Every summer, hundreds of thousands of British families endure grueling 6-to-8-hour traffic jams along the M5 motorway and A30 trying to reach Cornwall. Flying into Cornwall Airport Newquay (IATA: NQY) from London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, or Newcastle and hiring a car cuts travel time to just over an hour, leaving you refreshed and ready for the beach.
Navigating Cornwall's Country Lanes
Cornwall’s coastal charm lies in its secluded fishing villages and rugged headlands. However, driving here requires adjusting to local rural conditions:
- Narrow Lanes with High Hedgerows: Rural B-roads leading to destinations like Port Isaac, Padstow, and St Ives are often single-track with blind bends. Choose a compact car rather than a wide executive saloon to make reversing into passing bays effortless.
- St Ives Parking Restrictions: Driving inside historic St Ives is heavily restricted in summer. Park at St Erth railway station and take the picturesque coastal branch line into town, or use the high-level Trenwith car park.
Airport Pick-Up Tip: Newquay Airport is a small, easy-to-use regional terminal. Car hire desks (Europcar, Hertz) are located right outside arrivals. With luggage in hand, you can be in your car and heading down the Atlantic Highway in under 15 minutes.