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Night train from London to Penzance
Travel on the overnight sleeper from London and arrive in Penzance the following morning
The Great Western Railway 'Night Riviera' overnight sleeper service travels from London Paddington to Penzance, Cornwall.
The cabins have plug sockets, USB sockets, a sink with a tabletop, wardrobe and storage space under the bottom bunk (which converts into a sofa), plus there's an onboard lounge bar serving alcoholic drinks and snacks. Those travelling first class can use GWR's first class lounges (including showers) at Paddington, Penzance and Truro.
Pets (cats, dogs, and other domestic pets) can be taken – up to two can join you on board without having to pay for travel. However, GWR do charge a cleaning fee of £30 a cabin which will need to be paid on the night.
Operator: Great Western Railway
Timetable: Departs 11.45pm (you can board the train from 10.30pm), arrives Penzance 7.50am. The service runs six days a week from London Paddington Railway Station to Penzance Railway Station and takes just over 8 hours (8 hrs 5mins) on weekday services, and just under 9 hours (8 hrs 59mins) on Sundays (always check with the operator for the latest timings when you book and before boarding) calling at the following stations:
Reading (pick up only at 12.49am)
Taunton 2.37am
Exeter St Davids 3.07am
Newton Abbot 4.32am
And the following stations set down only: Plymouth 5.10am, Liskeard 6.05am, Bodmin Parkway 6.19am, Truro 7.01am, Lostwithiel 6.26am, Par 6.34am, St Austell 6.43,am, Truro 7.01am, Redruth 7.17am, Camborne 7.24am, Hayle 7.34am, St Erth 07.39am.
Penzance: 7.50am
Sleeping arrangements:
Seats: no extra charge: just book your train ticket in the normal way.
Single cabin: includes use of first class lounges and showers at Paddington, Penzance and Truro. Cost a supplement to normal train ticket from £49 per cabin (2025 prices).
Twin cabin: Cost a supplement to normal train ticket from £59 per cabin
(2025 prices).
Tickets for the London to Penzance night train are provided by GWR.
Tickets for UK rail travel provided by Train Hugger - for every train ticket bought, they plant a tree in the UK.
How to book train tickets as part of a package with accommodation
If you want someone to book the whole journey for you or combine it with staying in hotels en route, get in touch with the travel agent Byway through its page for concierge support.
Photos: Great Western Railway
On Arrival in Penzance:
One of the great things about the Night Riviera service is that you can use it to connect with the ferry service from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Penzance railway station to the check-in at Penzance Harbour for the Scillonian ferry departure to Hugh Town on St Mary’s; just enough time to grab yourself a pasty and set off for one of the best flight-free adventures in the country.
