Flying to the UK
Most flights are overnight from the US to the UK. Book a flight to London Heathrow. British Airways flies non-stop from BWI, Dulles, Philadelphia and Newark; United Airlines flies non-stop from Dulles, Newark, and Chicago. Business class is an unnecessary extravagance on these short overnight flights, but British Airways premium economy is a nice upgrade with wider seats, more leg space, and a quieter cabin. Another route is Aer Lingus to Dublin and Emerald Air into Newquay airport, which is an hour or more from St Just in a car or taxi.
Google Flights is a good way to search for low fares. Fares are usually lower mid-week. Try to purchase tickets at least 30 days in advance. Sign up for frequent flyer accounts and get promotional emails and notifications of (rare) sales. Ticket prices include a big chunk of taxes and fees. Basic economy (no checked bags, no choice of seats) are the cheapest available if you don’t mind the restrictions.
Some tips to make travel easier. Use a credit card with swipe/chip technology, no foreign transaction fees, and ideally some built-in insurance coverage for your trip plans. Get the free mobile passport app to make your return to the US easier (or apply for Global Entry which also gives you TSA pre-check status). If you’re a dual citizen travel to the UK with your British passport and back with your American. Buy travel insurance (consider getting a medical-only policy) through Squaremouth. Get a railcard in advance to get discounts on trains if you can – some are based on age, and there’s also a railcard for two people traveling together.
Stay up to date on UK and US Covid-19 restrictions
Trains and Buses and Taxis
Heathrow to Paddington: Take the train. The Heathrow Express is quick and easy, with cheapest tickets sold 90 days in advance. The Elizabeth Line takes about 30 minutes and costs less.
Paddington to Penzance (and back): The Great Western Railway reaches the south-west pretty quickly and then meanders more slowly through Cornwall along Brunel’s route. Trains run roughly every hour and take about 5 hours. Look for cheap advance fares (non-refundable, with restrictions) that are generally available 24 weeks in advance for weekdays and 12 weeks for weekends. A great way to return to London is in a 2-berth cabin on the Night Riviera Sleeper train, which leaves Penzance every evening except Saturdays. You can read more about it here. Alternatively, take an afternoon train to Paddington and sleep at the Hilton (or another nearby hotel) before heading to Heathrow the next morning. Or stay near the train station in Penzance (Premier Inn or Longboat Inn) and take the very early morning train.
Buses in Cornwall: There are two big bus companies in Cornwall. Transport for Cornwall is a partnership between the Cornwall Council and Go Cornwall Bus. First Kernow is the other main company. They accept each other’s tickets. All buses accept contactless credit card payments as you board if you don’t already have a paper or electronic ticket. Both bus companies have useful phone apps and discounts on packs of tickets and day passes. The quickest bus ride between St. Just and Penzance is on the Tin Coaster (running hourly), and the most fun is the Lands End Coaster. Be aware that most buses don’t run late into the evening. Which brings us to…
Taxis: You can sometimes find a taxi (for example at the train station) but it seems to work better to call for a taxi, or pre-book one. Try St. Just Cars at 01736 786586 or Penzance Taxis at 01736 366366.
Directions to the Flat
You have a key, or you have the combination to the lockbox at the Flat. From the St. Just bus station and public (free) car park, turn right on Market Street toward the town. 1 Market Street is just up the street, with a small courtyard in front and a square that opens to the southern edge of the Plein-an-Gwari. The door to the flat is on the lane running along the Plein’s wall.
Flat Two 