Train
Driving
Newton Abbot to Hereford
Updated: 30 May 2026
The journey from Newton Abbot to Hereford spans approximately 240 km. You will primarily use the M5 motorway before transitioning to the A49 through the scenic Welsh Marches. Train travel requires a change at Bristol Temple Meads or Cheltenham Spa. The route takes you through the heart of the West Country into the historic cathedral city of Hereford. Expect a travel time of roughly 3.5 hours by car depending on traffic near Bristol.
Total Distance: 240 km driving distance; 195 km straight-line distance.
Fastest Way
Driving via the M5 and M50 is the fastest method, typically taking 3.5 hours.
Cheapest Way
Driving is the cheapest option for groups or families, costing approximately 50 GBP in fuel.
Compare Newton Abbot to Hereford Routes
|
Connecting
|
Direct
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 hours | 3 hours 30 mins |
| Avg Price | 70-120 GBP | 40-60 GBP |
| Operator | Great Western Railway | N/A |
| Route | Newton Abbot to Bristol Temple Meads, then to Hereford. | A38 to M5, exit J8 for M50, then A49. |
| Tip | Book via Trainline in advance to secure Advance Single tickets. | Avoid M5 J15-J17 during weekday rush hours to save 30 minutes. |
Travel Tips
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Fuel StopsFill up at Gloucester Services on the M5 for better prices than smaller rural stations.
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Train ChangesEnsure you have at least 20 minutes for your connection at Bristol Temple Meads.
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ParkingUse the Garrick Multi-Storey car park for central access in Hereford.
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TrafficThe A49 can be slow behind agricultural vehicles; plan for extra time.
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BookingAlways book train tickets at least 12 weeks ahead for the best fares.
Safety Tips
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Road ConditionsThe A49 is a single-carriageway road with many bends; drive with caution.
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WeatherCheck for flooding alerts in the Wye Valley during winter months.
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EmergencyKeep a physical map in your car as mobile signal can drop in rural Herefordshire.
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Night DrivingRural roads lack street lighting; use high beams carefully on unlit sections.
People Also Ask
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Is there a direct train?No, you must change at Bristol Temple Meads or Cheltenham Spa.
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How long is the drive?Approximately 3.5 hours under normal traffic conditions.
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What is the best road?The M5 to M50 and then the A49 is the most efficient route.
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Are there tolls?No, there are no tolls on this specific route.
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Is it scenic?Yes, the stretch through the Malvern Hills and Wye Valley is very picturesque.
Quick Info
- From Newton Abbot, Devon, United Kingdom
- To Hereford, Herefordshire, United Kingdom
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Modes
Best Time to Travel
May to September for clear visibility on the A49 and pleasant walking weather in Hereford.
Things to Do in Hereford
1
Hereford Cathedral
Home to the Mappa Mundi and the Chained Library. It is a stunning example of Norman architecture.
2
Black and White House Museum
A perfectly preserved 17th-century timber-framed building in the city center. It offers a glimpse into Jacobean life.
3
River Wye
Enjoy a scenic walk along the banks of the River Wye. It is perfect for photography and bird watching.
4
Old House
Visit this historic site to see authentic period furniture. It is located right in the heart of High Town.
Tags
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