How to Get to Burgh Island Hotel [2025 Guide]

🌴 Introduction to Burgh Island Hotel

Burgh Island Hotel is one of the UK’s most iconic Art Deco luxury retreats, sitting on a tidal island just off the coast of Bigbury-on-Sea in South Devon. Famous for hosting celebrities and inspiring Agatha Christie’s novels, this historic hotel offers an unforgettable stay.

But since it’s on a tidal island, many travelers wonder: how do you actually get to Burgh Island Hotel? Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through every option for 2025, including car, train, bus, and the famous sea tractor.

🚗 Getting to Burgh Island Hotel by Car

Driving is the most convenient way to reach Burgh Island Hotel.

From London: Around 4.5 to 5 hours (approx. 220 miles) via the M4, M5, and A38.
From Exeter: Around 1 hour 15 minutes (46 miles).
From Plymouth: Just 45 minutes (17 miles).

Once you reach Bigbury-on-Sea, you can park near the beach. When the tide is low, you can drive or walk across the sandy causeway. During high tide, the only access is via the hotel’s legendary sea tractor, which ferries guests across the waves.

Parking: Free parking is available for hotel guests.

🚆 Getting to Burgh Island Hotel by Train

If you prefer public transport, trains are a great option.

The nearest major train station is Totnes, about 19 miles (45 minutes by taxi) from Burgh Island.
Alternatively, you can use Plymouth Station (around 17 miles, 40 minutes by taxi).

From the station, you’ll need a taxi transfer, which costs around £35–£50 depending on the distance.

If you’re coming from London Paddington, direct trains to Totnes or Plymouth take around 3 to 3.5 hours.

🚌 Getting to Burgh Island Hotel by Bus

Taking the bus is slower but budget-friendly.

From Plymouth, you can take a bus towards Modbury or Kingsbridge, and then connect to local buses serving Bigbury-on-Sea.
Total travel time from Plymouth by bus: around 2–2.5 hours with changes.

Once you arrive at Bigbury-on-Sea, you’ll need to walk across the sand (if the tide is out) or take the sea tractor to reach the hotel.

Please click here to get best deals for this hotel and check reviews.

🚤 The Famous Sea Tractor Experience

One of the highlights of visiting Burgh Island is the sea tractor, the only one of its kind in the world. 🌊

Runs at high tide between Bigbury beach and the island.
The ride takes just a few minutes but offers spectacular views.
Cost: Complimentary for hotel guests (visitors pay a small fee).

If you arrive at low tide, you can simply walk across the sandy causeway.

🛩️ Getting to Burgh Island Hotel by Air

For luxury travelers, you can also arrive by air:

Exeter Airport is about 1 hour 10 minutes away by car.
Plymouth City Airport is currently closed, so Exeter remains the nearest.

From the airport, you’ll need to book a taxi or private transfer. Some guests even arrange helicopter landings on the island (pre-booking with the hotel required).

📌 Travel Summary Table

Mode of Transport	From London	Nearest Stop	Extra Transfer Needed	Time (approx.)
🚗 Car	4.5–5 hrs	Bigbury-on-Sea	Sea tractor (high tide)	£50–£70 fuel
🚆 Train	3–3.5 hrs	Totnes / Plymouth	Taxi to Bigbury	45 mins taxi (£35–£50)
🚌 Bus	6–7 hrs	Bigbury-on-Sea	Walk/sea tractor	£20–£30
✈️ Flight	1 hr flight + 1 hr car	Exeter Airport	Taxi/private transfer	£100+

🏖️ Final Tips for Reaching Burgh Island Hotel

Always check the tide times before planning your arrival.
If you’re arriving late, contact the hotel so they can arrange your sea tractor transfer.
For a stress-free journey, many guests book a train to Totnes or Plymouth, then a taxi.

❓ FAQs About Getting to Burgh Island Hotel

Q1: Can you drive directly to Burgh Island Hotel?
Yes, but only at low tide via the sandy causeway. At high tide, you must use the hotel’s sea tractor.

Q2: How much is the sea tractor to Burgh Island Hotel?
It’s free for hotel guests. Visitors may need to pay a small fee.

Q3: What is the nearest train station to Burgh Island Hotel?
The closest stations are Totnes (19 miles away) and Plymouth (17 miles away).

Q4: Can you walk to Burgh Island?
Yes, during low tide you can walk across the sand from Bigbury-on-Sea. At high tide, you must take the sea tractor.

Q5: How far is Burgh Island Hotel from London?
Approximately 220 miles—around 4.5 to 5 hours by car, or 3 to 3.5 hours by train to Totnes/Plymouth plus a taxi transfer.

✅ Conclusion: Reaching Burgh Island Hotel is part of the adventure—whether you arrive by car, train, or sea tractor, the journey is as unique as the destination. Plan ahead with tide times, book transfers in advance, and get ready for an unforgettable escape to one of Britain’s most iconic luxury hotels.