- Must visit
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Museum within the zoo complex presenting wildlife interpretation, conservation stories and educational exhibits for visitors.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Paignton
Showing times and prices for 14 Aug
Cheapest price
£77
Average price
£77
Fastest journey
2 h 54 m
Average duration
3 h 4 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
119 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Paignton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Paignton will cost around £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £77.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff to Paignton you need to make at least one change.
G15185 · C480079:003h59Cardiff Central (CDF)12:59Paignton station (PGN)£771One-way1 change- G15042+
G01133+C480038:383h05Cardiff Central (CDF)11:43Paignton station (PGN)£771One-way2 changes - G15003+G01131+C479957:273h06Cardiff Central (CDF)10:33Paignton station (PGN)£771One-way2 changes
- G15178+G011306:572h54Cardiff Central (CDF)9:51Paignton station (PGN)£771One-way1 change
- G15184 · C480038:003h43Cardiff Central (CDF)11:43Paignton station (PGN)£771One-way1 change
- G15178+G011306:572h54Cardiff Central (CDF)9:51Paignton station (PGN)£771One-way1 change
- G15001 · G14977 · C479916:283h04Cardiff Central (CDF)9:32Paignton station (PGN)£771One-way2 changes
- G15042+G01133+C480038:383h05Cardiff Central (CDF)11:43Paignton station (PGN)£771One-way2 changes
- G15003+G01131+C479957:273h06Cardiff Central (CDF)10:33Paignton station (PGN)£771One-way2 changes
- G15008+G01140+C4801310:303h13Cardiff Central (CDF)13:43Paignton station (PGN)£771One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Paignton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Paignton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £33. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 51m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £33, and a train costs an average of £56.
Distance: 119 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£59 Average Price | £35 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 21m Average total duration Fastest 2h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration 4h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to Paignton train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Paignton trains for today, Thursday 13 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
.png) | 6:57 Cardiff | 2h54 | 9:51 Paignton | 1 change | |
| 10:19 Cardiff | 2h48 | 13:07 Paignton | 1 change | |
| 14:00 Cardiff | 3h33 | 17:33 Paignton | 1 change | |
| 16:21 Cardiff | 2h32 | 18:53 Paignton | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Paignton by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Fri
14 Aug
14 Aug
Sat
15 Aug
15 Aug
Sun
16 Aug
16 Aug
Mon
17 Aug
17 Aug
Tue
18 Aug
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug
19 Aug
Thu
20 Aug
20 Aug
Why should you book Cardiff to Paignton trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff to Paignton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Paignton.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Paignton.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Paignton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Paignton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Paignton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Paignton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Paignton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £56 but you can travel from only £33 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:14, the last at 20:30. The fastest train covers the 119 km distance in 3h 13m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £33
Distance 119 km |
Average train duration 2h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £56 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 13m |
First train 5:14 |
Last train 20:30 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 49 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £33
Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Paignton trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Paignton from £33. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 54m
Cheapest Price
£39
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 13m
Cheapest Price
£56
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 32m
Cheapest Price
£82
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Paignton
Things to do in Paignton
Discover the best of Paignton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Paignton trip today.
- Recommended
Paignton Heritage Society Museum
Family-focused local history museum covering Paignton’s past, archaeology, seaside life and social history in a central setting.
- Recommended
Dartmouth Steam Railway - Paignton Station
Steam railway heritage displays at the station showcase Great Western history, restored coaches and classic railway atmosphere.
- Must visit
Paignton Seafront
Long sandy beach and promenade popular for classic seaside walks, swimming, sunsets and easy access to central Paignton.
- Recommended
Paignton Green
Large green opposite the beach, used for events, picnics and relaxed coastal walks with open bay views.
- Recommended
Roundham Head
Headland park with coastal views, gardens and paths leading to quieter coves, ideal for a scenic walk away from the centre.
- Gluten-free
South Devon Crab
A South Devon classic of fresh crab meat, usually simply dressed. It is prized locally for sweet flavour from nearby waters.
Fish And Chips
Traditional British fried fish with chips, a staple on Devon’s seaside front. Best with local catch and plenty of malt vinegar.
- Vegetarian
Devon Cream Tea
A Devon cream tea of scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream. In Devon, the cream traditionally goes on before the jam.
Harbour Light Restaurant
Popular harbour-side seafood restaurant in Paignton, known for fresh fish, shellfish and relaxed coastal dining.
Talk of the Town
Well-known traditional fish and chip shop near the seafront, valued for classic British takeaway and casual meals.
Shoreline
Stylish seafront restaurant and bar serving modern British dishes, seafood and drinks in a smart but easy-going setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Paignton is moderate for UK seaside towns: lodging rises in summer, but dining and local buses are fairly manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £40+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs may have tip jars, but small change is enough.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £7.30
To the city centre
Paignton Railway Station -> Victoria Street, Paignton
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Stagecoach says contactless payment is available on its buses; buy before boarding in the app if you want a day ticket ready to use.
- Paignton bus and rail stations are together in the town centre, so most central journeys are a short walk.
FAQs: Cardiff to Paignton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Paignton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £56, while the average price tends to be around £59.
The train journey from Cardiff to Paignton covers a distance of 119 km and takes approximately 3h 13m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Paignton is 119 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Paignton leaves at 5:14.
The last train from Cardiff to Paignton departs at 20:30.
Trains from Cardiff to Paignton run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Paignton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Paignton.
To get from Cardiff to Paignton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Paignton.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Paignton is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Paignton station (PGN).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Paignton is by coach, costing approximately £33.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Paignton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Paignton offers a scenic route with views of the picturesque South Wales countryside and the beautiful Devon coastline. Passengers can enjoy sights of rolling hills, charming villages, and glimpses of the sea, making it a pleasant and visually appealing trip.
A day trip from Cardiff to Paignton is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 13m. Trains run 5 times per day.
To explore Paignton's key attractions, such as Paignton Zoo, the sandy beaches, and the Dartmouth Steam Railway, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Paignton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Paignton
Most Cardiff to Paignton trains use the Cardiff Central to Paignton station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Paignton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Paignton
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central 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 and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LU
City-centre transport
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EY
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Which Paignton station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Paignton arrive at Paignton. Paignton is from Paignton city centre.
PaigntonPaignton station, Station Square, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 5EF+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Paignton from Paignton city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesFrom the front of the station
Paignton train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Paignton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Paignton.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Paignton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Paignton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Paignton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Paignton and Cardiff
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