Getting There and Away

Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price, Sandra Frank
26/08/2025
Charming beachfront cabins overlook a serene beach and calm waters at dusk, perfect for a tranquil vacation.
Pixabay, Pexels

Lyme Regis is accessible via regional transport hubs, with Axminster serving as the nearest train station and Exeter, Bristol, and Bournemouth providing the closest airport connections. Major bus routes link the town to nearby larger centers.

By Train:

The closest railway station is Axminster, located approximately six miles from Lyme Regis. Direct train services from London Waterloo to Axminster are available via South Western Railway, with journeys taking around 3 hours 16 minutes and costing between £35-£95. From London Paddington, Great Western Railway offers services to Axminster in about 2 hours 22 minutes, typically costing £89-£91. Upon arrival at Axminster, local buses (X51 or X53) or taxis can complete the journey to Lyme Regis.

By Bus:

Local bus services, specifically the X51 and X53 'Jurassic Coaster' routes, connect Lyme Regis with Axminster, Charmouth, Bridport, Dorchester, and Weymouth. National Express coaches serve Dorchester, where a transfer to the X51 bus to Lyme Regis is required. Additionally, a new free 'Lyme Link' bus service will operate within Lyme Regis on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays starting May 7, 2025, to enhance local travel. Bus travel from Bristol to Lyme Regis, including transfers, takes approximately 3 hours 3 minutes.

By Car:

Lyme Regis is reachable by road, with routes such as the M3 from the South East and the M5, A31, and A35 from the North. Driving from London typically takes about 2 hours 56 minutes, with estimated costs ranging from £37-£53. Various car parks are available, including long-stay options at Charmouth Road and Holmbush, which accommodate motorhomes. A Park and Ride service operates from Charmouth Road during peak seasons (Easter, May Bank Holiday, Whitsun, summer holidays), running approximately every 15-20 minutes from 10 am to 7:30 pm.

By Air:

The closest airports include Exeter (around 20-22 miles), Bristol (around 50-52 miles), and Bournemouth (around 30-58 miles). Driving from Exeter Airport to Lyme Regis takes approximately 35 minutes; however, public transport links from Exeter Airport are not extensive, making car rental often the most convenient option for onward travel. Southampton Airport also serves the region and offers good rail connections for onward journeys.

By Ferry:

Ferry services from Europe and the Channel Islands arrive at Poole and Plymouth. From Plymouth Port, Lyme Regis is approximately a 1 hour 30-minute drive, or accessible via train to Axminster followed by a bus. From Poole Port, the drive to Lyme Regis is about 1 hour, or travelers can take a train to Weymouth and then the X53 bus.

Check out our other pages on Lyme Regis

Things to Do icon Things to Do Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays