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South Devon is well served by the railway, with the Great Western main line running through much of South Devon, including part of it along the coast. There are stations in East Devon, on the West of England Line (London Waterloo - Exeter), from where there are connections to the coast. There is a branch line from Exeter to Exmouth with frequent services giving access to the coast. Accross the Exe estuary, the Great Western Main line has stations at Starcross, Dawlish Warren, Dawlish and Teignmouth, all on the coast path with frequent services operating to most stations. A branch line from Newton Abbot has stations on the coast at Torquay and Paignton. Further south, the Paignton and Dartmouth steam railway runs from Paignton to Kingswear, giving access to the coast path at Goodrington, Kingswear and Dartmouth (via a short Ferry Crossing). Further west there are stations at Totnes (bus connections to Dartmouth, Kingsbridge and Salcombe), Ivybridge and Plymouth (for the coast path and bus links to the east).
The main line is one of the most sceninc railways in the world, running along the Exe estuary from Exeter, before joining the coast for the journey between Dawlish Warren and Teignmouth. From Teignmouth, the line heads up the edge of the river Teign to Newton Abbot. From here the branch line to Paignton rejoins the coast, and the main line continues around the south edge of Dartmoor to Plymouth. This is definitly the best way to travel between points on this section of the coast path as in some places you get a better view from the train than the coast path. In winter the storms do sometimes close the coastal section of the railway line - looking at the picture to the right you can see why! (photo courtesy of Globe Video Films).
The following table lists the rail stations and routes that are useful for accessing the South Devon coast. Places on (or near) the coast path are marked in bold. For the timetables, see the links below.
| From | To | Walk | Line | Operator |
| Exeter St Davids | Exeter Central, St James Park, Polsloe Bridge, Digby and Sowton, Topsham, Exton, Lympstone Commando, Lympstone Village, Exmouth | Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton | The Avocet Line | Wessex Trains |
| Exeter Central | Exeter St Davids, Exeter St Thomas, Starcross, Dawlish Warren, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, Torre, Torquay, Paignton | Exeter to Dawlish Warren, Dawlish to Dawlish Warren, Dawlish to Teignmouth, Teignmouth to Babbacombe, Torquay to Babbacombe, Torquay to Paignton, Paignton to Brixham | The South Devon Coastway | First Great Western, South West Trains, Virgin Trains, Wessex Trains, Arriva Trains Wales |
| Paignton | Goodrington Sands, Churston, Kingswear | Paignton to Brixham, Brixham to Kingswear, Dartmouth to Torcross | The Paignton and Dartmouth Railway | The Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway |
| Exeter Central | Exeter St Davids, Exeter St Thomas, Starcross, Dawlish Warren, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, Totnes, Ivybridge, Plymouth | Exeter to Dawlish Warren, Dawlish to Dawlish Warren, Dawlish to Teignmouth, Teignmouth to Babbacombe, Plymouth to Wembury | The South Devon Coastway | First Great Western, South West Trains, Virgin Trains, Wessex Trains, Arriva Trains Wales |
| Barnstaple | Chapleton, Umberleigh, Portsmouth Arms, Kings Nympton, Eggesford, Lapford, Morchard Road, Copplestone, Yeoford, Crediton, Newton St Cyres, Exeter St. Davids, Exeter Central | Exeter to Dawlish Warren | The Tarka Line | Wessex Trains |
| Okehampton | Sampford Courtenay, Crediton, Exeter St. Davids, Exeter Central | Exeter to Dawlish Warren | The Dartmoor Line | Wessex Trains |
| London Waterloo | Woking, Basingstoke, Overton, Whitchurch, Andover, Grateley, Salisbury, Tisbury, Gillingham, Templecombe, Sherbourne, Yeovil Junction, Crewkerne, Axminster, Honiton, Feniton, Whimple, Pinhoe, Exeter Central, Exeter St. Davids | Exeter to Dawlish Warren | The West of England Line | South West Trains |
| London Paddington | Reading, Swindon, Chippenham, Bath, Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Newbury, Pewsey, Castle Cary, Westbury, Taunton, Tiverton, Exeter St Davids | Exeter to Dawlish Warren | The Great Western Line | First Great Western, Virgin Trains, Wessex Trains, Arriva Trains Wales |
Most rail tickets (such as day returns) are valid on any of the train operators below (except for the Paignton and Dartmouth steam, which is private). Some advance purchase tickets are limited to certain rail operators only (such as Virgin Value tickets).
