- 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 on Sep 18
$13
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$26
Fastest journey on Sep 18
1 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
1 h 50 m
Trains on Sep 18
5
Distance
132 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $13.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 5 trains from Bristol to Paignton, including 5 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct trains cover the 132 km distance in an average of 1 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest trains will take 2 h 7 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 Bristol to Paignton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 14m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, while a train costs an average of $48.
Distance: 82 miles (132 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$48 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 bus is $17 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Paignton costing on average $48.
Other travel options to Paignton take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 5m.
The journey is about 14m faster (1h 44m by train vs 1h 58m by car) and roughly $2 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($48 vs $50). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Cross Country.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Paignton trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:11 AM Bristol | 1h40 | 9:51 AM Paignton | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
![]() | 7:11 AM Bristol | 1h40 | 8:51 AM Paignton | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Bristol to Paignton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $13 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:22, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 82 miles (132 km) distance in 1h 28m.
Distance 82 miles (132 km) |
Average train duration 1h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 28m |
First train 5:22 AM |
Last train 11:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 Railway Station -> Paignton Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Paignton by train. 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 train, 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 trains use the Bristol Temple Meads to Paignton station pair. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Paignton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bristol Temple Meads has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.
Paignton has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Paignton.
Ticket office support is available at Paignton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Paignton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Paignton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Paignton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B1 Station Step free access available to both platforms, access between platforms via level crossing to the north of the station. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: The public phones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Contact local taxi companies for details of accessible taxis or member of staff, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need