- Must visit
Eden Project
Major indoor biomes and outdoor gardens with strong interpretation of plants, climate and sustainability. Part botanic attraction, part science exhibition.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Paignton to St Austell among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £73 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 56m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £73, while a train costs an average of £73.
Distance: 86 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£73 Average Price Cheapest | £18 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around £73 compared to roughly £18 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-54.80. The journey takes 2h 26m versus 1h 44m 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.
Compare 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 Paignton to St Austell run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £70 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:53, the last at 21:11. The fastest train covers the 86 km distance in 1h 57m.
Distance 86 km |
Average train duration 2h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £70 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 57m |
First train 5:53 |
Last train 21:11 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of St Austell — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect St Austell trip today.
Major indoor biomes and outdoor gardens with strong interpretation of plants, climate and sustainability. Part botanic attraction, part science exhibition.
Interactive museum and historic port telling the story of Cornish shipwrecks, rescue and seafaring in atmospheric old harbour buildings.
Contemporary gallery and craft venue presenting changing exhibitions, studios and creative work in a restored former chapel near St Austell Bay.
Large biodiverse garden with paths, giant rhubarb, wetlands and an acclaimed rope bridge. A distinctive day out close to St Austell.
Lively historic harbour area with quays, cottages and coastal atmosphere. Ideal for wandering, sea views and a sense of local character.
Wooded valley walk with a waterfall, holy well and shaded paths just outside the centre. Popular for a short scenic stroll and photographs.
A hearty Cornish pastry filled with beef, potato, swede and onion. It is Cornwall’s signature handheld meal and closely tied to the county’s mining heritage.
A rich, saffron-scented yeasted bun from Cornwall, traditionally baked for special occasions and served sliced with butter.
A sweet bread bun studded with currants and peel, linked with local festivities and often enjoyed toasted or buttered.
Refined British dining in a historic Charlestown setting, known for seasonal Cornish produce and a polished but relaxed atmosphere.
Popular local bakery and café for Cornish pasties, saffron buns and quick lunches, ideal for tasting classic regional bakes.
Harbourside restaurant and bar serving seafood, steaks and modern British dishes in a lively converted warehouse space.
Moderate for the UK. Dining and stays are usually cheaper than in major cities, but summer coastal demand can raise hotel and restaurant prices.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Café tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Paignton to St Austell 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 St Austell, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Paignton to St Austell trains use the Paignton to St Austell station pair. Use this guide to compare Paignton and St Austell train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
St Austell is 1 km from St Austell city centre. Public transport options include:
St Austell has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at St Austell.
Wi-Fi is available at St Austell.
Ticket office support is available at St Austell.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at St Austell: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at St Austell: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at St Austell: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to both platforms via a liftbridge. 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 taxis: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Self service Ticket Machine is located at the entrance to platform 2, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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