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Pre-Printed timetable booklets are available from all staffed stations around South Devon. Most larger stations are staffed (including Exeter, Plymouth, Exmouth, Dawlish, Torquay, Paignton and Teignmouth). In addition some of the rail operators have provided timetables for downloading on their web sites. See the links below
There are several web sites which allow you to search for rail information, some also provide information on fares.
The National Rail site has lots of information on the rail network, including a journey planner that gives the train times and fares, real time travel information and real time departure information for many stations. For the timetable, follow the link Planning Your Journey near the top left.
The TrainLine.com provides timetable, train fare information and it allows you to book a ticket in advance (which can be picked up at some stations or delivered to your house). It does require you to register first though and has a habit of offering trains for which it lists no valid fare!.
QJump is very similar to the TrainLine and provides timetables, fares and on-line bookings. It is neccessary to register only if you wish to order tickets on-line.
Duetsche Bahn (the German rail operator) provides (in English) an on-line timetable for all UK rail services. It also offers a list of calling points for all the trains (rather than just where you need to change), a map of the route takes and will produce a personalised PDF (Adobe Acrobat file) of the timetable between any two stations.
Rail Services in the UK sometimes suffer from delays and disruption, so it is useful to check for potential problems before setting out. National Rail Inquiries is a telephone line (open 24-hours a day) which can provide timetable and current train running information. The number is 08457 48 49 50. Calls are charged at the local rate.
There is also on-line train running information available updated frequently. The main site lists problems and disruption (current and cleared), for the whole UK. In addition current live arrival and departure information is available for main stations in the UK. For South Devon, the only stations currently listed are Exeter St Davids and Plymouth, although the information here will cover most trains running in South Devon.
If you're travelling regularly by train, it might be worth investing in a Railcard, which offers discounts on various rail services. The following cards are available. Note that they do have different validty and different discounts to so do check which offers best value for you.
| Railcard | Eligibility | Cost | Discount Available | Routes valid on | |
| Young Persons Railcard | Available to anyone aged 16 to 25 and to full-time students over 26. | £20 per year | 1/3 off most standard class rail fares. Excludes some advance purchase tickets. Minimum fare applies before on weekdays. | All routes nationwide, except preserved railways. | |
| Senior Railcard | Anyone aged 60 or over. | £20 per year. | 1/3 off most rail fares - see website for details. | All routes nationwide, except preserved railways. | |
| Family Railcard | A minimum of 1 adult and 1 child (under 16) and a maximum of 4 adults and 4 childern per card. All must be travelling together. | £20 per year | 1/3 off most adult fares and 60% off child fares. Must be at least 1 adult and 1 child travelling together and a maximum of 4 adults and 4 children. | All routes nationwide, except preserved railways. | |
| Network Railcard | Anyone. A single card is valid for a minimum of 1 person and a maximum of 4 adults and 4 children travelling together. | £20 per year | 1/3 off most adult rail fares and 60% off most child fares, but only on certain routes. A minimum fare applies on weekdays so discount may be less than stated on weekdays for short-distance fares. Off-peak use only. | Most trains in the former Network South East Area. In Devon, this covers trains from London Waterloo - Exeter (but not beyond Exeter), operated by South West Trains, and also London Waterloo - Weymouth trains (for bus connections to East Devon). Not avilable on services in Devon operated by Wessex Trains, First Great Western, Virgin Trains or Wales and Borders Trains. | |
| Disabled Persons Railcard | See here | £14 per year | 1/3 off most rail fares. | All routes nationwide, except preserved railways. | |
| Devon Railcard | Anyone over 16 resident in Devon. | £10 per year. | 1/3 off most off peak rail fares within Devon. | All routes in Devon, and the Tamar Vallay Line to Gunnislake. Valid only on journeys wholly within Devon. |
Most of the timetables below should be up to date, but you are strongly advised to contact the operator to confirm before travelling. |
Bus services operate between many points on the South West coast path and also connect with major towns and cities and the National Rail network. The South Devon section has some good bus services operating to coastal towns, with many running very frequently. The worst section is probably the South Hams, to the west of Salcombe towards Plymouth. Some bus services run only during the summer or during the week only and may run different timetables at weekends or during school holidays.
