Car Rental in Exeter

Why rent a car in Exeter?

Exeter is one of the great historic cities of southern England. Most famous for its impressive cathedral, it is home to a wealth of interesting architecture and sites dating back all the way to the Roman times in Britain. The region of Devon, where Exeter is located, is also worth exploring for its long beautiful beaches and protected nature areas. And with a rental car, you can travel even father all the way to neighboring Cornwall or cities like Bristol and London. 

Top ways to enter Exeter

• Exeter Airport: Small and mainly active during the summer months, Exeter Airport nonetheless served almost one million travelers in 2018. The airport is served by five different airlines and hosts flights to and from many destinations in the United Kingdom and across Europe. The airport is located about 10 km (6 miles) east of Exeter and can be reached in 15-20 minutes.
• Bristol Airport: Serving the famous city of the same name and historically also known as Lulsgate Airport, it handled nearly nine million travelers in 2018. The airport is a large hub for low-cost carriers like easyJet, TUI Airways, and Ryanair and is also served by around ten other airlines. Bristol Airport is 114 km (71 miles) northeast of Exeter and can be reached in only 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Cardiff Airport: Serving the capital city of Wales, Cardiff Airport handled 1.5 million travelers in 2018. The airport hosts flights to and from many European countries like Spain, France, and the Netherlands, as well as Doha in Qatar. Cardiff Airport is 206 km (128 miles) northwest of Exeter and takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach.
• Bournemouth Airport: A small airport on the coast of southern England, it mainly serves flights to and from holiday destinations in Spain, Greece, Turkey, and other countries. Bournemouth Airport is located 145 km (90 miles) east of Exeter and can be reached in about two hours, with most of the road following the coastline.
• Newquay Airport: Also known as Cornwall Airport after the region which it serves, it handled about 450,000 travelers in 2018. The airport is served by eight different airlines and offers flights to and from other destinations in the United Kingdom, as well as in Southern Europe, Western Europe, and Scandinavia. Located near the village of St. Mawgan, Newquay Airport is 125 km (78 miles) west of Exeter and takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach.

City facts

• Located in South East England, Exeter has an oceanic climate with mild summers, cool winters and relatively little temperature change between the seasons. The average high temperature is 22°C  (71°F) in July, the warmest month, and 6°C (42°F) in February, the coldest. Precipitation is quite even throughout the year with an increase from October to January.
• Inhabited since at least the Iron Age and home to ancient Celtic tribes, Exeter was conquered by the Romans in the first century AD and renamed Isca. Romans built a large number of buildings and structures, and although most have not survived to this day, about 70% of the city walls are still standing and is nowadays one of the main tourist attractions of the city. A large portion of the walls can be found near the Rougemont Gardens. 

Top sights and activities

• Exeter Cathedral. The main attraction of Exeter and the one that gives it the noble title of Cathedral City, the building of this beautiful church started nearly 1,000 years ago. Destroyed a number of times and later renovated - to an extent that it could be said it was completely rebuilt - the now-Anglican cathedral is a beautiful mixture of Norman and English Gothic architecture. Arguably the most famous church of Southeast England, seeing the cathedral is a highlight of any visit to Exeter.
• Rougemont Castle. Also known as Exeter Castle, the castle was built in 1068 when Exeter was one of the last places in England that tried to stand against the invasion of William the Conqueror and the Normans. Home to a fascinating and sometimes grim history - over centuries, it withstood a number of sieges and was also the place where that last witch trial in England took place - the castle complex was completely rebuilt in the 18th and 19th century except for the impressive castle walls that still stand to this day.
• Exeter Quay. A place of symbolic importance for local Exonians, the old quayside was, for centuries, an entry and exit point for ships traveling along the Exeter Canal and therefore a center for trading and commerce. The ships have long since stopped coming, but the city’s visitors can still see the beautiful old Custom House, cross the River Exe on a cable ferry, or simply enjoy a long leisurely walk along the water.
• Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Focused on the topics of zoology, anthropology, and other natural and social sciences, but also fine arts, the RAMM is one of the most diverse – and most interesting – museums in this part of the country. Situated in an attractive 19th-century Gothic Revival building that’s been created out of the local red sandstone, the museum welcomes more than 300 thousand visitors every year.
• Exeter Synagogue. Dating back to the 18th century, this is the third–oldest synagogue in the United Kingdom. The Jewish community of Exeter originated from Italy and Germany, and while it lost its numbers in the 19th century — there has been no permanent rabbi ever since — the synagogue technically continues to fulfill its original function to this day, all the while also remaining an important historical landmark.

