Is there a direct train?

No, you must change at Exeter and Birmingham.

How far is the station?

Bideford does not have a train station; you must bus to Barnstaple.

Yes, driving is usually faster than public transport for this route.

No, there are no toll roads on this specific route.

Use the multi-story car parks near Coventry station for long stays.

Bideford

Coventry

Train Driving

Bideford to Coventry

Updated: 29 May 2026

The journey from Bideford to Coventry spans approximately 320 km. You must first take the Stagecoach 21A bus to Barnstaple station. From there, board the Great Western Railway service to Exeter St Davids. Connect to a CrossCountry train heading north toward Birmingham New Street. Finally, take a local West Midlands Railway service to Coventry station.

Total Distance: 320 km driving distance, 265 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via the M5 and M42 is typically the fastest, taking roughly 4 hours 15 minutes depending on traffic.

Cheapest Way

Train, when booked as an Advance ticket, costs significantly less than last-minute walk-up fares.

Compare Bideford to Coventry Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours 30 mins	4 hours 15 mins
Avg Price	70-110 GBP	50-70 GBP in fuel
Operator	Great Western Railway and CrossCountry	N/A
Route	Barnstaple to Exeter St Davids, then to Birmingham New Street, then Coventry.	A361 to M5, then M42 and A45.
Tip	Book your tickets via the Trainline app at least 12 weeks in advance for the best fares.	Avoid the M5 near Bristol during Friday afternoon peak hours to save time.

Travel Tips

Station Transfer
Allow at least 20 minutes for your connection at Exeter St Davids.
Bus Timing
Check the Stagecoach 21A timetable as it is the only reliable link to the rail network.
Luggage
Use the overhead racks on CrossCountry trains as floor space is limited.
Wi-Fi
Most long-distance trains offer free Wi-Fi, but it can be intermittent in rural Devon.
Seat Selection
Reserve a seat on the Birmingham leg as these trains are often crowded.

Safety Tips

Night Travel
Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas of Coventry city center late at night.
Station Security
Keep your belongings in sight at all times in busy hubs like Birmingham New Street.
Road Safety
The A361 is a winding road; drive with caution during heavy rain or fog.
Emergency
Dial 999 for police or medical emergencies while traveling.