Travel

The Highways Agency has a wealth of information that will tell you when roads are at their quietest and any roadworks to avoid. Live traffic information can be found on their website, on the digital radio station ‘Traffic Radio' or by calling their hotline - 08457 50 40 30

Checking your tyre pressures, driving at a slower speed, along with gentle braking and accelerating will help lower fuel costs and your carbon footprint.

Booking in advance (even the day before) saves money and guarantees a seat - particularly important if you're traveling down to the region on Friday afternoon / evening.

Be first in the queue for tickets by signing up to TheTrainline's ticket alert system.

Booking direct with the train operator means you can access their exclusive discounts visit: firstgreatwestern.co.uk and southwesttrains.co.uk

Eurostar (serving London St Pancras from Paris, Brussels & Lille) is also cheapest when tickets first go on sale (4 months before departure). Allow time to transfer from London St Pancras to London Paddington or London Waterloo for onward travel to the South West - at least 1 hour (1.5 hours when leaving the UK).

International visitors planning on making several long distance journeys should consider a Britrail pass.

The Night Riviera Sleeper is the most relaxing way of travelling to the region.
Operating every night (except Saturday) between London Paddington to Devon & Cornwall, you can choose a one (with TV!) or two bed compartment.
Tickets start at £49 one way for a 2 berth - see The Man in Seat 61 website for a tour.

Sit on the left of the train if travelling south beyond Exeter for spectacular coastal views.

Let others queue while you enjoy one of the many attractions close to routes into the South West.

Choose a scenic alternative to the motorway - the A303 offers views of Stonehenge, the A31 passes through the New Forest and the A40 enjoys great views of the Cotswolds.

Transport Direct provides a wealth of information on planning door-to-door journeys by public transport or car, but it's the added features that are impressive: plan a day trip; compare costs; calculate your carbon footprint; locate the nearest station or car park. You can also see live traffic information for all modes of transport in South West England.

AA Route Planner provides particular help for motorists including information on service stations, accommodation and restaurant options near to the route and speed cameras. Motorists may also find Google Maps useful for directions as it includes the option to view photos of road junctions (limited coverage at present).

Once you're on holiday in the South West you may find it easier to access travel advice by phoning Traveline - 0871 200 22 33. Why not add it to your contacts now? Travelline has the advantage of including all locations that bus drivers stop - not just official bus stops.

National Express and Megabus operate many services into the region, including from airports.

First Great Western operates most services in the region along with South West Trains (mainly east of the region) and CrossCountry (long distance services from the north)

The M5, M4, A303 and A 31 provide motorway and trunk road access to the region. See the travel tips below for improving your journey.

Plymouth - Routes from Roscoff (France) & Santander (Spain)

Poole - Routes from Cherbourg (France) & St Malo (France)

Weymouth - Routes from the Channel Islands & St Malo (France)

Bournemouth - Services from UK, Western & Eastern Europe

Bristol - Services from UK, Europe, North America & Africa

Exeter - Services from UK, Western & Eastern Europe

Newquay - Services from UK and Western Europe

Plymouth - Services from UK and Western Europe