Travelling from Newquay to Padstow

Walking from Newquay to Padstow

Certainly the longest option, but the most rewarding. If you’re here for a spot of rambling, head to the coast path and walk from Newquay to Padstow. This section of the South West Coast Path is roughly 23 miles. You’ll walk via Watergate Bay, Bedruthan Steps, Constantine Bay and Stepper Point. The good news is that the latter section, from Porthcothan to Padstow (around 12 miles) is a fairly easy jaunt.

Driving from Newquay to Padstow

Taking around 30 minutes in the car, with a few road route options, while hugging the coastal roads is the most scenic drive as you pass Mawgan Porth and Harlyn Bay, it can be busy, and the roads can be narrow in places. Alternatives are taking A3059 and B3274 or the A392, which are much faster roads.

If you were hoping to tap up an Uber while in Cornwall, you’ll be waiting a while as they don’t operate in the county… however, there are plenty of local taxi firms, but it could cost between £30-£50 depending on the time.

Getting a bus from Newquay to Padstow

There is a bus route served by Go Cornwall Bus which starts at Newquay Bus Station and ends at Station Road in Padstow. The number 56 bus route runs almost once an hour from 9-5pm (10 times per day), taking approximately 1 hour and a half. As of June 2025, the last bus departs Padstow at 18:42.

The ‘Tap & Cap’ fare system is in place, allowing passengers to pay with contactless methods – simply tap when you get on board and tap again when you leave. Under this system, the maximum fare for a single journey is capped at £3. Additionally, daily and weekly fare caps are set at £5 and £20, respectively, ensuring cost-effective travel for frequent users. They also offer a Dayrider 1 day unlimited travel across all Go Cornwall Bus services or Cornwall by Kernow buses in Cornwall. An adult fare costs £8, a child £5, or a family ticket is £16.

Getting a train from Newquay to Padstow

Unfortunately, Padstow does not have a train station taking a train journey out of the equation. Newquay, however, does have a train station with routes running between Newquay and Par in South Cornwall.

A significant enhancement to Cornwall’s rail infrastructure is underway through the Mid Cornwall Metro project. By 2026, this initiative aims to introduce an hourly coast-to-coast service connecting Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn, and Falmouth. The project includes the restoration of a second platform at Newquay station and the construction of a new passing loop at Goss Moor, which will facilitate increased service frequency and improved connectivity across the region.