Torquay

How to Get to Torquay

Torquay is best accessed via the regional rail network. While there is no direct airport in Torquay, the nearest hub is Exeter Airport (EXT).

From Exeter Airport (EXT)

• Transport: Take a taxi or the 58A bus to Exeter St Davids train station (approx. 30 minutes). From there, catch a direct Great Western Railway (GWR) train to Torquay.
• Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes total.
• Cost: Combined transport typically costs between €16 and €32 (£14–£27).
• Tickets: Purchase train tickets at the station machines (select the "English" language option; credit cards accepted) or via the GWR app.
• Warning: Torquay is a "Penalty Fare" station. You must have a valid ticket before boarding the train to avoid an on-the-spot fine.

From Torquay City Center Torquay Railway Station is located on the seafront, a short distance from the town center.

• Bus: Lines 12 and 22 run frequently (every 10–15 minutes) from Cary Parade. The journey takes about 5 minutes.
• Walking: A pleasant, flat walk along the seafront takes approximately 20 minutes.
• Payment: Local buses accept contactless credit cards and mobile payments.

By Taxi

• From Airport: A taxi directly from Exeter Airport to Torquay takes about 35–40 minutes and costs approximately €165–€210 (£140–£180).
• From City Center: Taxis are readily available at the station rank or via local apps. A short trip to the town center takes roughly 3–5 minutes and costs about €6–€11 (£5–£9).

Tip: For the best value, book train tickets in advance online. If you are staying for a while, ask about a "Devon Ranger" ticket for unlimited regional travel.

Platform Guide & Layout

Torquay station is a straightforward, historic through station featuring only two platforms, making it very easy to navigate for first-time visitors. Think of the layout as a simple "A-B" arrangement: the two platforms are positioned parallel to each other, separated by the tracks, and connected by a footbridge. Because the station is quite compact, you will never need to worry about long walks between distant platforms or navigating complex wings.

The platform numbering is consistent and logical. Platform 1 is located on the side nearest the station’s main entrance and car park on Rathmore Road. This platform is primarily used for trains heading south toward Paignton. Conversely, Platform 2 is situated on the opposite side of the tracks, accessible via the footbridge, and serves trains heading north toward Newton Abbot, Exeter, and beyond to London or Manchester.

When traveling along the Devon Riviera, you will find both platforms serve this key route. If you are arriving in Torquay, your train will stop at one of these two platforms; if you are departing, simply check the departure boards in the ticket hall or on the platform to confirm which side your train is arriving on.

While the station is generally accessible, please be aware that there is no lift for the footbridge. If you are traveling with heavy luggage, a stroller, or have reduced mobility, navigating the stairs can be challenging. While both platforms have step-free access from the street level via local roads or the car park, moving between the two platforms without using the stairs requires exiting the station and walking along the public street to reach the other side. This adds a bit of time to your journey, so I recommend leaving an extra 5–10 minutes if you have significant luggage and need to avoid the footbridge.

In summary, Torquay station is an intimate, historic site where you can easily orient yourself within moments of arrival. Just keep in mind which direction you are traveling—Platform 1 for Paignton, Platform 2 for Exeter—and you will have no trouble finding your train.

Visiting Torquay station for the first time is exciting, but I wish someone had told me a few things to make the arrival smoother. Don’t worry, the station is small and charming, but being prepared will save you unnecessary stress.

Before You Arrive

• Download the Trainline app: Use this to book your tickets in advance. Buying online is almost always cheaper than purchasing at the station, and it keeps your tickets digitally organized so you don’t have to fumble with paper.
• Check your platform: Torquay is a small station, but platform changes can happen. Use the National Rail or Trainline app to check for real-time updates 20–30 minutes before your train arrives, rather than relying on information you checked hours earlier.

At the Station

• Accessibility note: The platforms are step-free from the road, but there is no lift between them. If you arrive on the wrong platform and cannot use the stairs, you will have to exit the station and navigate via the street to reach the other side. Pack light if you can!
• Toilets: There are public toilets available, but they charge a fee (typically £0.50). Ensure you have coins handy as card payments may not be accepted.
• Onward travel: Taxis are not always waiting at the station rank. If you have a lot of luggage or are arriving in the evening, I highly recommend pre-booking a local taxi service (such as Torbay Taxis) to meet you.
• Food: There is no café inside the station, so grab snacks or drinks in the town center before you head to the station for your departure.

Common Mistakes

• Not checking opening hours: The ticket office and toilet facilities have limited hours, especially in the evenings. Do not assume they will be open if you are traveling late.
• Assuming you can switch platforms easily: As mentioned, the lack of a lift makes switching platforms a significant detour. Always double-check which platform your train is departing from the moment you enter the station.

Through station serving Torquay, United Kingdom. Originally opened in 1859 by the Dartmouth and Torbay Railway, the station was significantly rebuilt in 1878. It remains a historic, Grade II listed structure that provides essential regional and local rail connections along the Devon Riviera, operated by Great Western Railway. With approximately 0.5 million passengers annually, it serves as a straightforward, manageable transit point for travelers moving through the coastal region.

You may be wondering if this station is large and overwhelming; rest assured, it is quite the opposite. Torquay is a small, two-platform station with a simple layout that is easy to navigate. The platforms are linked by a footbridge, though step-free access is available via nearby local roads. As with many smaller European stations, platforms can occasionally change shortly before a train's arrival, so keep an eye on the digital display boards and listen for announcements.

While the station is well-signposted, it is helpful to allow a few extra minutes to orient yourself upon arrival, especially if you have luggage. The station is generally unstaffed outside of set daytime hours, so ensure you have your tickets ready or use the self-service machines before boarding to avoid penalty fares.