The following table shows the bus routes that pass points on the coast path and the walks that they are useful for. Points on (or very near) the coast path are marked in bold.
| From | To | Walk | Service No | Operator | Through rail tickets available? (via Station) |
| Weymouth | Radipole, Upwey, Dorchester South Station, Dorchester, Poundbury, Martinstown, Winterbourne Abbas, Bridport, Chideock, Morcombelake, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Uplyme, Axminster, Axminster Station | Beer to Lyme Regis | 31 | First Southern National | Yes (Dorchester South & Axminster) |
| Bridgwater | North Petherton, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton, Horton Cross, Chard, Axminster, Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Chideock, Bridport, West Bay, Burton Bradstock, Abbotsbury, Weymouth | Beer to Lyme Regis | X88 | First Southern National | No |
| Exeter | Newton Poppleford, Sidford, Beer, Seaton, Colyford, Rousdon, Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Morcombelake, Chideock, Bridport, West Bay, Burton Bradstock, Abbotsbury, Portesham, Chickerell, Westham, Weymouth, Preston, Osmington, Wool, Wareham, Wareham Station, Sandford, Poole | Beer to Lyme Regis, Sidmouth to Beer, Exeter to Dawlish Warren | X53 | First Southern National | No |
| Sherborne | Yeovil, Crewkerne, Mosterton, Beaminster, Bradpole, Bridport, West Bay, Chideock, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Seaton, Beer, Sidford, Sidmouth | Beer to Lyme Regis, Sidmouth to Beer, Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth | X67 | First Southern National | No |
| Lyme Regis | Rousdon, Axmouth, Seaton, Beer, Branscombe, Sidford, Sidmouth | Beer to Lyme Regis, Sidmouth to Beer, Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth | 899 | Axe Valley Mini Travel (Tel 01297 625959) | No |
| Honiton | Honiton Station, Heathfield, Sidbury, Sidford, Sidmouth | Sidmouth to Beer, Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth | 340 | Stagecoach in Devon | Yes (Honiton) |
| Exeter | Exeter Airport, Otter St Mary, Alfington, Honiton, Honiton Station, Sidbury, Sidford Sidmouth | Sidmouth to Beer, Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth, Exeter to Dawlish Warren | 379 - Summer Only | Stagecoach in Devon | Yes (Honiton) |
| Sidmouth | Tipton St John, Fluxton, Otter St Mary, Fenny Bridges, Feniton, Whimple, Feniton, Otter St Mary, Tipton St John, Sidmouth | Sidmouth to Beer, Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth | 382 | Stagecoach in Devon | No |
| Exeter | Clyst St Mary, Newton Poppleford, Sidmouth, Sidford, Sidbury | Sidmouth to Beer, Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth, Exeter to Dawlish Warren | 52 | Stagecoach in Devon | No |
| Exmouth | Littleham, Budleigh Salterton, East Budleigh, Otterton, Bicton Park, Colaton Raleigh, Newton Poppleford, Sidmouth | Sidmouth to Beer, Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth, Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton | 157 - Note - Sunday services run only to Budleigh Salterton in the winter. | Stagecoach in Devon | No |
