Getting to Exeter

Visitors bound for Exeter have several options for getting here, with arrival by air via Exeter International Airport being the most popular point of entry for international visitors. This one-terminal facility sees an annual throughput of roughly 300,000 visitors and handles flights to destinations across the UK, Western Europe and occasional transatlantic flights. The roadways are very well-developed and exceptional bus and train networks are in place. There are two train stations in Exeter: Central Station and St Davids Station.

By car

The M5 motorway is the main principal road from Exeter. It continues on to Bristol, where drivers can take the M4 to London. There is an older road, the A30, which offers a more direct link to London via the A3030 and the M3. The A30 heads to Okehampton and farther on to north Cornwall. Meanwhile, the A38 heads west to Plymouth and south Cornwall. The bridge area over the River Exe is often plagued with traffic problems, which can be a nuisance to locals and visitors alike.

By rail

Exeter is situated on the rail line that runs between London Paddington Station and Cornwall. There are two railway stations in Exeter: St Davids and Central. The latter is located on Queen Street, a mere 5 minute's walk from Exeter city centre. From London, the journey takes around 3 hours 30 minutes, with slightly longer or shorter travel times not being uncommon. Another connection from London Waterloo takes as long as 4 hours. For more information on schedules and services, visit the National Rail website at: www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/EXC.htm; or call: +44 8457 48 49 50.

By bus

The city's bus station sits on Paris Street, a few minutes walk from the High Street shopping district and the cathedral green. There are multiple daily connections from various UK destinations throughout the day. Transport from London arrives nine times daily on the numbers 501, 404 and 406 bus lines. Extensive route information and prices can be found on the National Express Coach website: www.nationalexpress.com.

By air

Exeter International Airport is located just east of the city and is a modern facility which offers connections to many UK, EU and international destinations. The facilities at the airport are good and growing, and they include a bureau de change, cash machine, dining and shopping establishments, and information desks.

Airport buses ply regular routes from outside the Arrivals area to various places in Exeter. Service 56 runs to Exmouth as well as to St Davids Station and the main bus station. Likewise, bus service 379 services the latter two destinations as well as running to Sidwell. Airport taxis are easily hired and will take passengers to any local destination.

Exeter International Airport

First opened in 1937, Exeter International Airport played an important role in WWII. Today, it is an important and growing facility with regularly scheduled as well as chartered flights heading for many parts of the world. The facilities cover basic travel needs, with a bureau de change situated in the main concourse, next-door to a travel agent.

Food is available at the Food Village and Caf Select. Concourse Shopping and Alpha Airport Shopping offer passengers somewhere to stopover and while away the time between flights. Televisions, telephones and internet access are all available in the main Departures lounge. In addition, there is an airport conference room outfitted with multimedia equipment which can be booked for groups of up to 40 people. Any specific questions about the facilities can be directed to the information desk located on the main concourse.

Exeter airport transportation

There are several ways to transfer to downtown Exeter from the airport. Two buses regularly ply the routes between the airport and a few downtown destinations; these are the service 56 and the service 379. When the 56 and the 379 aren't available, the airport administered TaxiBus offers discount transport for groups of at least three people to the train station.

The airport is only five miles east of the city centre, so it's also no problem during any other time to hire a taxi into the city. Car hire is available and the routes are well-marked for those who opt to drive themselves.