WHY does this London to Cornwall train take 8 hours?
The GWR Night Riviera sleeper train is honestly, my favourite train in the UK.
But when I’ve posted about it, quite a lot of people seem perplexed!
Why does it take eight hours, when driving takes 5.5 (note: this is on a good run, it can take much longer).
There are a few other questions people have asked as well.
So I thought I’d put them all together in this blog post, for ease!
How long does the GWR Night Riviera take?
The GWR Night Riviera takes 8 hours and 9 minutes to travel from London Paddington to Penzance, its final destination.
Why does it take so long?
The journey is designed to be a comfortable overnight service, giving passengers time to sleep rather than arriving in the middle of the night. Several factors contribute to the length of the journey:
- The train runs at a slower speed overnight to avoid disturbing towns and villages.
- Older locomotives are used, which operate at a lower speed than high-speed trains.
- Other routes, particularly daytime passenger services and freight trains, take priority on the tracks.
- If the train ran faster, passengers would arrive at their destinations at inconvenient hours—most people don’t want to be getting off at 4 or 5 AM!
How much does it cost?
The price of a Night Riviera ticket varies depending on demand. A standard single fare with a cabin reservation can cost around £127, but prices increase during peak seasons.
- Railcards cannot be used for sleeper cabin tickets.
- Prices fluctuate based on availability, so booking in advance is recommended.
I explain a bit more in my TikTok video:
@clairesfootsteps Not too expensive! 💰 For transport, a nights accom, breakfast and snacks I honestly don't think the London to Cornwall night train is TOO bad. But it can go up ⬆️ in peak season! Would you take the GWR Night Riviera?
♬ Make It Better (Instrumental) – Anderson .Paak
What is included in your ticket?
If you book a cabin, your ticket includes:
- A bed in a private room.
- A hot drink and snack in the evening.
- Breakfast in the morning.
- Access to the First Class lounges at London Paddington, Truro, and Penzance, all of which have shower facilities.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Night Riviera, but there is a £30 surcharge for bringing a pet in a cabin.
Where does it stop?
After Exeter St David’s, the train stops at all main stations in Devon and Cornwall, including:
- Newton Abbot
- Plymouth
- Liskeard
- Par
- St Austell
- Truro
- Redruth
- St Erth
- Hayle
- Penzance
How do you get around when you arrive in Cornwall?
Cornwall has several transport options to help you explore:
- Walking and Cycling: Cornwall has scenic coastal paths and cycle routes, ideal for exploring the landscape at a slower pace.
- Trains: The county has a small but useful rail network, with branch lines to destinations like St Ives, Falmouth, and Newquay.
- Buses: Local and long-distance buses connect towns and villages, with services operated by Cornwall by Kernow and First Bus.
- Taxis: Available at major stations, but pre-booking is recommended, especially for rural areas.
- Car Hire: Rental services are available in Penzance and Truro for those wanting to explore further.
You can read more about my experience on the train here.
To book the GWR Night Riviera (and for up to date pricing), head to the website.
