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How do I get to Torquay

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Torquay, part of the stunning English Riviera, is well-connected and accessible by various modes of transport. Here's a detailed breakdown to help you plan your trip:

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1. By Train

 

Torquay is served by Torquay Railway Station (TQY), which is well-connected to the national rail network.

  • Mainline Connections:

    • From London (Paddington): This is the most common and often most convenient route from London.

      • Journey Time: Approximately 2 hours 59 minutes to 3 hours 37 minutes, depending on the service.

      • Frequency: Great Western Railway (GWR) operates numerous services daily, with several direct trains. Around 6 direct services are available per day, but there are more services with one change (often at Newton Abbot).

      • Fares: Advance fares can start from as low as £18.90, but typically range from £36.90 to £52 one-way when booked in advance. "Off-Peak" and "Super Off-Peak" tickets offer more flexibility than "Advance" tickets, but are generally more expensive. "Anytime" tickets are fully flexible but come at a premium.

    • From London (Liverpool Street / Euston / St Pancras International / King's Cross): While direct trains are primarily from Paddington, you can connect from other London stations. These journeys typically involve one or more changes, often at Paddington or another major interchange like Birmingham New Street or Bristol Temple Meads.

      • Journey Time: Varies significantly, generally 3 hours 12 minutes to 7 hours or more, depending on the number of changes and specific route.

      • Operators: CrossCountry and GWR are the primary operators for these routes.

    • From the Midlands/North:

      • Route: Journeys usually involve one or two changes, commonly at Bristol Temple Meads or Newton Abbot. Services are primarily operated by CrossCountry.

      • Journey Time: Expect travel times of approximately 4 to 5 hours or more, depending on your starting point and connections.

  • Within Devon (The Riviera Line):

    • Exeter to Torquay: A frequent and scenic journey on the "Riviera Line."

      • Journey Time: Around 30 minutes.

      • Frequency: At least two trains per hour between Newton Abbot, Torre, Torquay, and Paignton throughout most of the day.

      • Route: The Riviera Line runs via Newton Abbot, Dawlish, and Teignmouth, offering picturesque coastal views, especially between Starcross and Teignmouth.

    • Plymouth to Torquay:

      • Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour.

      • Route: Direct services are available, or you may change at Newton Abbot.

    • Local Stations: The Riviera Line also serves Torre Station (TQ2 5DD), which is often closer to the Torquay town centre than the main Torquay Railway Station (TQ2 6NU). Paignton Railway Station (TQ4 5EF) is the terminus of the Riviera Line.

  • Cost-Saving Tips:

    • Book Advance Tickets Early: These are typically the most affordable fares and are released up to 12 weeks prior to the travel date. They are fixed to a specific train and time.

    • Use Railcards: Investing in a Railcard (e.g., 16-25, 26-30, Senior, Two Together, Family & Friends, Disabled Persons, Veterans) can save you up to 1/3 on most fares.

    • Travel Off-Peak: Avoid peak commuting hours (typically before 09:30 on weekdays) for cheaper "Off-Peak" or "Super Off-Peak" tickets, which offer more flexibility than "Advance" fares.

    • Split Ticketing: Sometimes, buying separate tickets for different legs of your journey (e.g., London to Newton Abbot, then Newton Abbot to Torquay) can be more cost-effective than purchasing a single through ticket. Websites and apps can help you identify these "split fares."

 

2. By Car

 

Driving to Torquay offers flexibility and allows for scenic detours.

  • From London:

    • Route: Approximately 190 miles via the M3, M25, M5, and then the A38 and A380.

    • Journey Time: Expect around 3¾ to 4 hours, but this can vary significantly with traffic, especially around the M25 and on the M5 during peak holiday periods.

  • From the North:

    • Route: Take the M6 south to the M5, then continue south to the A38 and A380 towards Torquay via Exeter.

    • Journey Time: Similar to the London journey, depending on your starting point, often around 4-5 hours. This route offers opportunities for scenic stops along the way.

  • Parking in Torquay: Torquay offers numerous public car parks, including both long-stay and short-stay options. It's advisable to check parking availability and charges in advance, especially during peak season. Many hotels also offer guest parking.

