Conquering Cornwall: Your Epic Journey to St Ives from London
Ah, St Ives. The crown jewel of Cornwall, a seaside paradise with golden sands, charming coves, and enough pasties to feed a small army. But before you can slip into holiday mode and perfect your tanlines, you've gotta get there first. Fear not, intrepid traveller, for this guide will be your compass (or your satnav, whichever is more millennial).
Train: The Scenic Route (with a Side of Platform Snoozes)
Think dramatic coastlines flashing by your window, a chance encounter with a pasty-smuggling seagull, and enough legroom to practise your award-winning air guitar. Trains take around 5-6 hours, with a change at places like Exeter or Plymouth. Perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely journey and people-watching fellow adventurers. Bonus: There's no wifi on some routes, so you're forced to disconnect and actually talk to your travel companions (gasp!).
Top Tip: Pack a good book (unless your air guitar skills need serious honing).
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
Car: The Road Trip Royale (with Potential Traffic Jams)
Fancy a singalong with the radio and a pitstop at a roadside bakery that promises the "World's Best Sausage Roll"? Buckle up, because a road trip is calling your name! It's roughly a 5-hour drive, but be warned, traffic can be a beast, especially during peak season. Pros: Freedom! Blast your cheesy holiday playlist, make detours to explore hidden villages, and stock up on questionable souvenirs (we won't judge). Cons: You're in charge of the navigating (no snoozes on the driver!), and filling up the tank can put a dent in your pasty budget.
Top Tip: Download some offline playlists and podcasts to keep you entertained.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
Plane (and Bus): The Swift Escape (with a Touch of Confusion)
If you're short on time (or just really excited about those pasties), then flying to Newquay Airport followed by a bus journey to St Ives could be your answer. Flights take around an hour, and buses connect you to St Ives in roughly an hour and a half. Things to Consider: Beware of luggage restrictions and factor in travel time to/from the airport. Plus, there's the inevitable scramble for the best seat on the bus (window for the views, aisle for the legroom, the struggle is real).
Top Tip: Pack light and brush up on your map-reading skills (just in case).
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
Fancy a tipple? Unfortunately, you can't recreate the "Knight Rider" intro with your car on most British roads (health and safety, you know).
Still undecided? Well, that's the beauty of it! Choose the journey that best suits your travel style and budget.
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
How To Get To St Ives From London |
How to Get to St Ives: FAQs
How to get to St Ives by train? Trains depart from London Paddington Station, with a change at stations like Exeter or Plymouth. Journey time is around 5-6 hours.
How to get to St Ives by car? The drive takes roughly 5 hours, but factor in potential traffic delays.
How to get to St Ives by plane? Fly into Newquay Airport and then take a bus to St Ives (total journey time is around 2.5 hours).
How long does it take to get to St Ives? Travel time depends on your chosen mode of transport. Trains take 5-6 hours, driving can take 5 hours (with traffic variations), and flying + bus takes around 2.5 hours.
Is it easy to get to St Ives by public transport? Yes, trains and buses connect London to St Ives with ease.