Traffic and parking

• The United Kingdom drives on the left-hand side of the road.
• On-street parking is usually heavily restricted. Never park on a white, double yellow or double red line (stopping on motorways and next to red lines is illegal).
• You are not allowed to use your mobile phone while driving unless you use a hands-free system.
• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 112 km/h (70 mph) on motorways, 112 km/h (70 mph) on dual carriageways, 96 km/h (60 mph) on single carriageways and 48km/h (30 mph) in residential areas and areas with street lighting.
• In England and Wales, the legal alcohol limit is 0.08% for both experienced and novice drivers. Do keep in mind, however, that in Scotland the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for both experienced and novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines, a suspended license, or even imprisonment.
• The insurance documentation and registration of the car need to be in it whenever you’re driving.
• When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The emergency numbers are 999 and 112.

Toll roads

Currently, there is only a single toll road in the United Kingdom, the M6 toll. You also have to pay a toll for using a number of bridges and tunnels, as well as for entering the central areas of London and Durham (a city in North East England).

As an alternative to the M6 around Birmingham, the M6toll is a 43km (27 miles) long portion of the road, also known as the Birmingham North Relief Road (BNRR), that relieves congestion on the M6 itself. There are toll gates where you can pay by either cash or credit card. As of March 2019, the price is £6.40 for using the toll road from Monday to Friday (from 6a.m. to 11p.m.), £5.30 for using the toll road on Saturday or Sunday (from 6a.m. to 11p.m.), and £4.10 for using the toll road at night time on any day (from 11p.m. to 6a.m.). Find out more on the M6 Toll official website. 

Ideas for day trips

• Exmoor. A large protected area shared by Devon and neighboring Somerset, Exmoor is where visitors can observe or go on a walk in moorlands, a unique habitat that is characteristic to southern England. In addition to the moors, Exmoor also has picturesque hills, ancient forests, and prehistoric rock formations. Exmoor National Park, a part of the area, is home to a number of protected and unique plant species. The entrance to the national park is in the town of Dulverton which is 61 km (38 miles) north of Exeter and can be reached in about one hour.
• Exmouth. A pretty little town, Exmouth is best known for its long and beautiful beaches. Although you should only swim in specifically designated areas - the rapid currents can be quite dangerous - there’s plenty to do on the coast, including getting a tan, going on a long walk, or visiting a restaurant with a sea view. Some opportunities for water sports like kitesurfing can be found, too. Exmouth is also a starting/ending point of the Jurassic Coast, a 154 km (96 miles) long area of coastline, bays, and cliffs where a staggering amount of fossils have been preserved. A highlight of the area is the beautiful Lulworth Cove which even has an absolutely unique petrified forest. Exmouth is just 24 km (15 miles) south of Exeter and can be reached in about 15 minutes; if you wish to explore the Jurassic Coast, you can easily travel to most of its important spots by car.
• Plymouth. The largest city of Devon, Plymouth is a port city that was especially important during the times of the British Empire. The port continues to operate to this day, and there are also a number of other attractions, including the impressive National Marine Aquarium, the fun and historic Barbican neighborhood, and the Plymouth Hoe, a large park on the waterfront. Located 72 km (45 miles) southeast of Exeter, Plymouth can be reached in about 55 minutes.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Exeter is the Vauxhall Astra, although Vauxhall Corsa and Fiat 500 are also frequently picked by travelers. The most popular rental car types are economy, compact, and mini. 

Further destinations

• Cornwall. The westernmost county of England, Cornwall is a unique and underrated travel destination. The home of the legendary King Arthur is one of the last places in England where Celtic culture continues to thrive which can be seen in its traditions, events, and everyday speech. If that alone is not a reason enough to visit, Cornwall also has impressive ancient castles, stunning beaches, and a seriously impressive, seafood-based cuisine. Truro, the largest city in the area, is 140 km (88 miles) southwest of Exeter and can be reached in about 1 hour and 40 minutes; you can explore the rest of Cornwall from there.
• Bristol. Although, like many other English cities, Bristol is a historical maritime and industrial center, during the last decades it has also been a hotbed of creativity - famous British electronic music bands like Massive Attack and Portishead hail from the area, and so does the street artist Banksy whose graffitis can be observed on many of Bristol’s walls. Consequently, the city punches way above its size when it comes to contemporary art spaces, performance venues, and cultural events. But there are other attractions, too, including interesting museums, the impressive St Mary Redcliffe Church, and the old harbor area which is just waiting to be explored. Located 135 km (84 miles) northeast of Exeter, Bristol takes just 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach.
• Wales. With most international travelers focused on the great English cities or the impressive mountains of Scotland, Wales remains something of a hidden gem among British travel destinations. Those who do venture to this hospitable land, however, are rewarded with quaint medieval towns; tranquil, sparsely populated nature areas; and youthful university cities like Swansea and Cardiff. The latter, which is also the capital of Wales, is just 184 km (113 miles) from Exeter and can be reached in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Car rental prices in Exeter

• Vans - from $59 per day
• Medium cars - from $34 per day
• Station wagons - from $101 per day
• Small cars - from $30 per day
• SUVs - from $36 per day
• Premium cars - from $73 per day
• Large cars - from $37 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Land a great rental car in Exeter by following these tips:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Exeter is the cheapest in February when renting a car is about 48% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 77% cheaper than renting a vehicle in July.