The Most Scenic Rail Journeys in Cornwall
Cars are convenient, but there’s always something special about arriving at a destination by train. Here in Cornwall, there are some simply beautiful railway journeys, both along the coast and across the countryside. You can relax and enjoy the journey, free from any concerns about traffic queues and busy car parks.
We’ve gathered together some of the most scenic rail journeys in Cornwall, all of which can start at our local transport hub, St Erth.
Introducing St Erth
St Erth is a mainline station just off the A30 at Rose An Grouse, near Hayle. The recently built 550-space park and ride car park at St Erth has made this once-small station a transport hub for West Cornwall, with regular bus services as well as GWR and CrossCountry trains.
It’s best-known as the mainline connection point for the beautiful branch line to St Ives, but if you’re staying in the area, St Erth is also your gateway to all the other journeys in this guide. Wherever you’re based in West Cornwall, this is the easiest place to pick up a mainline train.
With a cafe, loos and accessible platforms, St Erth railway station is as practical as it is pretty (the planting here is always especially lovely)
St Erth to St Ives
Taking the train to St Ives is definitely a good idea – the popular town is known for its historic cobbled streets, narrow lanes and busy car parks. As a bonus, the branch line between St Erth and St Ives is one of the most beautiful rail routes in the country. Buy a day ticket, you’ll thank yourself later. The 11-minute ride is over before you know it, and it’s far too beautiful to only experience once.
The bird-filled estuary curves into the most stunning sweep of Caribbean-bright beach, and you’ll hug this lovely coast until you arrive at your destination, just above the perfect Porthminster Beach. Head straight for the sands or the beach cafe, fresh and stress-free from your journey.
Travellers’ tip: if you’re staying in Carbis Bay or Lelant, make the train your default way of getting into St Ives. It’s cheap,quick and easy, and in the summer, there are almost 30 trains a day. Before you go hurtling past, just be aware that Lelant is now a request stop.
St Erth to Penzance
This isn’t one of Cornwall’s classic rail journeys; however, if you have a toddler who’s desperate for a train ride, this ten-minute trip is perfect. You’re also rewarded with sweeping views of Mount’s Bay, which suddenly opens out after a couple of minutes’ travel. Penzance railway station is near the centre of town and a short walk from the Jubilee Pool and harbour.
Travellers’ tip: Sit on the left hand side for the best sea views, and enjoy the glorious Kurt Jackson artwork at Penzance railway station.
Truro to Falmouth
Parking in Falmouth can be tricky in the height of the season. Again, hand the hard work over to the railways, and pick up the regular Maritime Line from Truro to Falmouth. This pretty branch line passes through some lovely Cornish countryside, arriving in the university town after about 25 minutes. If you want to make the journey completely car-free, take the train into Truro rather than driving.
Travellers’ tip: grownups with time on their hands might like to do the Maritime Line Rail Ale Trail, stopping off to get stamps (and beer) at some gorgeous local pubs.
Par to Newquay
This is another handy branch line that cuts out the need to park, and like the St Ives route, it’s an absolutely lovely journey. It’s about 54 minutes direct from St Erth to the mainline station at Par, then it’s a further 45 minutes into Newquay along the historic Atlantic Coast Line.
You’ll pass through the lush Luxulyan valley and travel across Goss Moor, then brace yourselves as the Atlantic sweeps into view as you arrive at Newquay. The town railway station is close to Great Western Beach (the clue’s in the name) as well as the town centre shops, bars and restaurants.
Travellers’ Tip: one for future reference. This route will form part of the Mid Cornwall Metro, which is due to open in 2026 and will connect the Atlantic and Maritime lines with a coast-to-coast route from Newquay to Falmouth Docks.
Looe to Liskeard
Here’s another longer route for rail travel enthusiasts, along the lovely Looe Valley Line. As always, you can start out from St Erth and enjoy an easy ride along the main line to Liskeard. Here you’ll pick up the branch line to Looe, a 28-minute trip that connects these two historic towns.
During this half hour, you’ll pass through some wonderfully varied landscapes. The early woods open out into estuarial views, and if you love looking for birds, the train makes a good viewing platform for egrets, oystercatchers and curlews.
Travellers’ tip: if you can, aim to be travelling along the stretch between Sandplace and Looe at high tide – absolutely beautiful.
Crossing the Tamar
Fancy a big day out in the city? It’s typically an hour and three-quarters from St Erth to Plymouth by train, and this lively port city is a great place to spend the day while you’re on your Cornwall holiday (shopping and the aquarium feature highly on most To Do lists).
As you approach Plymouth from Saltash, you’ll have the absolute joy of crossing the River Tamar on Brunel’s magnificent Royal Albert Bridge. The views up and down the river are spectacular, and there’s a real sense of occasion when you cross the Tamar by train.
Travellers’ tip: if you want to say you’ve ridden the whole length of Cornwall by train, get on at Penzance rather than St Ives. Sit on the right for the sea views.
Book your railway holiday in Cornwall
Here at Cornish Escapes, we have a wide selection of luxury holiday cottages within easy reach of St Erth railway station. Get here, park your car, then let the train do the rest!