How to get to Barnstaple

How Do You Get to Barnstaple?

Getting to Barnstaple for your holiday in North Devon is really easy and with the advent of the new bridge across the Taw, getting around Barnstaple is a whole lot easier and congestion has eased significantly in recent years.

The majority of travellers will arrive from on the A361 North Devon Link road accessed from Junction 27 on the M5.

Alternative and less common routes include the A39 from Bideford and Cornwall, the A361 from the Braunton direction and the A39 from Exmoor, Lynton and Blackmoor Gate. The majority of traffic now avoids the town centre and uses the link road and new bridge to access destination roads.

The town centre is clearly signposted from all directions, only use town centre routes though if that is your destination, it will not be a faster route than the A361 even if your Sat Nav is telling you so. There are several car parks in the town centre, the Cattle Market car park by the library being the most central. Green Lanes car park is also popular and covered with easy access to the shopping centre. There is also plenty of parking at the Leisure Centre which is cheaper for long stay but includes a walk over the bridge into the centre of town. The vast majority of car parks charge the same price.

Barnstaple to Braunton

Travel time: It takes 14 minutes to drive from Barnstaple to Braunton

Public transport: The 21C bus from Barnstaple to Braunton takes between 19-21 minutes

Driving: To drive from Barnstaple to Braunton you will need to take the A361.

Barnstaple to Instow

Travel time: It takes 17 minutes to travel from Barnstaple to Instow

Public transport: The bus from Barnstaple to Instow will take 30 minutes

Driving: To drive from Barnstaple to Instow you will need to take the A3125 followed by the B3233.

Barnstaple to Woolacombe

Travel time: It will take 29 minutes to drive from Barnstaple to Woolacombe

Public transport: The 21 bus will take you from Barnstaple to Mullacott, you will need to change here and get the 31 from Mullacott to Woolacombe. The bus can take up to 1 hour

Driving: To drive from Barnstaple to Woolacombe you will need to take the A361 through Braunton, you can either continue on this road until you reach Mullacott or you can take the back roads through Georgeham.

Barnstaple to Croyde

Travel time: It takes 23 minutes to drive from Barnstaple to Croyde

Public transport: The 21C bus will take 40 minutes to get from Barnstaple to Croyde

Driving: To drive from Barnstaple to Croyde you will need to take the A361 to Braunton and then continue on the Saunton Road B3231 which moves into the Croyde road.