If you want to travel from London to Cornwall, then you might have seen that the Night Riviera train is an option. Here’s our guide to the Sleeper train to Cornwall. We’ll tell you what the train is like, when it runs and where it goes.

When and where does the Sleeper train to Cornwall run?

The Night Riviera train goes from London Paddington to Penzance in the far southwest of Cornwall. On the way, it stops at Reading (to pick up passengers only), Taunton, Exeter St Davids, and Newton Abbot. It then stops at Plymouth, Liskeard, Bodmin Parkway, Lostwithiel, Par, St Austell, Truro, Redruth, Camborne, Hayle and St Erth to drop off passengers. In the opposite direction, it picks up passengers at the stations in Cornwall and stops at Reading to let them off.

The Sleeper train to Cornwall leaves London Paddington at 23:45 on Monday to Friday nights, and 23:50 on Sundays. On the way back, it leaves Penzance at 21:45 on Monday to Friday, and 21:15 on Sundays. It doesn’t run in either direction on a Saturday.

When can I board the Sleeper train to Cornwall?

If you’re coming from London, the train does leave rather late in the evening. You definitely want to be on board by 23:45!

You can use the First Class lounge at London Paddington from 21:00, and you can board from 22:30. In the lounge, you’ll find a selection of drinks and snacks. The train usually leaves from Platform 1, which is near the Elizabeth Line entrance:

When you’re coming from Penzance, you can board 30 minutes before the train leaves. There are also dedicated Sleeper passenger lounges in Penzance and Truro, which you can access an hour before the train departs.

What’s it like on board?

On the Sleeper train to Cornwall, you have a choice of a berth or a seat. Here’s what it’s like in a berth. If you’re travelling in one, then an attendant will meet you at the carriage door. They’ll tick your name off the list, and show you to your berth. One of these berths can be occupied by either one or two people:

This is what it looks like when the berth is set up just for one person. You’ll find a power socket (with a USB port) next to the bed, as well as lighting controls. Next to the bed (to the right in the picture above) you’ll find a small sink to use when you lift up the table. The window has a blackout blind, too.

You can access your room with a key card (like you would in a hotel) and you can lock it from the inside. If you need to use the toilet, you’ll find two at the end of every carriage. None of the rooms are en-suite. When we travelled on this train though, this wasn’t a problem and we never had to queue for a toilet.

If you’re travelling in a berth, you also have access to a lounge bar. It’s a dedicated carriage where you can chill out and order drinks, snacks and light meals. If you prefer though, you can order room service as well.

Travelling in a seat? They’re in a 2+2 layout. Be warned though, they don’t recline and they’re similar to the seats on trains you’d use during the day.

Do I get any food on the Sleeper train to Cornwall?

Aside from the food in the lounge bar, you’ll get a free light breakfast if you’re travelling in a berth. When we travelled, this was a bacon sandwich and a hot drink.

The attendant will ask what time you’d like it to be served when you board the train.

Is there anything else I should know?

Here at Railsmartr, we know how difficult it can be to navigate the world of train tickets. Why not check out our pages on the best time to travel for cheap tickets and the best First Class train next?

Thinking of taking a trip soon? You can book it all with Railsmartr. We’ll be sure to show you the slower and cheaper options, so you can get the best value fare for your journey.

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