London is a major transport hub and connects to the majority of destinations around the world. As England is a relatively small country, it is quick and easy to travel around.
Travelling from London to South West England
Share
ShareTravel by train
Travelling by train is the quickest way to get to the south west and the national rail network serves most major cities with ongoing links to regional services.
London Paddington station links London with popular destinations in the South West. Just two hours from London you can explore immerse yourself in the healing waters of Thermae Bath Spa, stroll through beautiful Cotswolds villages or indulge yourself on a shopping bonanza in Bristol.
Three hours from London and you can horse ride across Dartmoor National Park, explore Wells, the smallest city in England or go underground in the caves of Cheddar.
London Waterloo offers direct services to the south west of England. In around two hours you can walk in the footsteps of our Neolithic ancestors at Stonehenge or sip cocktails in a beachfront bar in Bournemouth. Journey a little further west and the stunning Jurassic Coast is just over three hours away.
Book in advance
Tickets for train travel are always cheaper in advance and tickets go on sale up to three months beforehand. If you need to buy a ticket on the day, avoid travelling at peak times (before 9.30am and between 4.30pm and 7.30pm) as this increases the cost significantly.
Travel by car
England's extensive network makes driving around England easy. Motorways and major roads link London to the South West and distances are relatively short. The M4 runs from London west to Bath and Bristol, joining up with the M5 for journeys to Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Main A roads join London with Wiltshire and Dorset.
Travel by bus
National Express and Megabus run regular intercity services from London to South West England. Bus journeys are often cheaper than taking the train but will take longer.