Off-Peak Day Return tickets for trips like Liskeard to Looe ( £5.90 ) are valid for journeys after 09 00 Mon-Fri and any time on weekends or Bank Holidays. Look up train times .

(For longer distance journeys you can save a lot of money by booking up to 12 weeks in advance).

Where to purchase

Buy your ticket online on the GWR app or website .

Or buy your ticket in person:

Liskeard station Liskeard station has a ticket office ( opening times ) and ticket machine.

If you are boarding at an unstaffed station that does not have ticket buying facilities you can buy your ticket on the train from the Conductor.

You can also buy at other stations on the national rail network that have a ticket machine or ticket office.

Ways to save

Devon & Cornwall Railcard If you live locally you and a friend can save a third on Off-Peak travel in the two counties. Just £12 a year. Read more

National railcards Get a third off many rail journeys nationwide. Most railcards cost £30 a year. Read more

Groupsave Groups of 3 to 9 people travelling together get a third off Off-Peak Day Return fares on GWR services. Read more

Cornwall Ranger Day ticket that provides Off-Peak rail travel in Cornwall and to/from Plymouth (plus the Tamar Valley Line). £16 Adult | £8 Child (5-15). Read more

Ride Cornwall Day ticket similar to the Cornwall Ranger but that also includes local bus travel. £18 Adult | £9 Child (5-15). Read more

Child fares Under 5s travel free and do not require a ticket. 5-15 year olds are half price.

Look Up Times on gwr.com

30 min journey.

Average each way

Hourly Departures

Mon - Sat, less frequent Sun

6-7 days a week

Sunday trains run April to October only. No trains 25-26 Dec.