How to take the rail journey from London to Cornwall

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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
Travel Time (approx)

5hr 4min - 5hr 19min

Frequency

Daily

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)

Journey Summary:

Is the journey direct? = Yes


Is the journey scenic? =Yes, it is one of Europe's greatest rail journeys - see the Journey Information for images and videos, plus insights into making the most of the trip.


What other tourist destinations are located along this route? They include Exeter, Totness, Plymouth, St Austell and Truro


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at the destination? = before 11:45 on Monday to Friday (train takes a longer route via Bristol); around 12:15 on Saturday; after 13:30 on Sunday


When is the usual approximate latest departure? = after 18:00 on Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday; after 19:00 on Friday


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance? = Yes


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale? = 12 weeks; see the Ticket Information


What are the child ticket terms? = aged 5 to 15 = 50%; aged 4 and under = free


Does the ticket include assigned seats? = Depends on the type of ticket booked, but reservations are included with Advance tickets; See the Ticket Information


Do rail pass users need to book reservations? = No, but they are available.


Is catering available on the train? = Yes - There is a bar/bistro car: And complimentary at seat catering in 1st class, which typically includes a full meal service.


What else is good to know?

See the general guide to travelling in Britain by train.

Route Information

Option 2: travelling overnight
Travel Time (approx)

8hr 5 min - 8hr 59min

Frequency

Not Every Day

Travel Info

1 x train per night
except on Sundays

The Monday departure has the slower journey time.

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