| Exmouth | Littleham, Budleigh Salterton, East Budleigh, Otterton, Bicton Park, Colaton Raleigh, Newton Poppleford, Sidmouth | Sidmouth to Beer, Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth, Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton | 357 | Stagecoach in Devon | No |
| Exeter | Countess Wear, Topsham, Lympstone, Exmouth, Littleham, Budleigh Salterton, East Budleigh, Otterton | Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth, Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton, Exeter to Dawlish Warren | 57 | Stagecoach in Devon | No |
| Exeter | Clyst St George, Exeter Airport, Woodbury Salterton, Woodbury, Lympstone, Exmouth | Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton, Exeter to Dawlish Warren | 56 | Stagecoach in Devon | No |
| Exeter | Littleham, Devon Cliffs (Sandy Bay), Exmouth | Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton, Exeter to Dawlish Warren | 58 | Stagecoach in Devon | No |
| Bude | Hillhead, Stratton, Holsworthy, Dunsland Cross, Halwill Junction, Castle Cross, Thorndon Cross, Okehampton, Sticklepath, Ramsley, Whiddon Down, Crockenwell, Cheriton Cross, Tedburn St Mary, Pathfinder Village, Exeter St Davids Station, Exeter | Exeter to Dawlish Warren | X9 (Excel Service) | First Western National | Yes (Exeter St Davids) |
| Newquay | St Columb Minor, St Columb Major, Wadebridge, St Kew, Helstone, Camelford, Davidstow, Hallworthy, Pipers Pool, Tregadillett, Launceston, Lifton, Lewdown, Bridestowe, Okehampton, Tedburn St Mary, Pathfinder Village, Exeter St Davids Station, Exeter | Exeter to Dawlish Warren | X10 (Excel Service) | First Western National | Yes (Exeter St Davids) |
| Exeter | Newton St Cyres, Crediton | Exeter to Dawlish Warren | 50 | Stagecoach in Devon | No |
| Exeter | Drumbridges, Ashburton, Buckfastleigh, Plymouth | Exeter to Dawlish Warren, Plymouth to Wembury | X38 | Stagecoach in Devon | No |
| Exeter | Exeter St Davids Station, Longdown, Reedy, Dunsford, Steps Bridge, Doccombe, Moretonhampstead, Postbridge, Two Bridges, Princetown, Sharpitor, Dousland, Yelverton, Roborough, Crownhill, Mutley, Plymouth | Exeter to Dawlish Warren, Plymouth to Wembury | 82 | First Western National | Yes (Exeter St Davids, Plymouth) |
| Exeter | Kingskerswell, Torquay, Paignton | Exeter to Dawlish Warren, Torquay to Babbacombe, Torquay to Paignton, Paignton to Brixham | X46 | Stagecoach in Devon | No |
| Exeter | Exminster, Kenton, Starcross, Dawlish Warren, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Bishopsteignton, Newton Abbot, Shaldon, Maidencombe, St Marychurch, Torquay | Exeter to Dawlish Warren, Dawlish to Dawlish Warren, Dawlish to Teignmouth, Teignmouth to Babbacombe, Torquay to Babbacombe, Torquay to Paignton | 85,85A | Stagecoach in Devon | No |
| Starcross | Crofton Farm, Dawlish | Exeter to Dawlish Warren, Dawlish to Dawlish Warren, Dawlish to Teignmouth | 186 | Dawlish Coaches (Tel 01626 862525) | No |
| Torquay | St Marychurch, Watcombe | Teignmouth to Babbacombe, Torquay to Babbacombe, Torquay to Paignton | 32, 33, 34 | Stagecoach in Devon | No |
| Torquay | Paignton, Collaton St Mary, Totnes, South Brent, Bittaford, Ivybridge, Lee Mill, Plymouth | Torquay to Babbacombe, Torquay to Paignton, Paignton to Brixham, Plymouth to Wembury | X80 | First Western National | No |
