With its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and abundance of attractions, Cornwall is one of the most popular holiday destinations in England. But its location in the far southwest means it can be quite a trek getting there, especially from major cities like London and Manchester.
So how long does it actually take to reach Cornwall? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at travel times and transportation options from both London and Manchester. You’ll discover the fastest and most scenic routes via car, train, coach, and plane.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or an extended holiday exploring all Cornwall has to offer, read on for essential info to help you get there swiftly and stress-free.
London to Cornwall: Journey Times and Transportation Options
Let’s start by examining how to get from England’s capital down to the stunning Cornish coasts.
Driving from London to Cornwall
The drive from London to Cornwall typically takes around 5-6 hours depending on traffic conditions and the exact route you take. The most direct route is via the M3, A303 and A30 which is around 283 miles.
You could also opt for a slightly longer but more scenic drive via the M3, M27, A31, A35 and A30 which passes closer to the south coast and is around 320 miles. Leave early to avoid heavy congestion around London and allow time for rest stops.
A big favourite when travelling at night is going via Bristol along the M4 then M5 before jumping onto the A30. Quite often it” show on Google Maps as quicker but since the government introduced average speed cameras along the M4 that’s slowed things down a lot more than the total time says.
Train from London to Cornwall
The train from London Paddington to Penzance is the main rail route into Cornwall, taking approximately 4-5 hours to cover the 317-mile journey.
There are around 25 direct train services running this route each day. Most are with GWR. Sit back and admire lovely countryside views from the window. Standard class advance tickets from £40.
You can also take the sleeper train, the Night Riviera, leaving London evening and arriving in Cornwall the next morning for about £70. Again you can upgrade to your room with a bed for another £80. I’ve even these drop down to about £50 depending on how far away the date is from traveling.
Coach from London to Cornwall
National Express and Megabus operate regular direct coach services from London to Cornwall, with the journey taking around 7-8 hours door-to-door.
The coaches depart from London Victoria coach station and provide budget-friendly fares from just £5 one-way if booked in advance. Recline your seat, watch the countryside roll by, and save your cash.
Flying from London to Cornwall
If you’re short on time, you can opt to fly from London airports like Stansted and Gatwick to Newquay Airport in around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Flights operate daily. Either with Eastern Airways or Ryanair. I’ve found flights for £20 with Ryanair to Stansted. Eastern flights normally average £40.
You’ll need to factor in transit time to and from the airports which is about another hour on the train from central London to both airports. While fast, flights are the priciest and least eco-friendly option.
Manchester to Cornwall: Best Transportation Options
For those venturing to Cornwall from England’s north, here are the main ways to cover the roughly 300 miles from Manchester down to the Cornish coasts.
Driving from Manchester to Cornwall
Driving directly from Manchester to Newquay takes around 5 hours 30 minutes. The most direct route is via the M6, M5 and A30 covering approx 300 miles.
Leave early to avoid traffic around Manchester and Bristol. Stopping at attractions along the way like Bath or Glastonbury can extend the drive time to 6-7 hours. Allow time for breaks and fuelling up.
Train from Manchester to Cornwall
There are no direct train services from Manchester to Cornwall, so you’ll need to change mid-journey, typically at Birmingham New Street or Bristol Parkway.
Total journey time is around 6-7 hours with standard advance fares from £56. Bring snacks and entertainment for the two train legs. Nothing beats a cheap Amazon Kindle Fire tablet.
Coach from Manchester to Cornwall
The National Express coach from Manchester to Newquay takes around 9 hours direct. You can find budget tickets from £5 in advance.
Pack entertainment for the long journey and recline your seat to snooze. While lengthier, it’s one of the most affordable ways to get there.
Flying from Manchester to Cornwall
You can fly from Manchester Airport to Newquay Airport in just 1 hour 10 minutes. Daily flights are available and fares are fairly reasonable if booked in advance. Such as the one in this picture below for £23. Easyjet is the cheapest though Loganair prices aren’t bad.
Again like flying from London, you’ll still need to budget time for airport transfers at each end. Overall, flights are the quickest Manchester to Cornwall option.
Tips for Reaching Cornwall Swiftly
- Leave early in the morning to avoid traffic congestion
- Book train/coach tickets well in advance for the lowest fares
- Consider flying for speed, but factor in airport transfer times
- Allow extra time in summer as roads are busier with holiday traffic
- Avoid Friday afternoons/evenings when weekend traffic is heaviest
- Stop overnight mid-journey to split up the travel if you have time
- Use traffic apps to stay ahead of jams and delays
- Fill up on fuel when stopping as petrol stations are sparse in Cornwall
- Bring food, water, and entertainment to make the journey comfortable
Top Attractions to Visit Once You Arrive
Made it to Cornwall? Here are some of the top attractions and destinations to explore once you arrive:
St Michael’s Mount
This iconic tidal island just off the coast near Penzance is topped with a medieval castle and gardens. Walk across the causeway at low tide or take a boat.
Eden Project
This huge geodesic domes house artificial biomes with exotic plants. Outdoor gardens and trails to enjoy too. A must-see!
Tintagel Castle
Immerse yourself in myths and legends at this atmospheric clifftop castle ruin steeped in Arthurian tales. Spectacular coastal views.
St Ives
A charming traditional seaside town with a sandy beach, quaint shops, cosy cafes, and the Tate St Ives gallery. Relaxing vibes.
Minack Theatre
Watch a show at this clifftop theatre with spectacular views over Porthcurno Bay. A unique outdoor theatre experience.
surfing beaches
Try your hand at surfing or just relax on famous beaches like Fistral, Watergate Bay, Polzeath and Newquay.
Historic Houses
Grand estates like Lanhydrock and Cotehele give you a window into Cornwall’s history. Don’t miss their gardens too.
Poldark Mine
Head underground at this tin mine-turned-museum. Experience Cornish history and the life of miners.
The Lizard
Discover quaint fishing villages, stunning clifftop hikes, and secluded coves on this beautiful peninsula. Area of natural beauty.
Start Planning Your Cornwall Adventure!
We hope this guide has clearly outlined how long it takes to reach Cornwall from major cities like London and Manchester. While it does require some travel time, the final destination is more than worth it!
Use the journey to relax and watch the countryside go by. With an abundance of transportation options, you can choose the right one to suit your budget, schedule, and priorities.
And with a massive array of attractions from stunning beaches to historic houses awaiting, spare no time once you arrive in getting out there and experiencing the best of Cornwall!
