Travelling to Devon: Your Complete Guide by Train, Road, Coach, and Air
By Train
Devon is well served by trains from all over the country, and many of the routes are very picturesque - it's a great way to travel. The two main lines into the county are the Paddington line and Waterloo line served by Great Western Railway and South Western Railway respectively. Main stations include Tiverton, Exeter St. Davids, Newton Abbot, Totnes and Plymouth.
By Car
Devon is easy to reach by road - the M5 runs into Exeter and has excellent links with other major motorways including the M4 which can be joined at Bristol.
Major A roads linking the M5 include the North Devon link road (A361) serving North Devon from junction 27, the A30 serving Okehampton and West Devon from junction 31 and the A38 and A380 serving Plymouth and Torbay respectively (a continuation of the M5 at junction 31).
If you are travelling from the south and east and prefer a more scenic route, you can follow the M25/M3, then the A303/A30.
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By Coach or Bus
Devon is also easily reached by bus or coach, as National Express services arrive from all over the country. Main National Express stops in Devon are Exeter, Tiverton and Plymouth in the southern half of the county and Bideford, Barnstaple, Westward Ho! and Ilfracombe in the northern half.
By Air
There are flights from many UK airports to Exeter International Airport including Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds/Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich and the Channel Islands.
There are also flights from international airports - major hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Dublin, and regional airports including Geneva, Brest, Dubrovnik, Faro and Salzburg. There are also long-haul flights from Toronto.
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FAQ's
How can I travel to Devon from London or other major cities?
You can reach Devon easily by train, car, or coach. Direct trains run from London Paddington and Birmingham to Exeter, Plymouth, and Torquay, while the M5 motorway and A30 offer convenient driving routes.
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Which airports are closest to Devon?
Exeter Airport is Devon’s main hub, with domestic and European flights. Nearby airports include Bristol and Newquay for additional international routes.
Are there public transport options within Devon?
Yes, Devon offers trains, buses, and local ferries connecting popular spots such as Exeter, Torbay, and Barnstaple.
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Do I need a car to travel around Devon?
Having a car in Devon offers the most flexibility for exploring rural areas, scenic drives, and hidden beaches. Public transport covers main towns and cities, but many attractions, especially in Dartmoor and North Devon, are best reached by car.
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Are there scenic drives or routes worth taking?
Yes! Highlights include the Atlantic Highway (A39) along North Devon’s coast, and Dartmoor’s moorland drives with panoramic views.
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