| Dartmouth | Halwell, Harbetonford, Totnes, Berry Pomeroy, Marldon, Torquay | Torquay to Babbacombe, Torquay to Paignton, Brixham to Kingswear, Dartmouth to Torcross | 111 | First Western National | No |
| Newton Abbot | Kingskerswell, Torquay, Preston, Paignton, Broadsands, Brixham | Torquay to Babbacombe, Torquay to Paignton, Paignton to Brixham, Brixham to Kingswear | 12, 12B | Stagecoach in Devon | Yes (Torquay, Paignton) |
| St Marychurch | Torquay, Paignton, Brixham | Torquay to Babbacombe, Torquay to Paignton, Paignton to Brixham, Brixham to Kingswear | 300 - Summer only open top service | Stagecoach in Devon | No |
| Torquay | Paignton, Kingswear | Torquay to Babbacombe, Torquay to Paignton, Paignton to Brixham, Brixham to Kingswear, Dartmouth to Torcross | 120 | Stagecoach in Devon | No |
| Paignton | Totnes | Torquay to Paignton, Paignton to Brixham | 100 | River Link | No |
| Paignton | Greenway | Torquay to Paignton, Paignton to Brixham | 101 | River Link | No |
| Brixham | Hill Head, Kingswear | Paignton to Brixham, Brixham to Kingswear, Dartmouth to Torcross | 22, 24 | Stagecoach in Devon | No |
| Dartmouth | Stoke Flemming, Blackpool, Strete, Slapton, Torcross, Stokenham, Chillington, Charleton, Kingsbridge, Churchstow, Modbury, Yealmpton, Brixton, Plymouth | Brixham to Kingswear, Dartmouth to Torcross, Torcross to East Prawle | 93 | First Western National | No |
| Kingsbridge | West Alvington, Marlborough, Salcombe | East Prawle to Salcombe, Salcombe to Saw Mill Cove | 606 | Tally Ho! Coaches | No |
| Kingsbridge | Thurlestone, South Milton, Marlborough, Galmpton, Hope | Saw Mill Cove to Hope, Hope to Bantham | 162 | First Western National | No |
| Bigbury on Sea | Bigbury, Challaborough, Ringmore, Kingston, Modbury, Yealmpton, Plymouth | Hope to Bantham, Bigbury on Sea to Mothecombe | 875 | Tally Ho! | No |
| Bigbury on Sea | Challaborough, Ringmore, Kingston, Modbury, Aveton Gifford, Kingsbridge | Hope to Bantham, Bigbury on Sea to Mothecombe | 876 | Tally Ho! | No |
| Mothecombe | Battisborough Cross, Holbeton, Yealmpton, Modbury, Ermington, Keaton Bridge, Ivybridge, Lee Mill | Bigbury on Sea to Mothecombe, Mothecombe to Noss Mayo | 612 | Tally Ho! | No |
| Plymouth | Cattedown, Laira Bridge, Plymstock, Billacombe, Elburton, Brixton, Yealmpton, Newton Ferrers, Noss Mayo | Mothecombe to Noss Mayo, Plymouth to Wembury | 94 | First Western National | No |
| Plymouth | Plymouth Station, Wembury | Plymouth to Wembury, Mothecombe to Noss Mayo | 48 | First Western National | No |
| Bude | Hillhead, Stratton, Newport, Launceston, Treburley, Callington, St Mellion, Saltash, St Budeaux, Milehouse, Plymouth | Plymouth to Wembury | X8 | First Western National | No |
| Plymouth | Lee Mill, Ivybridge, Bittaford, South Brent, Totnes, Paignton, Torquay | Plymouth to Wembury | X80, 88 | First Western National | No |
| Salcombe | Malborough, Dartmouth, Stoke Flemming, Blackpool, Strete, Slapton, Torcross, Stokenham, Chillington, West Charleton, Kingsbridge, Churchstow, Aveton Gifford, Modbury, Noss Mayo, Newton Ferrers, Yealmpton, Brixton, Plymouth | Plymouth to Wembury | 92, 93, 94 | First Western National | No |
Tickets purchased from one bus company are not normally valid on buses run by different companies.
