South Cornwall Public Transport
South Cornwall

Rail Services

Overview

The main line from Plymouth to Penzance has several stations close to the South Cornwall coast. There are main line stations at Saltash, Par, St Austell and Penzance. A branch line runs from Liskeard (on the main line) to Looe, known as the Looe Valley Line. There is also a branch line from Truro to Falmouth. Main line services run roughly every hour, and trains to Looe and Falmouth connect with most of these services during the daytime.

In addition, many of the rail stations between Plymouth and Penzance have good bus connections (often with through ticketing), to parts of the Cornwall coast. From Plymouth there is a bus connection to Kingsand, Cawsand, Portwrinkle, Looe and Polperro. From Liskeard and Looe there are bus connections to Polperro. From Par there is a bus connection to Fowey. At St Austell there are bus connections to Pentewan, Mevagissey and Gorran Haven. From Truro there are bus services to St Mawes, Portloe and the Lizard. From Penzance there are buses to Praa Sands, Porthleven, Porthcurno and Lands End.

Coastal Routes

The following places lists the rail stations and routes that are useful for accessing the South Cornwall coast. Places on or near the coast path are listed in bold. For the rail timetables, see the links below.

From To Walk Line Operator
Plymouth Devonport, Dockyard, Keyham, St Budeaux Ferry Road, Saltash, St Germans, Menheniot, Liskeard, Bodmin Parkway, Par, St Austell, Truro, Redruth, Camborne, Hayle, St Erth, Penzance Plymouth to Freathy, Fowey to Par, Par to Charlestown, Charlestown to Mevagissey, Penzance to Marazion, Penzance to Lamora The Cornish Main Line First Great Western, Virgin Trains, Wessex Trains and Arria Trains Wales
Liskeard Combe, St Keyne, Causland, Sandplace, Looe Portwrinkle to Looe, Looe to Polperro The Looe Valley Line Wessex Trains
Truro Perranwell, Penryn, Penmere, The Dell (Falmouth Town), Falmouth Docks Portscatho to Place House (for St Mawes and Falmouth), Falmouth to Helford Passage The Maritime Line Wessex Trains
St Ives Carbis Bay, Lelant, Lelant Saltings, St Erth, Penzance Penzance to Marazion, Penzance to Lamora The St Ives Line Wessex Trains

Operators

Most rail tickets (such as day returns) are valid on any of the train operators below. Some advance purchase tickets are limited to certain rail operators only (such as Virgin Value tickets).

First Great Western First Great Western run longer distance services between London Paddington and Newquay / Penzance. Most services call at the main stations though Cornwall. In addition First Great Western run a sleeper service between London and Cornwall and also a summer only Motorail service from London to Penzance.
Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales train run longer distance "Alphaline" trains from South and West Wales, the Midlands and North direct to Devon and Cornwall. These trains call at most main line stations.
Wessex Trains Wessex Trains run local services in Cornwall. These include some main line services and local services between Plymouth and Penzance. Wessex Trains also run the Liskeard to Looe, Truro to Falmouth and Plymouth to Gunnislake branch lines.
Virgin Trains Virgin Trains operate longer distance services from the Midlands, the North and Scotland to Plymouth and Penzance.
GNER GNER run special services between Newquay and the North East on Summer Saturdays, calling at Plymouth, Liskeard (for Looe) and Par (close to the coast path) on the way.

Timetables

Pre-Printed Timetables

Pre-Printed timetable booklets are available from all staffed stations around South Cornwall. Most larger stations are staffed (including St Austell, Par, Penzance and St Erth). In addition some of the rail operators have provided timetables for downloading on their web sites. See the links below

On-Line Timetables and Ticket Sales

There are several web sites which allow you to search for rail information, some also provide information on fares.

National Rail

The National Rail site has lots of information on the rail network, including a journey planner that gives the train times and fares, real time travel information and real time departure information for many stations. For the timetable, follow the link Planning Your Journey near the top left.

The TrainLine

The TrainLine.com provides timetable, train fare information and it allows you to book a ticket in advance (which can be picked up at some stations or delivered to your house). It does require you to register first though and has a habit of offering trains for which it lists no valid fare!.

Duetsche Bahn

Duetsche Bahn (the German rail operator) provides (in English) an on-line timetable for all UK rail services. It also offers a list of calling points for all the trains (rather than just where you need to change), a map of the route and will produce a personalised PDF (Adobe Acrobat file) of the timetable between any two stations.

