How to Get to Cornwall From London Guide: 11 Tips & Tricks for Your Budget

How to get to Cornwall from London? You have a few different options when it comes to visiting one of the most beautiful parts of the UK from London.

You’re going from a big city to a more remote place, so the travel may take a little longer than visiting other parts of the UK. But in the end you’ll be rewarded with stunning coastline, beautiful beaches, and friendly Cornish villages.

Let’s explore three options to travel from London to Cornwall: by car, by car + train, and by public transport. I’ve included tips and tricks for each so you can make the most of your travel budget.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links to trusted travel partners.

How Far is Cornwall From London?

Cornwall is roughly 283 miles from London, which is quite a distance when you’re traveling in the UK. It may be more or less depending on where you’re coming from and where your destination is.

How Long Does it Take to Get from London to Cornwall?

This totally depends on your transportation method, where you’re going in Cornwall, and where you’re coming from in London. But here are some estimates:

  • London to Cornwall by Train: About 5 hours, if a bigger city in Cornwall is your final destination.
  • London to Cornwall Drive: 6+ hours, depending on traffic, destination, and number of stops.
  • London to Cornwall Train plus Car Rental: 4-5 hour train (such as to Redruth or Truro), then a 1 hour drive continuing on to other destinations in Cornwall.

Where Should I go in Cornwall?

There’s so much to see and explore in Cornwall, it’s not all doable in one weekend (or even one week!). It’s best to pick a few destinations close together and explore that area.

St Ives, Cornish Coast. Photo by London in Real Life.

Suggested Cornwall Itineraries:

  • St. Ives and Penzance, for exploring beautiful seaside towns. This is the best option if you don’t want to rent a car as both are easily accessible by train and bus.
  • The Lizard Peninsula: Kynance Cove, Poldhu Beach, Kennack Sands, & more. This is best if you have a car and can easily navigate to gorgeous remote beaches. The rugged coastline of Cornwall is beautiful!
  • Truro and Falmouth: for exploring beautiful coastlines with historic castles, nature preserves, and quaint towns and villages. This is doable both with a car or without, though without a car you’ll most likely want to stick to the towns and cities.

Let’s explore these transport options and itineraries in more detail.

Option 1: How to Get to Cornwall from London by Car

A road trip from London to Cornwall promises an unforgettable adventure filled with scenic vistas and the freedom to explore at your own pace. This is definitely the most flexible option, but it has its pros and cons. 

Pros of the London to Cornwall Road Trip 

✅ Go at your own pace and take scenic detours along the way, like Stonehenge, Bath, and  Highclere Castle. See historic manors, ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and epic coastlines. 

✅ You’ll have a car once you get to Cornwall, which is the easiest way to explore once you’re there. 

✅ Renting a car in London is easy and there are lots of choices, from cute Mini Coopers to larger SUVs fit for a family. 

Cons of the London to Cornwall Road Trip: 

❌ It’s a long drive, especially with traffic. It can take all day, so if you only have a weekend, this is not the route for you. 

❌ The price of petrol is astronomical, even if you have a fuel efficient car (I spent over £100 on petrol driving a tiny Fiat hybrid to Cornwall). 

❌ There may be road tolls, depending on your route. 

❌ The roads are narrow, hilly, and full of blind corners in Cornwall. If you’re a nervous or inexperienced driver, this is a tension-filled journey. 

💰 Prices: London to Cornwall Road Trip

  • Car Rental: ~£200 for a summer weekend
  • Petrol: ~£100+
  • Snacks and drinks: £30+

London to Cornwall Road Trip: Tips

📣 Be patient. Especially during summer weekends, traffic will be difficult. Plan to make lots of stops to rest and recalibrate. 

📣 Most car rentals in the UK are manual transmission (stick shift). If you’re not comfortable with this, make sure to book an automatic car. Automatics may cost more since they are rarer. 

📣 Plan your route to see incredible sights along the way! There’s so much to see. 

Option 2: How to Get to Cornwall from London by Train + Car

For those who prefer a more relaxed start to their journey, combining a train ride with a rented car is an excellent choice, and may work out to be cheaper, depending on your destination and train fares. 

Pros of London to Cornwall Drive + Train

✅ There are tons of train options! You can take an affordable train to any of the larger cities in Cornwall from London. 

