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How to get to Cornwall

Getting to Cornwall has never been easier. Gone are the days of inching your way along the motorway to the scenic goal of Cornwall. We now boast world-class transport links which make Cornwall accessible from all corners of the globe.


By Train
First Great Western operate high speed services from London Paddington, South Wales and the Cotswolds to Cornwall, including sleeper services from London Paddington. First Great Western also operate services on Cornwall's branch lines. Every weekend from May to September, and every day during July and August, direct, intercity rail services are available to Newquay (at other times you will need to change trains on the way, usually at Par or Plymouth). Cross Country Trains (Arriva Trains) operate some services into Cornwall from the Midlands, the North and Scotland.

Contact National Rail Enquiries for train times and fare information on 08457 48 49 50.

The First Group co-ordinate rail and bus services from stations. For bus link details telephone 08457 48 49 50. Park-and-ride schemes run in season at Liskeard (for Looe) and Lelant Saltings (for St. Ives).


By Coach
National Express serves Cornwall from destinations throughout the UK. Coaches travel to St Austell, Truro, Newquay, Falmouth, St Ives and Penzance. Connecting services to Cornwall are available from Bristol, Birmingham and London. To book call 08705 80 80 80* (*£1 booking fee applies, calls charged at 7.9p per min for BT users, mobiles and other networds may vary), click here or visit your local National Express outlet.


By Air
Newquay Cornwall Airport is one of the fastest growing regional airports in the UK linking Cornwall to major cities across the country as well as internationally.

You can currently fly to Newquay from Bristol, Dublin, Edinburgh, Isle of Man, Leeds/Bradford, London Gatwick, Manchester and Plymouth. New routes are always being added and from March you will be able to fly from Glasgow and Southampton to Cornwall, March and April onwards from Birmingham, Cork, Cardiff and Newcastle and from Belfast in May.

In 2008 you will also be able to fly to Cornwall from the following international locations: Alicante, Chambery, Dusseldorf, Geneva, Girona, Reus, St Brieuc.

For details of all the locations from which you can fly into Newquay click here.

The distance between the airport and Newquay town centre is about 6 miles, and takes approximately 15 minutes by car. Expect to pay about £12 - £15 by taxi, 7am - 11pm. Regular buses also operate from the Airport into town.

Car hire is available at Newquay Cornwall Airport through Europcar and Hertz or Cornwall Classic Car Hire who will meet you at the terminal. Airport transfers to and from Newquay airport are available through Cornish Celtic Tours who will meet and greet you from the terminal and offer that VIP service.

Please note: An airport development fee of £5 per departing passenger was introduced from October 2005 to help secure the future of Newquay Cornwall Airport. The Airport Development Fee will be collected at the airport. Children under the age of sixteen will be exempt.


By Road
The M4, M5 and M6 motorways have made travel to Cornwall simple and straightforward, while within Cornwall itself, the two major holiday routes, the A30 and A38 continue to improve with fast dual carriageways as far as Carland Cross, Mitchell and most of the way to Penzance. Follow the M5 to Exeter, after which you will either take the A30 or A38 into Cornwall, depending on your final destination. Alternatively, you can enter Cornwall via North Devon, then there is the Altlantic Highway, the A39, which you can join at junction 27 on the M5.

For help planning your route to Cornwall visit the AA Route Planner for a tailor made travel plan with timings and mileage. Alternatively try www.getmethere.co.uk.

For information on any possible delays or roadwork's throughout the UK or in Cornwall visit www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews.

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