Train Running

Rail Services in the UK sometimes suffer from delays and disruption, so it is useful to check for potential problems before setting out. National Rail Inquiries is a telephone line (open 24-hours a day) which can provide timetable and current train running information. The number is 08457 48 49 50. Calls are charged at the local rate.

There is also on-line train running information available updated frequently. The main site lists problems and disruption (current and cleared), for the whole UK. In addition current live arrival and departure information is available for main stations in the UK - those relevant to the South Cornwall Coast are listed below.

Bus Services

Overview

Bus services operate between many points on the South West coast path and also connect with major towns and cities and the National Rail network. The South Cornwall section has some good bus services operating to coastal towns, with many running frequently. The worst section is probably the area around Falmouth and the Lizard though even here there are daily services to the coast path. Some bus services run only during the summer or during the week only and may run different timetables at weekends. There are also some bus services which connect with the National Rail network, many with through rail - bus tickets available from stations.

The following table shows bus services in South Cornwall that can be used for accessing the coast path.

For more information on bus services, nationwide, call Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 or visit the Traveline South West site.

Please note - these timetables may be out of date, you are advised to call the operator or Traveline before travelling.

From To Walk Service No Operator Through rail tickets available? (via Station)
Bude Hillhead, Stratton, Newport, Launceston, Treburley, Callington, St Mellion, Saltash, St Budeaux, Milehouse, Plymouth Plymouth to Freathy X8 First Western National No
Plymouth St Budeaux, Saltash, Higher Burraton, Landrake, Tideford, Hessenford, Looe, Polperro Plymouth to Freathy, Portwrinkle to Looe, Looe to Polperro 72 First Western National No
Plymouth Stoke, Stonehouse, Devonport, Torpoint, Antony, Whitsand Bay, Cawsand, Millbrook, Insworke, Cremyll, Looe, Polpero Plymouth to Freathy, Freathy to Portwrinkle, Portwrinkle to Looe, Looe to Polperro, Polperro to Polruan 80(A,B), 81(A,B) First Western National No
Callington St Ive, Pensilva Victoria, Dartie, St Cleer, Liskeard, St Keyne, Duloe, Looe, Hannafore, Polperro Portwrinkle to Looe, Looe to Polperro, Polperro to Polruan 267 D A C Coaches NOTE - This service ends in early September. It will be replaced by Western Greyhound service 573 Yes (Liskeard)
Pelynt Trelawne, Polperro, Looe, Hessenford, Plymouth Plymouth to Freathy, Portwrinkle to Looe, Looe to Polperro, Polperro to Polruan 273 Hambleys Coaches No
Pelynt Polperro, Seaview, Pelynt, Looe, Pelynt, Polperro Portwrinkle to Looe, Looe to Polperro, Polperro to Polruan 279 Hambleys Coaches No
Polruan Lansallos, Polperro, Looe Portwrinkle to Looe, Looe to Polperro, Polperro to Polruan Polruan Bus Polruan Bus No
Lost Gardens of Heligan Mevagissey, Pentewen, London Apprentice, St Austell, Charlestown, Par, Fowey Polperro to Polruan (via Ferry), Fowey to Par, Par to Charlestown, Charlestown to Mevagissey, Mevagissey to Gorran Haven 25, 25B First Western National Yes (Par)
Newquay Trenance, Quintrell Downs, Summercourt, St Austell, London Aprentice, Pentewan, Mevagissey, Heligan Gardens, Gorran Haven Charlestown to Mevagissey, Mevagissey to Gorran Haven, Gorran Haven to Portloe 526 Western Greyhound No
Truro Tresillian, Probus, Tregony, Treviskey, Portloe, Veryan, Ruan High Lanes, Portscatho, St Just in Roseland, St Mawes Gorran Haven to Portloe, Portloe to Portscatho, Portscatho to Place House 50 & 51 First Western National Yes (Truro)
Penzance Long Rock, Marazion, Porthleven,, Helston, Falmouth Penzance to Lamora, Penzance to Marazion, Marazion to Praa Sands, Porthleven to Praa Sands, Porthleven to Mullion Cove 7 First Western National No
Cambourne Pool, Redruth, Penryn, Falmouth Helford Passage to Falmouth, Portscatho to Place House (via Ferry) 41 First Devon and Cornwall No
Falmouth Penryn, Devoran, Truro, Trispen, Mitchell, Quintrell Downs, Trenance Gardens, Porth, Newquay Helford Passage to Falmouth, Portscatho to Place House (via Ferry) 89, 90 First Western National No