✅ Get an easy start to your journey with a relaxed train ride. It can take you most of the way there quickly, then getting a car the rest of the way allows you to explore at your own pace. 

✅ Flexibility: you can take the train to anywhere near where you want to go, and pick up a car from there. 

✅ Having a car at your disposal grants you the freedom to visit Cornwall’s less-touristy gems and hidden coastal spots.

Cons of London to Cornwall Drive + Train

❌ Some destinations won’t have many cars available. Try for a larger town or city that has car rental near the station. 

❌ Cornwall driving involves narrow roads, blind corners, and hilly streets. If you’re not comfortable driving in the UK, this may not be the best place to start. 

London to Cornwall Drive + Train: Best Places to Arrive by Train

💰 Prices: London to Cornwall Drive + Train

  • Train fare: £20-£60, depending on how far you take the train, availability, and time of year. 
  • Car rental: £200 for a summer weekend, less for other times of year
  • Petrol: £50-£100, depending on how much driving you do
  • Road Trip Snacks and Drinks: £20-£30, depending on how much time you spend in the car 

London to Cornwall Train & Car Combo Tips

📣 Take the train as far as you can, especially on a summer weekend. That way you can avoid as much traffic as possible. 

📣 Find direct trains when possible, and always check for train disruptions before your journey.

📣 Make sure your car rental is near the train station. In smaller towns, this may not be available. 

Option 3: How to Get to Cornwall From London by Public Transport

If you prefer eco-friendly and budget-conscious travel, the combination of trains and public transport within Cornwall is a fantastic choice. It may take longer once you’re in Cornwall, but saving money is a big plus! 

London to Cornwall by Train & Public Transport: Best Routes

Public Transport in Cornwall: Once in Cornwall, rely on the extensive network of buses and trains to explore the county. Keep in mind these are not London buses: they will take longer driving winding country roads and don’t come very often. 

Trains within Cornwall only run between larger cities and not within the countryside. 

Pros of London to Cornwall by Train & Public Transport

✅ Scenic Train Rides: Experience the beauty of the English countryside from the comfort of a train carriage.

✅ This option is the most budget-friendly since you won’t be renting a car. 

Cons of London to Cornwall by Train & Public Transport

❌ Once you get to Cornwall, transport is more limited. Depending on what you want to see, bus routes will take a while. Trains within Cornwall are limited. 

❌ Getting to more remote beaches may be difficult or take a long time.

❌ Cell reception in Cornwall is spotty; make sure to download maps before you venture out. 

💰 Prices: London to Cornwall by Train & Public Transportation

  • Train from London to Cornwall: ~£40-£60, depending on route and availability
  • Transport within Cornwall: £7 per day cap

London to Cornwall by Train & Public Transport: Tips

📣 Plan, plan, plan. Make sure you know all the places you want to see in Cornwall and how you’ll get there. Google maps is great for planning public transport options. 

📣 Unless you’re in a larger city like St Ives, Penzance, or Truro, don’t rely on cell reception. In more remote places, you may not have a signal to call a taxi or see the bus schedule.

📣 Have patience! Cornwall buses are not London buses. You’ll have to wait quite a while.  

How to Get from London to Cornwall: Final Thoughts 

Me, exploring Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula.

No matter which option you choose, embarking on a journey from London to Cornwall promises a memorable adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences. It’s one of my favorite places in the whole of the UK, and it’s great for a lovely break from the hustle and bustle of London.

So, download your maps, pack your bags, and set off on an extraordinary adventure to discover the beauty of Cornwall. Happy travels!

More on Trips from London

Kennack Sands Beach: Is it the Best Beach for Kids in Cornwall? 

10 Things to Know about Visiting Stunning Poldhu Cove

Kynance Cove in Cornwall: 10 Must-Read Tips before Visiting 

Visiting Greenwich with Kids: 5 Things That Adults Will Love, too! 

The Perfect Day out in Cambridge: 7 Things you Have to See 

Is Solo Travel Boring? 5 Reasons You Should Travel Alone ASAP

Trip from London to Amsterdam: 4 Ways to Get there for Every Budget

Center Parcs Zandvoort Review: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Booked

Similar Posts