Compare car hire at Exeter Airport with major providers, pickup steps, driving routes across Devon and the best cars for your trip.
Exeter Airport is a small regional airport in Devon that mainly serves southwest England and seasonal European routes. Its size works in favour of car hire travellers — everything from arrivals to the rental car park is within a short walk, which makes collecting a vehicle noticeably faster than at larger UK airports.
For most visitors, renting a car here is less about city driving and more about reaching Devon’s coastline, national parks, and rural villages where public transport is limited.
Driving context: why car hire matters in Exeter
Unlike larger UK cities, Exeter Airport sits in a region where travel time between destinations can vary significantly depending on coastal traffic or rural roads. Areas like Dartmoor National Park, Torbay, and North Devon are all accessible, but rarely efficiently served by rail alone.
This is why most arrivals — especially leisure travellers — choose to hire a car directly at the airport rather than waiting until reaching Exeter city centre.
Flights from Ireland
There are direct flights from Ireland to Exeter Airport with Awr Lingus. Travellers typically also choose to connect via London Heathrow or Manchester.
Because Exeter is a smaller airport, flight schedules are more seasonal than hub airports, so availability can vary significantly between summer and winter.
Car hire companies at Exeter Airport
Car hire desks are located in the arrivals area and within the adjacent car rental village just a short walk from the terminal exit. The airport is compact, so transfers are on foot rather than by shuttle.
- Hertz – Terminal-based desk with vehicles in the nearby rental compound
- Avis – Located in arrivals; cars collected from the airport rental parking area
- Europcar – On-site counter with short walk to dedicated bays
- Enterprise – Desk in terminal building; keys issued before walking to vehicles
- Budget – Shared facilities with Avis inside arrivals
- Sixt – Airport desk with vehicles in designated car park close to terminal
The layout is straightforward, but signage between the terminal and rental area can feel slightly understated, so following “Car Hire” signs rather than relying on building names is usually easier on first visit.
Pickup process at Exeter Airport
Collection at Exeter is one of the simplest in the UK due to the short distances involved, but timing still matters during peak arrival waves from European services.
After landing, most travellers clear arrivals quickly and reach their rental desk within minutes. Unlike larger airports, there is no need for internal transport or long terminal walks — the entire process stays within a single compact zone.
Once paperwork is completed, you’ll typically exit the terminal and follow a signed pedestrian path directly to the rental parking area. Vehicles are usually grouped tightly together, and in busy periods it can be worth checking the fuel level and damage report carefully before leaving, as multiple returns may be processed at once.
Out-of-hours returns are common, with key drop boxes located near the rental offices, allowing early morning departures without returning to the desk.
Choosing the right car in Exeter and Devon
Car choice here is strongly influenced by Devon’s mix of motorways, narrow country lanes, and coastal roads that can become busy in summer.
- Economy cars – Best for Exeter city stays and short trips along the south coast; easy to park in towns like Exmouth and Sidmouth
- Compact cars – A practical balance for mixed driving, especially if combining Exeter with Dartmoor or coastal routes
- Family cars – Useful for longer stays or multi-stop holidays across Devon and Cornwall, where luggage space becomes important
- SUVs – Popular for Dartmoor driving, where steep gradients and narrow lanes benefit from higher visibility and comfort
- Automatic or premium models – Often chosen for motorway comfort on longer UK journeys rather than local short hops
One local consideration is road width. Even short scenic routes can quickly narrow into single-track lanes, particularly around Dartmoor villages, so smaller vehicles often feel more relaxed to drive than larger ones.
Driving from Exeter Airport
The airport connects directly to the M5 and A30, making it a strong starting point for exploring the southwest.
- Exeter city centre – around 15–20 minutes
- Exmouth – around 25–30 minutes via A376
- Dartmoor National Park – around 40–50 minutes
- Torquay (English Riviera) – around 45–55 minutes
Traffic tends to build around Exeter junctions during summer weekends, especially when coastal visitors are arriving or leaving the region.
Fuel, insurance and local driving notes
Most rental agreements follow a full-to-full fuel policy. Petrol stations are available near the A30 and A38 corridors, but options become more limited once you enter rural Devon.
- Speed cameras are common on A-roads and motorway exits
- Many rural roads are narrow with passing places rather than marked lanes
- Insurance excess deposits are standard and usually held on credit card
- Parking in coastal towns can be limited during peak summer months
Official information
FAQs – Car hire Exeter Airport
Is car hire available directly at Exeter Airport?
Yes, all major providers operate from the terminal and nearby rental area within walking distance.
Do I need a shuttle to collect my car?
No, the rental car park is located a short walk from the terminal building.
How far is Exeter city centre from the airport?
It takes around 15–20 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Can I drive from Exeter Airport to Dartmoor?
Yes, Dartmoor National Park is around 40–50 minutes away by car.
Are automatic cars widely available?
Yes, but manual vehicles are still more common in the UK fleet.
Is driving in Devon difficult for visitors?
Main roads are straightforward, but rural lanes can be narrow and require careful driving.
Is parking easy in coastal towns near Exeter?
Parking is usually available, but it can be limited during peak summer weekends.
What documents do I need to hire a car?
A valid driving licence, passport or ID, and a credit card in the driver’s name are typically required.
Are toll roads used near Exeter?
No, there are no toll roads in the immediate southwest England region.
Can I return the car outside office hours?
Yes, most providers offer secure key drop boxes for early or late returns.
