- Must visit
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Museum within the zoo complex presenting wildlife interpretation, conservation stories and educational exhibits for visitors.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Paignton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £32 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 4m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £32, while a train costs an average of £161.
Distance: 193 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£161 Average Price | £32 Average Price Cheapest | £37 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 4m Average total duration Fastest 2h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 45m Average total duration 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cheltenham to Paignton:
A coach is £128 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cheltenham to Paignton costing on average £161.
Other travel options to Paignton take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 15m.
Tickets start at around £161 compared to roughly £37 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-123.49. The journey takes 2h 34m versus 2h 23m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Paignton trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:01 Cheltenham | 2h32 | 9:33 Paignton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach 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.
Trains from Cheltenham to Paignton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £153 but you can travel from only £32 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:56, the last at 20:52. The fastest train covers the 193 km distance in 2h 22m.
Distance 193 km |
Average train duration 2h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £153 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 22m |
First train 5:56 |
Last train 20:52 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Discover the best of Paignton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Paignton trip today.
Museum within the zoo complex presenting wildlife interpretation, conservation stories and educational exhibits for visitors.
Family-focused local history museum covering Paignton’s past, archaeology, seaside life and social history in a central setting.
Steam railway heritage displays at the station showcase Great Western history, restored coaches and classic railway atmosphere.
Long sandy beach and promenade popular for classic seaside walks, swimming, sunsets and easy access to central Paignton.
Large green opposite the beach, used for events, picnics and relaxed coastal walks with open bay views.
Headland park with coastal views, gardens and paths leading to quieter coves, ideal for a scenic walk away from the centre.
A South Devon classic of fresh crab meat, usually simply dressed. It is prized locally for sweet flavour from nearby waters.
Traditional British fried fish with chips, a staple on Devon’s seaside front. Best with local catch and plenty of malt vinegar.
A Devon cream tea of scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream. In Devon, the cream traditionally goes on before the jam.
Popular harbour-side seafood restaurant in Paignton, known for fresh fish, shellfish and relaxed coastal dining.
Well-known traditional fish and chip shop near the seafront, valued for classic British takeaway and casual meals.
Stylish seafront restaurant and bar serving modern British dishes, seafood and drinks in a smart but easy-going setting.
Paignton is moderate for UK seaside towns: lodging rises in summer, but dining and local buses are fairly manageable for tourists.
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.
Official public transport app
Paignton Railway Station -> Victoria Street, Paignton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Paignton trains use the Cheltenham Spa to Paignton station pair. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and Paignton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cheltenham Spa is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:
Cheltenham Spa has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Railway Inn, The Coconut Tree
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham Spa. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage storage is available at Cheltenham Spa. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham Spa: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Queens Hotel Cheltenham, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham.
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.
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