To enter the region by motorway from the East, choose the M4, taken from the M25, which heads directly into the South West. If you're heading to the western part of the region, into Devon, join the M5 terminating at Exeter. The estimated direct journey time from London to Exeter is approximately 3hrs and 30 mins.
For deeper excursions into north or south Cornwall the driver can choose between the A30, crossing the top of Dartmoor and continuing on through Bodmin Moor, or the A38 which lies south of Dartmoor and continues further to coastal regions.
The M3 from London offers the chance to take a more leisurely drive to the South West once it joins the A303. The dual carriageway gives the opportunity to pass by Stonehenge – with stunning views of the landmark, and to continue on through small villages and market towns to destinations throughout the region.
From the Midlands and the North of England, the M6 followed by the M5 offers a superb link to the South West, entering the region at Gloucestershire's northern border to visit the Cotswolds, or pass by Bristol & Bath to go onward to Somerset, Devon, Dorset or Cornwall.
Useful links
For up to date traffic information and to plan your journey visit www.theaa.com
National Express Coaches supply regular services to all major cities in the South West and provide links to many of the smaller destinations that the traveller may like to reach. Many of the regions have local services that provide bus links to out of the way destinations and these can be found in local directories.
The South West is served by an excellent rail network covering the entire region. All major networks supply links to the region, and the mainline stations of Paddington and Waterloo both offer direct services from London. The Paddington service is both fast and direct with the fastest travel time to Exeter just over two hours. The route from Waterloo station travels through many county towns and provides a wonderful way to enter the region at more leisurely pace. Rail links from the North of England and the Midlands provide excellent high speed services to the South West with direct services passing through Birmingham New Street.
Useful links
Impartial information on planning journeys by bus, coach and train can be found
at www.pti.org.uk . This site
is particularly useful if you need to plan onward travel to reach smaller
towns or villages by public transport.
For further details on traveling by coach or rail to the South West, please
visit the travel page on our sister site www.visitsouthwest.co.uk,
where you will find links to providers operating services to the region.
The South West has a wide range of domestic and European air services from its main airports at Bristol, Bournemouth, Exeter, Plymouth and Newquay. Both Land's End and Penzance airports offer frequent flights to the Isles of Scilly. It is also possible to fly direct from London Gatwick to either Plymouth or Newquay airports.
Useful Links
For comprehensive information on flying to the South West please visit the
dedicated flight section on our sister site www.visitsouthwest.co.uk,
where you will find details of all available flights into the region.
