Europe > United Kingdom > Exeter (EXT)
The Car or no Car advice for Exeter can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Exeter ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Exeter ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Exeter?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Exeter without a car 🚶♂️🚌
Exeter city centre is very easy to explore on foot. The cathedral close, historic quayside, Roman walls, and main shopping streets all sit close together. Walking works well, and cycling is increasingly popular, helped by riverside paths and traffic-calmed areas.
Public transport is also strong for a city of this size. Trains connect Exeter St. David’s with Bristol, Birmingham, London, Plymouth, and Cornwall, as well as local routes along the Exe Valley. Buses provide good coverage across the city and into nearby suburbs.
Exeter Airport is small but efficient. It is connected to the city by bus, and the journey time is short. For visitors staying centrally, there is little reason to drive within the city itself.
Day trips by train 🌊🌿
Exeter works very well as a rail base. You can reach the Jurassic Coast, including Exmouth and Dawlish, by train. The stretch of railway along the sea wall at Dawlish is one of the most scenic in the UK. Trains also run north into Devon’s countryside and east toward Dorset.
These rail links mean you can enjoy beaches, coastal walks, and small towns without needing a car. For many visitors, this is more relaxing than driving narrow rural roads.
When a rental car becomes useful 🚗
A car becomes valuable once you look inland. Dartmoor National Park is the big draw here. While buses exist, they are infrequent and limit flexibility. A car allows you to explore moorland villages, hiking routes, and viewpoints at your own pace.
The same applies to rural Devon and Cornwall. Smaller beaches, villages, and farm stays are often poorly served by public transport. If you plan a multi-day countryside itinerary, a rental car saves time and effort.
Car hire is available in Exeter city centre and at the airport. Prices are usually reasonable, especially outside peak summer months.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Exeter?
For city sightseeing and coastal day trips, a car is not essential. Exeter works very well on foot, by bus, and by train. However, if you want to explore Dartmoor or rural Devon in depth, renting a car quickly becomes the more practical choice 🚙🌄.
