- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Exeter’s main museum and gallery, known for collections on Devon history, world cultures, fine art, and natural history. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
Cheapest price
$8
Average price
$10
Fastest journey
1 h 5 m
Average duration
1 h 14 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
32 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Paignton to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Paignton to Exeter will cost around $10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.
Of the 3 buses that leave Paignton for Exeter on Sun, Jun 21, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 32 km distance in an average of 1 h 14 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 5 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 1 h 21 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Paignton to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $12.
Distance: 19 miles (32 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$10 Average price Cheapest | $13 Average price | $9 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 42m Average total duration 1h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 18m Average total duration Fastest 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg 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 Paignton to Exeter:
A bus is $3 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Paignton to Exeter costing on average $13 (€10).
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 12m.
You'll arrive about -1h -31m sooner (1h 12m by bus vs 41m by car) and save roughly $-0.73 (€-0.60) compared to fuel and tolls ($10 (€8) vs $9 (€7)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by National Express.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 08:35AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 1h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Great Western Railway | Departure Time 10:14AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 1h21 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $8 |
The table below shows live departures for Paignton to Exeter buses for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:45 AM Paignton | 1h15 | 8:00 AM Exeter | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:30 AM Paignton | 1h05 | 9:35 AM Exeter | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:14 AM Paignton | 1h21 | 11:35 AM Exeter | 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 Paignton to Exeter run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $7 (€6) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 19 miles (32 km) distance in 1h 0m.
Distance 19 miles (32 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€6) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 1h 0m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.
Exeter’s main museum and gallery, known for collections on Devon history, world cultures, fine art, and natural history. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
A specialist museum at the University of Exeter with remarkable collections on the history of moving images, cinema, and visual media.
Contemporary visual arts gallery in Exeter with changing exhibitions by regional and national artists. A local favorite for independent art programming.
One of the city’s most popular walking areas, combining waterside views, heritage buildings, and a lively atmosphere.
Broad open space beside the cathedral, ideal for appreciating Exeter’s historic core and one of the city’s most photographed spots.
Characterful central lane known for independent shops and medieval atmosphere. Popular with visitors seeking a picturesque old-city feel.
Fresh scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, traditionally done the Devon way with cream first. A classic county treat strongly associated with Devon.
A soft enriched bread roll, often filled with jam and clotted cream. It is a traditional Devon bakery item and a local teatime favourite.
A traditional West Country fruit cake made with flour, butter, sugar and dried fruit. Though more strongly linked with the wider South West, it is familiar in Devon tearooms and bakeries.
A long-established independent restaurant in central Exeter known for polished modern British cooking, attentive service and a smart but relaxed atmosphere.
A well-regarded city-centre restaurant and wine bar serving Mediterranean-influenced dishes, seafood and steaks in an intimate cellar-style setting.
A busy and established Exeter favourite with a broad menu of comfort food, grills and local staples, popular for its lively and casual atmosphere.
Costs are moderate by UK standards. Pubs and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more in peak periods.
Service is often included only at some restaurants. If not added, tip about 10% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping is not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Exeter, Sidwell Street, Exeter -> Exeter St Davids Station, Exeter
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Paignton to Exeter 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 Exeter, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need