Helston RNAS Culdrose, Mawgan, Gweek, Constantine, Trevera, Lamanva, Mawnan Smith, Helford Passage, Mawnan Smith, Budock Water, Falmouth Porthallow to Helford, Helford Passage to Falmouth, Portscatho to Place House (via Ferry) T4 Truronian No
Truro Carnon Downs, Flushing, Penryn, Lamanva, Mawnam Smith, Helford Passage, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth Porthallow to Helford, Helford Passage to Falmouth, Portscatho to Place House (via Ferry) T8 Truronian No
Truro Helston, RNAS Culdrose, Mullion, Mawgan, St Martin, Helford, Manaccan, Gillan, Porthallow, St Keverne, Tregellast Barton, Coverack, Kuggar, Ruan Minor, Cadgwith, Kynance Cove, Lizard Helford Passage to Falmouth, Porthallow to Helford, Porthallow to Coverack, Lizard to Coverack, Lizard to Mullion Cove T3 The Lizard Rambler Truronian No
Truro Helston, RNAS Culdrose, Gweek, Mawgan, Goonhilly Earth Station, Coverack, St Keverne, Goonhilly Earth Station, Mawgan Village, Gweek, RNAS Culdrose, Helston, Truro Porthallow to Coverack, Coverack to Lizard T2 Truronian Yes (Truro)
Perranporth Trevellas, Mithian Village, Barkla, St Agnes, Goonbell, Chiverton Cross, Threemilestone, Truro, Carnon Downs, Perranwell, Carnike, Porkellis, Wendron, Helston, RNAS Culdrose, Mullion, Kuggar, Ruan Minor, Lizard, Ruan Minor, Kuggar Lizard to Coverack, Lizard to Mullion Cove, Mullion Cove to Porthleven T1 Truronian Yes (Truro)
Penzance Long Rock, Marazion, Perran Downs, Perranuthnoe, Rosudgeon, Praa Sands, Ashton, Breage, Porthleven, Helston Mullion Cove to Porthleven, Porthleven to Praa Sands, Prass Sands to Marazion, Penzance to Marazion, Penzance to Lamora 2, 2A, 2B First Western National Yes (Penzance)
Penzance Newlyn, Drift, Paul, Sheffield, Lamora, St Buryan, Crows-an-Wra, Sennen Cove, Treen, Porthcurno, Lands End Penzance to Marazion, Penzance to Lamora, Lamora to Porthcurno, Porthcurno to Lands End 1, 1A First Western National Yes (Penzance)
Penzance Newlyn, Sheffield, Lamora, St Buryan, Treen, Porthcurno, Lands End, Sennen Cove, Kelynack, St Just, Tregeseal, Botallack, Pendeen, Morvah, Madron, Heamoor, Penzance Penzance to Marazion, Penzance to Lamora, Lamora to Porthcurno, Porthcurno to Lands End 345 Sunset Coaches (Tel 01736 810428) No

Frequent services operate to Plymouth from much of Devon and Cornwall, and between Penzance, Marazion and Newlyn.

Operators

Tickets purchased from one bus company are not normally valid on buses run by different companies.

First Western National First Western National are probably the biggest operator of bus services in Cornwall, running over most of the county. They have bus stations within the South Cornwall area at Plymouth, St Austell, Camborne and Penzance. Timetables are available from most bus stations in Cornwall, and tourist information centres. They publish complete Public Transport guides for Cornwall.
Truronian> Truronian run local services around Truro and the Lizard. These include the popular coast to coast service from Perranporth and St Agnes to The Lizard via Truro and The Lizard Rambler. Fares are reasonable and are normally displayed at the bus stop for most destinations. Timetables can be obtained from bus stations and Tourist Information centres in Cornwall.
Plymouth Citybus Plymouth CityBus run a network of bus services around Plymouth, for access to the coast path. For more information on Plymouth CityBus services, call 01752 222221
DAC Coaches DAC Coaches operate bus services in South East Cornwall, including services around Looe and Polperro. For more information, call 01822 834571
Western Greyhound Western Greyhound operates a large area network in and around North Cornwall, but also now operates a service to Mevagissey and Gorran Haven and soon to Looe. For more details on Western Greyhound services, call 01637 871871
Hambleys Coaches Hambleys Coaches run services around South East Cornwall, including the services between Looe and Polperro. For more information on their services, call 01503 220660
Sunset Coaches Sunset Coaches operate a bus service around the far west of Cornwall, around Porthcurno, Penzance, Sennen Cove and Lands End. For more information on their services, call 01736 810428.
Polruan Bus Polruan Bus run local services around Polruan. The service is however infrequent, so check before travelling. For more information call 01726 870719.

