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Finding a car rental in Exeter is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands in the UK with no booking fees. Pick up in Exeter city centre, at Exeter Airport or near St David's station, then take the A30 or M5 to Dartmoor, the Jurassic Coast or Cornwall. Choose from manual or automatic hire cars, one-way rentals and family-friendly SUVs and book early in summer for better availability and rates.
Exeter has several car rental locations, giving you flexibility for pick-up and drop-off.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Exeter City Centre | • No airport surcharges • Often lower rates • Multiple locations throughout city • Some offer free pick-up service |
• Limited opening hours • Often closed Sundays • May require taxi from station • Smaller selection of vehicles |
| Exeter Airport (EXT) | • Wider selection of vehicles • Extended opening hours • Multiple companies to compare • Immediate access to A30 and M5 |
• Airport surcharges apply • Located 5 miles east of city centre • Higher daily rates than city |
| Exeter St. David's (Train Station) | • Convenient for rail arrivals • Central location • Good for one-way rentals |
• Limited selection • May not have desk in station • Potential station surcharges |
On average, car rentals in Exeter cost around €48 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €19 per day.
Compare city vs airport pickup: Exeter city locations are often 10-15% cheaper with shorter queues. Airport has longer hours and wider choice. Factor in the taxi/bus cost to the city branch and your pickup time.
Match your booking to the season: For Devon’s summer, Easter, bank holidays and graduation weeks, book early. In winter and term-time, be flexible on dates or car class and watch for price drops.
Check weekly vs daily: Weekly deals can beat a 4-5 day rental. Compare both options for the same dates before you lock in.
Trim extras: Many rentals include unlimited mileage — confirm it. Only add extra drivers if they’ll actually drive. Under-25s usually pay about £30/day more.
Save on fuel and nav: Fill up at Exeter supermarkets (Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s) which are typically 5-10p/litre cheaper than motorway services, and return full. Skip paid GPS and use your phone.
Weigh one-way costs: Dropping off in another city often adds £50-150. Compare that against returning to Exeter to see which is cheaper overall.
Parking in Exeter balances city convenience and historic restrictions.
| Parking Type | Average Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre Car Parks | Check current rates | Guildhall, Mary Arches and Princesshay car parks are central; cheaper evening rates (after 6PM) |
| On-street Parking | Check current rates | Limited availability; strict time restrictions; many areas have resident permit zones |
| Park & Ride | Check current rates | Three locations (Sowton, Matford, Honiton Road); includes bus fare to city centre; good option for day visits |
| University Areas | Restricted | Many streets require permits; visitors should use designated car parks |
Local Driving Rules:
Dartmoor National Park – Ashburton, Okehampton, Moretonhampstead
Jurassic Coast – Sidmouth, A3052
Exmoor National Park – South Molton, Exe Valley
English Riviera – Torquay, A380
South Devon loop – Plymouth, Kingsbridge, Dartmouth, Totnes
Cornwall – Newquay, A30
Where are the main car rental locations in Exeter city? You can find the main car rental offices in the Marsh Barton area (south of the centre) and around the St. David's train station area. Some companies also have offices in eastern Exeter near Sowton.
Do I need a car if I'm only visiting Exeter city? You probably don't need a car just for visiting the city. Exeter's city centre is small enough to walk around and has good public transport. A car can be a hassle in the city, but you'll need one if you want to explore the rest of Devon.
What's the best route from Exeter to Cornwall? You should take the A30 heading west to get into Cornwall. It's the main road and mostly a dual carriageway, making it the fastest way to get to places in Cornwall.
Is driving in Exeter city centre difficult? Driving in Exeter's city centre can be tricky for new visitors. The city has several pedestrian-only zones, one-way systems and bus lanes. If you only need to visit the centre, you might find it easier to use the Park & Ride services.
What type of car is best for exploring Devon from Exeter? We'd suggest a compact or small family car like a Ford Focus or VW Golf. You'll find it's comfortable, has enough space and is easy to drive on country lanes. If you have a larger family, you might prefer an estate car over an SUV because they handle better on narrow roads.
Are there any seasonal factors I should consider when renting in Exeter? Yes, in summer, especially during school holidays, more people rent cars so prices are higher. It can also be harder to find a car during university graduation time, which is usually in July. In winter, you won't see much snow in Exeter, but you should be careful of ice and snow on the moorland roads.
Can I pick up in Exeter and drop off elsewhere in the UK? Yes, you can do a one-way rental, but the company will charge you an extra fee. People often rent one-way from Exeter to places like Bristol, London and Birmingham. The fee changes depending on the distance and the rental company, but you can expect to pay an extra £50-150.
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