Europe > 🇬🇧 United Kingdom > Exeter (EXT)
🚆 🚌⛴️ Do you 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 strictly need to rent a car.
- For all transport modes, a score of 0 = very poor or none available; 10 = outstandingly good.
💰💶💳 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.
- For all factors, a score of 0 = very poor; 10 = outstandingly good
Exeter Car Rental Costs
Price bands:
- From 1 ($0-10 per day) to 10 ($90-100 per day);
- For typical cheapest available economy hire car;
- Jan - Mar 2027 / Apr - Dec 2026.
- Prices correct as of Feb 2026 - estimates only, not a guarantee.
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 🚙🌄.
Search for Car Rental in Exeter with Economy Bookings .com
🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table
This summary score brings together how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it, and an overall recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
|
Visited? – Have we visited Exeter in person (year)?
N/A
|
|
Updates – When was this page last updated:
|
|
What are the general advantages and disadvantages of renting a car in any location?
|
|
I'm still not sure whether or not to rent a car in Exeter –
can you offer more advice?
|
|
Can you advise us on how to get the best car rental deal in Exeter?
|
👍🏾 / 👎🏻 Will You Rent a Car in Exeter?
Would you rent a car in Exeter, or would you rely on tours or public transport instead?
Everyone travels differently, and the right choice often depends on where you’re going, how long you’re staying, and what kind of trip you’re planning.
Hopefully this page has given you a quick, practical overview of the pros and cons of renting a car in Exeter, and whether it’s really necessary or not. Maybe it’s helped you make up your mind — or maybe you’ve already visited and have insights to share.
We always welcome comments, questions, and comparisons with other cities.
All feedback is read, and any questions or clarifications are usually replied to within 24 hours.