Traveling from London to Cornwall is a long journey. We as a family of four have done it quite a few times, with small kids in tow. We’ve been visiting Cornwall every year around the May bank holiday, sometimes in summer or the autumn half term.

We normally stay either near Saltash – so the border of Cornwall and Devon or (lately) we go straight to Newquay as we started to really love that area. Having friends living there, we can catch up with them, Newquay is such a cool, surf town with board schools and a totally laid back vibe like Brighton, or even Santa Cruz (but cooler).

From both locations, it’s fairly easy to discover Cornwall – but here comes the first important point:

You NEED a car in Cornwall if you want to day trip

Whilst Cornwall is beautiful and it’s got a lot to see, unfortunately many of the attractions are impossible to access to without driving there. There are trains and buses between towns, but not to secluded beaches or to places to visit such as the Eden Project or the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.

Having said that, you can also rent a car once down there and take the train to get to your nearest main town.

One thing you can’t escape is parking, which can also be a challenge. Many popular spots can be crowded during peak times, and finding a parking space may require a bit of patience, this happened to us everywhere we wen from St Ives to Penzance, through Looe. Everywhere, there have been always an issue of too many tourists trying to visit the same place. It’s what it is, though, we just have to accept it.

So let’s crack on with the main topic: train vs car to get to Cornwall.

The Train Experience

Let’s start with the train. The journey from London to Cornwall is one of those rare experiences where the journey becomes part of the highlight. Trains depart from London Paddington and take you through some of the most beautiful countryside you can imagine.

Your train options are:

Great Western Railway (GWR) runs direct trains from London Paddington to Penzance, stopping at Plymouth, Bodmin Parkway, Par, Truro, St Erth, and Penzance. It takes about 5 hours.

There is also the Night Riviera sleeper train, that departs London Paddington at 23:45 and arrives in Penzance at 07:45 the next morning. It runs every day except Saturdays. The night sleeper stops at Plymouth, Truro, St Erth, and Penzance.

One of the biggest perks of traveling by train is the chance to relax. You can plop down with a good book, play card games, enjoy a picnic spread that you prepared earlier, or simply look out the windows or even have a nap. The train allows you to unwind before your holiday properly begins. Plus, with Wi-Fi on most services, you can catch up on emails or plan your itinerary as you travel.

However, there’s something to consider: train timetables. Depending on the time of year, train schedules can vary, and it’s always best to plan your journey in advance. That said, there are often direct trains that make the journey in under five hours, which is quite efficient. Just keep an eye on peak times; booking in advance can save you quite a bit of money too. And since we are at the considerations: luggage is another one. You can’t arrive with a car packed with surf gear, because you can’t take that on the train. However, there are plenty of places in Cornwall if you want to rent gear.

Plus, as I mentioned in the previous section: whatever travel method you choose from London to Cornwall, you will likely need to rent a car in Cornwall, especially if you’d like to day trip.

The Road Trip Adventure

On the flip side, traveling by car offers a different kind of freedom. The ability to stop whenever you like, take detours to charming little towns. Tavistock is our favourite stop on the way, but you can even stop for a few hours at Stonehenge, Bath or Glastonbury just to mention a few.

Driving also means you have your own space. You can play your favorite travel playlist, blast podcasts, or even have heart-to-heart conversations with your travel companions. There’s no need to adhere to a timetable — if you want to linger at a roadside café or tuck in to an ice cream by the coast, you can make that happen!

The roads in Cornwall get seriously busy during the 6 weeks of summer school holidays.  The worst days are Fridays and Saturdays, when thousands of holidaymakers arrive and depart on changeover days.

Your choices are the M5, or along the M3 and down the A30. We normally drive the second option.

M4 to M5 to A30

Take the M4 west from London, join the M5 south at Bristol, then exit at Exeter (junction 31) onto the A30. About 270 miles.

M3 to A303 to A30

Head southwest on the M3, join the A303 past Salisbury, and continue onto the A30 after Exeter. About the same distance as the other, but around Stonehenge it can be slow.

However, there are hurdles that come with driving. Driving 4-5 hours from London to Cornwall is no joke: it’s hard work for the driver(s). The A30 can become quite busy, particularly during peak holiday seasons. It’s essential to prepare for delays, as there can be significant traffic around Exeter and on the approach to popular beaches. If you decide to go this route, consider starting your journey early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the rush.

Weighing Your Options

So, what’s it going to be — train or car?

If you’re looking for a stress-free travel experience and a chance to kick back and relax, the train is undoubtedly a solid option getting to Cornwall. It’s minimal hassle. Bonus: it’s also more environmentally friendly! Once you are in Cornwall, like I mentioned earlier, it’s a different question.

If adventure, spontaneity, and the freedom to explore at your own pace are what you crave, then driving is ideal. The road trip experience can be part of the holiday, and nothing beats the discovery of hidden gems along the way. Plus, you’ll be able to carry all your gear without worrying about space restrictions. Just be prepared for that caffeine-fueled journey when you feel like you’ve been driving forever!