Atlantic Coaster Newquay to Padstow: A Scenic Open-Top Bus Ride & Budget-Friendly Family Fun

If you’re looking for a fun and budget-friendly family outing in Cornwall, the Newquay to Padstow Coaster is a fantastic option. Recently, my family and I embarked on this scenic journey when we had visitors staying and we needed some affordable family activities to do in Newquay with our kids and their cousins. It turned out to be a memorable adventure and one I’m sure they’ll always remember when older!

We have been on the coaster before as locals, however it can get very busy in the summer, so this is the first time we enjoyed the Newquay to Padstow coaster riding up top! I’ll share tips for how best to secure your up-top seat, as well as our experience with many photos and videos of the ride below.

Newquay Atlantic Coaster Review and Videos — The Newquay Atlantic Coaster.

Atlantic Coaster: The Newquay to Padstow Journey

The Newquay to Padstow Coaster offers a picturesque route along the North Cornwall coast, with stunning views of the rugged coastline and charming towns. The open-top bus is ideal for enjoying the fresh sea air and breathtaking scenery.

It’s a delightful experience for both children and adults, with kids especially enjoying the thrill of riding up top, and adults being able to view the Cornish coastline and scenery from a viewpoint not possible in a car.

*Cornish countryside scenes from the Atlantic Coaster*.

Close up beach views from the Atlantic Coaster at Mawgan Porth — Close-up beach views from the Atlantic Coaster at Mawgan Porth.

Stopping for Lunch in Padstow

While the bus ticket allows a hop-on hop-off experience at various destinations along the way, such as Mawgan Porth and Porthcothan, we have visited these previously and stayed out until the final stop at Padstow.

We exited the bus in Padstow, where we enjoyed a lovely lunch and explored the quaint (but very busy in summer) harbour town. Padstow’s charming atmosphere and great dining options made for a pleasant lunch break before our return journey on the Coaster back to Newquay!

Leaving Padstow on the Atlantic Coaster passing the Harbour Hotel.

Padstow to Newquay: Return Trip Insights

On our way back to Newquay, we encountered a driver who was quite chatty. While his jokes and random facts about the surrounding areas were amusing at first and made for a more interesting bus ride, some of the jokes became a bit tedious by the end of the trip!

(If you love tour guides, then I do recommend the land train in Newquay which shares some interesting facts of the area.)

Arriving at the Portcothan stop on the Atlantic Coaster from Padstow.

Coming into Mawgan Porth from Padstow on the Atlantic Coaster. The driver did tell us something we didn’t know on this part, about what body part the adult-only Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth is shaped like… if you’re curious, take a click here to see on Google Maps and zoom in if needed!

Leaving Mawgan Porth on the Atlantic Coaster heading towards Newquay.

Passing Watergate Bay on the Atlantic Coaster.

Tips for Riding the Newquay to Padstow Atlantic Coaster

Dress Warmly: The open-top bus can get windy and cold if you sit in the open-air section, so think about bringing a warm hat or headband, a hair tie if needed for longer hair, and a warm outer layer to reduce the chill.
Bring Essentials: The journey is longer than one hour each way, so pack water and snacks if needed, to stay comfortable throughout the journey. A pack of tissues is handy if the cold wind makes your nose run!
How To Get The Best Seat: During the summer holidays in particular, the bus can get very busy. If you’re aiming for an open-air seat then these are obviously most popular on warm, sunny, school holiday days. To increase your chances of a seat of your choice I recommend catching the bust from the first pickup point at the first ride time of the day. Otherwise, you may need to sit downstairs and miss out on all the amazing views up top!
Bring a camera: The views are simply stunning, so don’t forget to capture the memories.
Hop on and off: If you have time, take advantage of the hop-on, hop-off service to explore different locations along the route.

Passing through St Merryn near Padstow with Treyarnon Bay in the distance.

Affordable Activity with Kids in Newquay: The Atlantic Coaster is Great Value for Money

At just £10 for a family of four, the Coaster offers excellent value for money. It’s an affordable way to experience the beauty of Cornwall and create lasting memories with your family.

The £10 ticket can be purchased via their online app with an expiry of one year, and activated on the day you wish to use it. This is how we have always purchased our tickets, although you may be able to buy your ticket in person on the bus.

We also highly recommend the St Ives to Lands End Coaster.

Passing Bedruthan Steps Camping on the Atlantic Coaster.

Conclusion

The Newquay to Padstow Coaster, also known as the Atlantic Coaster, is a fantastic option for a family day out or a half-day adventure. Offering scenic views, a budget-friendly price, and a fun open-top ride, it’s a must-try for both locals and visitors.

This journey through the beauty of Cornwall is sure to create lasting memories. Don’t forget to check out the photos and videos we’ve included to get a glimpse of this wonderful adventure!

Bad news for the coasters!

Unfortunately, they’ve decided not to continue with the open-top coasters in 2025 in Cornwall. Such as shame. But they will do the same routes in double-decker buses, so while you can’t get that open-air feel, you can still get great views in all weathers!

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