| First Western National are probably the biggest operator of bus services in Devon, running in south and west Devon. Some of their routes are frequent, others are quite infrequent. They are also quite expensive for single journeys. Their customer service line is on 01208 79898 or 01209 719988 which is open 8:00 - 18:30 daily (opens at 09:00 on Sundays). They have bus stations within the South Devon area at Plymouth. Timetables are available from most bus stations in South Devon, and tourist information centres. They publish complete Public Transport guides for South Devon and West Devon (Devon County Council publish guides for East Devon and Teignbridge). |
| Stagecoach Devon operates services around East Devon, Exeter, Teignbridge, Torbay and the South Hams. They run frequent local services and longer distance express services from Exeter to Torbay, Kingsbridge and Plymouth. Single and return fares are reasonably priced, and most of their services run fairly frequently. For information on Stagecoach services call Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 or Stagecoach on 01392 427711. They also have bus stations or information shops (which have timetables and staff available to ask) at Exeter (bus station), Paignton (bus station), Vaughan Parage, Torquay (shop), and Kiosk 1 Market Square Newton Abbot. They list a summary of their services on their website, which gives first and last bus times and service frequencies. Public Transport guides for East Devon, Teignbridge and South Devon cover Stagecoach services. These guides are publised by Devon County Council and are available from bus stations and Toruist Information Centres. |
| First Southern National run services in West Dorset and East Devon, as far West as Exeter. This includes the services from Axminster to Lyme Regis and Bridport, and the express services from Exeter to Weymouth via Seaton, Beer and Lyme Regis. Services are generally reasonably priced. For more information call 01305 783645. Bus timetables are available on their web site, in Tourist Information Centres and travel centres in the area, and are also listed in the East Devon public transport guide, from Devon County Council. |
| Axe Valley Mini Travel (AVMT) run services around the Axe Valley, including coastal services around Seaton, Beer and Lyme Regis. Telephone 01297 625959 for more information. |
| Tally Ho operate local services around the South Hams. The timetables are listed in the South Devon Public Transport guide, published by Devon County Council, which is available from Tourist Information Centres and bus stations. For more details call 01548 853081 or email headoffice@tallyhocoaches.com |
| River Link operate boat services on the river Dart as well as local bus service around Dartmouth and Paignton. For more information on their bus services, call 01803 834488. |
| National Express run longer distance coach services from many towns and cities to most towns on the South Devon coast. Services must (in general) be pre-booked. The prices tend to be quite high however, and the service is not really appropriate for local journeys between points on the coast path. |
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Bus timetable information is available from the Traveline South West site, operators concerned, or from Traveline telephone information on 0870 608 2 608. Note that this number uses caller line identfication to identify the telephone number you are calling from and put you through to the local office covering your current area. To avoid this, withold your number by dialling 141 before the number, or call from a mobile. In this case you will get a menu option to chose your area. The website also includes a journey planner, and includes rail information. |
Rover Tickets provide a way to travel on bus and train services for several days at a time, without having to purchase seperate tickets. If your in the area for a few days it is worth looking into.
Are available for one, three and seven day tickets, and provide unlimited use of all First Western National, First Southern National and First Group bus services in the south west.
This provides unlimited use of all Stagecoach Devon services. These are available for one, three and seven days, and can be bought from the driver of the first bus you use.
Allows unlimited use of all Stagecoach Devon services for one year, and is available from Travel Shops only.
Allows unlimited use of all Axe Valley Mini Travel services for one day. It is available from the driver of the first bus you use.
This ticket is available on Sundays only, and allows unlimited use of the Dartmoor Line Railway (Exeter - Okehampton) and Tamar Valley Line Railway (Plymouth - Gunnislake). It is also valid on a network of bus services runnng through Dartmoor, some of which run to South Devon. The ticket is now available all year round, but the service is more limited during the Winter.
This ticket is valid on all Stagecoach Devon bus services for one day, and is also valid for a return ferry crossing between Kingswear and Dartmouth, and a single journey on the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway.
Two tickets relevant to the South Devon coast are available.
The Devon Rail Rover provides unlimited off-peak use of all national rail lines in Devon for and 3 in 7 days or any 8 in 15 days.
The Freedom of the South West rail rover provides unlimited use of all National Rail services in Cornwall and Devon, and onto many parts of Avon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset. It is available for 8 in 15 days versions (ie you can choose any 8 days out of 15 consecutive days to travel).
There are several public transport maps available for the South Devon area. Click one of the links below.