  • Nearby Driving Destinations:

    • To Cornwall: Approximately 1½ hours drive.

    • To Exeter: About 30 minutes via the A380/A38.

    • The English Riviera: Torquay is part of a wider area known as the English Riviera, which includes Paignton and Brixham. Driving between these towns is easy and offers access to more beaches, attractions, and coastal paths.

 

3. By Coach

 

Coach travel is generally the most economical option, though it is considerably slower than train or car.

  • From London:

    • Operator: National Express is the primary coach operator.

    • Journey Time: Typically around 7 hours from London Victoria Coach Station.

    • Fares: Usually range from £14 to £55 one-way, but can be cheaper if booked well in advance.

    • Arrival Point: National Express coaches typically arrive at Torquay Coach Station, located on Lymington Road (TQ1 4BD). This is a different location to the train station.

  • From England Generally:

    • Journey Time: Expect similar durations, with services from major cities often taking around 7 hours 18 minutes.

    • Cost: Fares are generally in the £29–£55 range.

 

4. By Rail + Air (for further travellers)

 

For those travelling from further afield, flying to a nearby airport and then taking onward transport is a viable option. No direct flights operate to Torquay itself.

  • Nearest Airports:

    • Exeter Airport (EXT):

      • Distance to Torquay: Approximately 30 km (18.6 miles).

      • Onward Travel:

        • Train: A taxi or bus connection to Exeter St David's train station, then a scenic ~1-hour train journey on the Riviera Line to Torquay.

        • Taxi: Approximately 40 minutes by taxi.

        • Bus: Local bus services connect the airport to Exeter city centre, from where you can catch a bus or train to Torquay.

    • Bristol Airport (BRS):

      • Distance to Torquay: Approximately 140 km (87 miles).

      • Onward Travel:

        • Train: Take a bus from Bristol Airport to Bristol Temple Meads train station, then a train service to Torquay (usually with one change at Newton Abbot). The total train journey would be around 2 hours from Bristol Temple Meads.

        • Taxi: A taxi from Bristol Airport to Torquay would take approximately 2 hours.

        • Coach: National Express services connect Bristol Airport to Torquay, though this will be a longer journey.

 

5. Local Transfers from Torquay Station

 

Torquay Station (Rathmore Road, TQ2 6NU) is located slightly outside the main town centre, but onward travel is straightforward.

  • By Bus:

    • Route: Bus #22 is a common service that connects Torquay Station to the town centre and areas like the Grand Hotel.

    • Journey Time: Approximately 6–11 minutes to the town centre.

    • Fares: Roughly £1–£2 for a single journey.

    • Frequency: Services are frequent, typically every 15 minutes.

    • Alternative: Bus route 12 also operates daily from Torquay Station. For other destinations within Torquay, connections are available from bus stops near Torquay Town Centre and Torquay Harbour.

  • By Taxi:

    • Availability: Taxis are usually available directly outside Torquay Station.

    • Journey Time: Around 2–4 minutes to central locations.

    • Fares: Expect to pay approximately £5–£9 for a central drop-off.

  • On Foot:

    • Proximity: For nearby accommodation, walking is a viable option. For example, the Grand Hotel is located approximately 315 feet (a 1-minute walk) from the station.

    • Consideration: Be aware that Torquay has some hilly areas, so if you have heavy luggage or your accommodation is further up, a bus or taxi might be preferable.

 

Additional Information:

 

  • Best Time to Visit: Torquay is a popular seaside resort, so summer months (June-August) are peak season, meaning higher prices for accommodation and potentially busier transport. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds.

  • Public Transport Apps: Utilise apps like National Rail Enquiries, Trainline, or Traveline South West for real-time train and bus information, timetables, and ticket booking.

  • Torbay Council Travel Information: The Torbay Council website (torbay.gov.uk) offers valuable local information on roads, travel, and public transportation within the area.

  • English Riviera Explorer Pass: If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing within Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham, consider a combined travel ticket like the "English Riviera Explorer Pass" which offers unlimited travel on local buses and trains.

  • Accessibility: Most train stations and newer buses offer accessibility features. If you have specific accessibility needs, it's always advisable to contact the transport provider in advance.

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Enjoy your trip to Torquay!

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