- 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
€8
Average price
€9
Fastest journey
50 m
Average duration
58 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
41 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Plymouth to Paignton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Plymouth to Paignton will cost around €9 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €8.
Of the 3 buses that leave Plymouth for Paignton on Thu, Aug 27, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 27 the direct buses cover the 41 km distance in an average of 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 50 m .
On Thu, Aug 27 the slowest buses will take 1 h 5 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.
NX501
NX501
NX404
NX404
NX501
NX501Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Plymouth to Paignton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 54m. 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 €6, and a train costs an average of €6.
Distance: 25 miles (41 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€9 Average price Cheapest | €13 Average price | €9 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 32m Average total duration 1h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 24m Average total duration Fastest 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 55m 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 Plymouth to Paignton:
A bus is €4 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Plymouth to Paignton costing on average €13.
Other travel options to Paignton take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 2m.
You'll arrive about -1h -7m sooner (1h 2m by bus vs 55m by car) and save roughly €-0.03 compared to fuel and tolls (€9 vs €9). 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, Stagecoach South West.
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 06:20AM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price €7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price €7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €6 |
Operator Great Western Railway | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €6 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €8 |
Operator Great Western Railway | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 01:24PM | Duration 1h49 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price €6 |
Operator Great Western Railway | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €6 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €11 |
The table below shows live departures for Plymouth to Paignton buses for today, Wednesday, August 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX501 | 6:35 AM Plymouth, Coach Station | 1h00 | 7:35 AM Paignton, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX501 | 9:20 AM Plymouth, Coach Station | 1h05 | 10:25 AM Paignton, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX404 | 11:15 PM Plymouth, Coach Station | 0h50 | 12:05 AM Paignton, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Plymouth to Paignton run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €6 but you can travel from only €6 by train.
There are 2 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 50m.
Distance 25 miles (41 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price €6 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 50m |
First bus 12:20 AM |
Last bus 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth to Paignton buses use the Plymouth, Coach Station to Paignton, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Plymouth and Paignton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need