Timetables

Traveline Bus timetable information is available from the Traveline South West site, operators concerned, or from Traveline telephone information on 0870 608 2 608. Note that this number uses caller line identfication to identify the telephone number you are calling from and put you through to the local office covering your current area. To avoid this, withold your number by dialling 141 before the number, or call from a mobile. In this case you will get a menu option to chose your area. The website also includes a journey planner, and includes rail information.

Ferry Services

Since there are several river crossings on the South Cornwall coast, Ferries are required to cross them. The Ferry services which operate along the South Cornwall part of the path are listed below.

Plymouth to Cremyll

The Cremyll Ferry links Plymouth with Cremyll in Cornwall, crossing the river Plym. The ferry operates all year round during the day, at frequent intervals (except for Christmas and New Year). For more information, call 01752 822105.

Plymouth to Cawsand

This ferry services runs from the Barbican in Plymouth to Cawsand, running daily in the summer. For more information, call 01752 822514.

West Looe to East Looe

This very runs in high season, and is dependant on the tide and the weather. It is well signed if it is running. If not, the river can easily be crossed by the bridge a little further into the town.

Polruan / Bodinnick to Fowey

There is a pedestrian ferry from Polruan to Fowey and a car and passenger ferry from Bodinnick to Fowey. They run from early in the morning to late evening in the summer (less hours in the winter). Both services run all year round. For more information call 01726 870232.

Mevagissey to Polperro

This is a summer only ferry linking Mevagissey to Polperro, useful for longer walks on the coast path. For more information on this ferry, see the website at http://www.mevagissey-ferries.co.uk.

St Mawes to Falmouth

This ferry links St Mawes and Falmouth and runs all year round, weather permitting. It runs around every 30 minutes in the summer and every hour in the winter. For more information, call 01326 313201 or visit their website at www.stmawes-ferry.co.uk.

Flushing to Falmouth

Although not strictly on the South West Coast Path, a ferry operates frequently between Flushing and Falmouth. For details see the website.

Truro to Falmouth

A pleasant way to travel to Falmouth for the South West Coast Path is to take the Enterprise Boats ferry service from Truro to Falmouth.

Tolverne to Falmouth

This ferry service links Tolverne, in the Fal estuary to Falmouth. For more details see the Website.

St Mawes to Place

This ferry runs between St Mawes and Place (St Antony in Roseland) in the summer only, and normally runs around every 30 minutes. For more details, see the website.

Helford to Helford Passage

This is a summer only ferry linking Helford and Helford Passage. For more details, see the website.

Rover Tickets

Rover Tickets provide a way to travel on bus and train services for several days at a time, without having to purchase seperate tickets. If your in the area for a few days it is worth looking into.

Bus Only Rover Tickets

First Group Explorer

Are available for one, three and seven day tickets, and provide unlimited use of most First services in the south west.

Bus and Rail Rovers

Penwith Rover

This ticket is available in the Penwith area of West Cornwall. It allows the use of local bus services operated by First Western National and rail services between St Ives and St Erth and Penzance, operated by Wessex Trains.

Rail Only Rover Tickets

Two tickets relevant to the South Cornwall coast are available.

Cornish Rail Rover

The Cornish Rail Rover provides unlimited off-peak use of all national rail lines in Cornwall for and 3 in 7 days or any 8 in 15 days. It is also valid on the line from Plymouth to Gunnislake.

Freedom of the South West Rover

The Freedom of the South West rail rover provides unlimited use of all National Rail services in Cornwall and Devon, and onto many parts of Avon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset. It is available for 8 in 15 days versions (ie you can choose any 8 days out of 15 consecutive days to travel).

Maps

There are several public transport maps available for the South Cornwall area. Click one of the links below.


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