- Must visit
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Large zoo with strong conservation and interpretation displays; effectively Paignton's leading wildlife learning attraction for families.
Cheapest price
$28
Average price
$28
Fastest journey
3 h 35 m
Average duration
3 h 35 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
132 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bristol to Paignton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Paignton will cost around $28 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
It's difficult to get from Bristol to Paignton without transferring at least once.
NX101 · NX501
NX101 · NX501Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Paignton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $13, and a bus costs an average of $22.
Distance: 82 miles (132 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$37 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 31m Average total duration 3h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Paignton:
A train is $9 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bristol to Paignton costing on average $37.
Other travel options to Paignton take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 1m.
Tickets start at around $37 compared to roughly $50 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $13. The journey takes 3h 1m versus 1h 58m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by National Express.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $28 |
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Paignton buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:30 PM Bristol | 4h35 | 8:05 PM Paignton | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Bristol to Paignton run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 but you can travel from only $13 by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 82 miles (132 km) distance in 2h 50m.
Distance 82 miles (132 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 50m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Paignton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Paignton trip today.
Large zoo with strong conservation and interpretation displays; effectively Paignton's leading wildlife learning attraction for families.
Living-history farm museum with rare breeds, period buildings, and craft displays that bring Devon's rural past to life.
Volunteer-run local museum preserving Paignton's social, maritime, and railway history through compact themed displays.
Long sandy beach and promenade forming Paignton's classic seaside heart, ideal for families, sea views, and easy walks.
Beautiful sandy bay south of town, popular for swimming, coastal walks, and scenic views beside the steam railway.
Large seafront green with events, play areas, and open views, central to Paignton's resort atmosphere and civic life.
A South Devon seaside staple of battered local fish with chips. Best eaten fresh by the seafront and tied to Paignton's long holiday and fishing tradition.
Sweet white crab meat from nearby Devon waters, often served simply in salads or sandwiches. It is prized locally for freshness and delicate flavour.
A classic Devon cream tea of scones, clotted cream, and jam, traditionally with the cream spread before the jam. It is a proud regional ritual.
Established bistro style venue offering modern British dishes and seafood with a more refined atmosphere suited to a special meal in Paignton.
Popular harbour area seafood restaurant known for fresh local fish, shellfish, and relaxed waterside dining with a long standing local reputation.
Well known traditional pub and restaurant near the seafront, serving British classics, roasts, and local drinks in a casual historic setting.
Moderate for a UK seaside town; lodging rises in summer, dining is mid-priced, and local buses are fairly affordable.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis; cafes usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Paignton Bus Station -> Paignton Railway Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Paignton by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Paignton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bristol to Paignton buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Paignton, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Paignton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need