- Must visit
The Box
Plymouth’s main museum, gallery, and archive. It covers local art, natural history, and maritime stories in an impressive contemporary cultural hub.
Cheapest price
$13
Average price
$13
Fastest journey
47 m
Average duration
54 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
41 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Paignton to Plymouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Paignton to Plymouth will cost around $13 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $13.
Of the 6 buses that leave Paignton for Plymouth on Mon, Aug 17, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 17 the direct buses cover the 41 km distance in an average of 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 47 m .
On Mon, Aug 17 the slowest buses will take 1 h 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.
NX501
NX501
NX501
NX501
NX501
NX501
NX501
NX501
NX501
NX501Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Paignton to Plymouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 55m. 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 $8, and a train costs an average of $10.
Distance: 25 miles (41 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$10 Average price Cheapest | $15 Average price | $11 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 27m Average total duration 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 25m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 57m 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 Plymouth:
A bus is $5 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Paignton to Plymouth costing on average $15 (€12).
Other travel options to Plymouth take longer:
Bus takes on average 57m.
Tickets start at around $10 (€8) compared to roughly $11 (€9) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $1 (€0.87). The journey takes 57m versus 57m 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, Stagecoach South West.
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 Great Western Railway | Departure Time 09:48AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 2h17 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator Great Western Railway | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:35PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator Great Western Railway | Departure Time 10:21PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 1h59 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:58PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 0h57 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:58PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 0h47 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
The table below shows live departures for Paignton to Plymouth buses for today, Sunday, August 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX501 | 1:30 PM Paignton, Bus Station | 1h05 | 2:35 PM Plymouth, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX501 | 1:30 PM Paignton, Bus Station | 0h55 | 2:25 PM Plymouth, Marsh Mills | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX501 | 8:35 PM Paignton, Bus Station | 1h00 | 9:35 PM Plymouth, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX501 | 8:35 PM Paignton, Bus Station | 0h50 | 9:25 PM Plymouth, Marsh Mills | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX501 | 11:58 PM Paignton, Bus Station | 0h57 | 12:55 AM Plymouth, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX501 | 11:58 PM Paignton, Bus Station | 0h47 | 12:45 AM Plymouth, Marsh Mills | 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 Plymouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 55m. 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 00:20, the last at 23:58. The fastest bus covers the 25 miles (41 km) distance in 57m.
Distance 25 miles (41 km) |
Average bus duration 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€6) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 57m |
First bus 12:20 AM |
Last bus 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Plymouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plymouth trip today.
Plymouth’s main museum, gallery, and archive. It covers local art, natural history, and maritime stories in an impressive contemporary cultural hub.
Interactive aquarium on the waterfront with ocean habitats, conservation displays, and a huge tank. A popular family attraction with strong educational value.
Tudor merchant’s residence in the Barbican, furnished to evoke historic domestic life. A compact museum ideal for understanding old Plymouth society.
Large waterfront parkland with sea views, monuments, and lawns. It is Plymouth’s classic promenade and a prime place to start exploring the city.
Historic harbourside quarter of cobbled lanes, old buildings, galleries, and maritime atmosphere. It is among Plymouth’s most characterful walking areas.
Broad city-centre avenue rebuilt after the Second World War. Shops, civic buildings, and public art make it useful for understanding modern Plymouth.
A classic Devon cream tea of scones, jam and clotted cream. In Devon, the cream goes on before the jam, making it a proud local ritual.
A traditional South West pasty with beef, potato, swede and onion in pastry. Common across Devon and Cornwall and a familiar local grab-and-go meal.
Fresh fish landed from Plymouth's historic fishing port, often grilled or battered. The city's waterfront location makes local seafood a signature choice.
Refined fine dining restaurant known for modern British tasting menus, polished service and a special occasion atmosphere near Plymouth Hoe.
Long-established market café famous for generous breakfasts, sandwiches and casual local dining in Plymouth Market.
Historic waterside pub in the Barbican serving seafood, local ales and hearty British dishes in a traditional, characterful setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels are often cheaper than London, while dining and local buses are fairly priced for tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Plymouth Coach Station -> Royal Parade, Plymouth
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Paignton to Plymouth 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 Plymouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Paignton to Plymouth buses use the Paignton, Bus Station to Plymouth, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Plymouth, Marsh Mills. Use this guide to compare Paignton and Plymouth bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Paignton, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Paignton, Bus Station. ATMs are available at Paignton, Bus Station.
Ticket office support is available at Paignton, Bus Station.
Available at Paignton, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Paignton, Bus Station: The station is wheelchair accessible.
Plymouth, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth, Coach Station. ATMs are available at Plymouth, Coach Station.
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth, Coach Station.
Available at Plymouth, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth, Coach Station: Station is accessible with ramps and level access.
Plymouth, Marsh Mills is 4 km from Plymouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Plymouth, Marsh Mills has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth, Marsh Mills. ATMs are available at Plymouth, Marsh Mills.
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth, Marsh Mills.
Available at Plymouth, Marsh Mills: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth, Marsh Mills: Buses operate with low floors for accessibility.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need