The train journey to St Ives has to be one of the most scenic in Britain.

Enjoy the spectacular views from the train window as the line sweeps along the coast past the golden sands of Hayle Towans and Carbis Bay before arriving in St Ives. Then head for the beach, explore the harbour or wander the shops and art galleries.

Discover this scenic train ride with The Arts Society as your travel companion. Download the Trail of Discovery and get ready to window gaze and spot hidden gems along the route from your train seat. Download the St Erth to St Ives Trail here and find out more about the trail series here.

Highlights

Great views from the train window

Stop off at Carbis Bay's glorious beach

Enjoy St Ives' art galleries and restaurants

Find out more

Local line website

St Ives Bay Line - 20 second highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od53m7gEEMY

Getting there

Train/bus Car Plane

Park at the St Erth station Park & Ride (TR27 6JW) from where you can join the train to St Ives. Read more about the Park & Ride.

St Erth is on the Cornish Main Line. Visit by train from any station in the country. Look up local bus links at www.traveline.info.

The nearest airport is Cornwall Airport Newquay. Visit www.traveline.info to look up bus links from the airport.

Route

St Erth - St Ives

Cost

£4.00 Off-Peak Day Return

Opening times

7 days a week | all year

Journey time

10min

Distance

4 miles | 7km

Time from London

5:15 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Suggested itinerary

FROM LONDON:

Take the high speed Great Western Railway train from London Paddington to Penzance. Trains leave regularly throughout the day (look up times). The journey takes approximately five and a half hours. A sleeper service is also available.

On the way you will pass through the spectacular coastal route at Dawlish and over Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge as you travel into Cornwall.

Book your London-Penzance ticket on the Great Western Railway website up to 12 weeks in advance. On-the-day fares are usually significantly more expensive.

STAYING OVER IN PENZANCE:

Penzance is a great base for exploring the St Ives Bay Line, St Michael’s Mount and the beautiful beaches of the far South West.

> Accommodation in Penzance

> Restaurants

> Things to do

THE TRAIN FROM PENZANCE TO ST IVES:

At Penzance station (TR18 2LT), buy your ticket to St Ives. There’s no need to book in advance – it costs the same if you buy it on the day. Look up times.

Get off at St Erth (the first stop) and change on to the St Ives Bay Line. Then sit back and enjoy the beautiful 10-minute ride into St Ives as the train hugs the coastline.

> Accommodation in St Ives

> Restaurants

> Things to do