Exeter is one of the two main cities in the beautiful coastal county of Devon, in the south-west of England. Located in the heart of Devon with great access to the motorway network, Exeter is just an hour’s drive from the county’s largest city, Plymouth.

Hiring a car from Exeter Airport is a great way to explore this unique region with its stunning coastline, rolling countryside and small towns and villages. But first on the list will be checking out the historic centre of Exeter with its 11th century cathedral, thriving quayside and wealth of independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

Exeter Airport offers flights to and from popular destinations in France, Spain, Greece, Portugal and Cyprus, Turkey, Ireland and the Channel Islands as well as to other UK airports. There are also regular flights between Exeter Airport and St Mary’s Airport on the Isles of Scilly.

Great public transport links, its proximity to Exeter city centre and low traffic levels at the airport make our convenient car hire location at Exeter airport perfect for that local business rental or holiday weekend getaway. That’s why our team at Avis Exeter Airport welcomes customers flying into the airport as well as local residents looking to get away from the city and explore the wider region.

If you are flying into Exeter Airport, exit the Arrivals hall and turn left and you will find our car hire office right in front of you. If you are returning your car outside opening hours, please park in the returns section of Car Park 3 and leave the keys in the key drop-off box located by the Avis Budget car hire office door.

From the Avis car park at Exeter Airport, Exeter City centre is a 20min, 4.7mile drive depending on the time of day. To leave Exeter Airport turn right and follow the signs for A30/M5. Continue along the A30 following signs for Exeter before merging onto the B3183 and arriving at the city centre.

With plenty of on-street parking and car parks throughout Exeter, it’s easy to embrace the heart and soul of this historic city on foot.

Take time to soak up the atmosphere of streets oozing quaint charm with half-timbered houses, the gothic Cathedral and sites dating back to Roman times. Take a stroll along the historic quayside with its numerous cafes and restaurants that overlook the water. To sample the true tastes of Devon, don’t miss the popular Exeter Farmer’s Market held weekly in the centre of the city.

Beyond Exeter, the city limits give way to rolling hills, wild moors and picture-perfect seaside towns. Journey west through the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park, or directly south to explore the coast.

The beautiful Jurassic Coast is 30min south of the city down the A3052 and B3178, while the historic maritime city of Plymouth is less than an hour way, via the M5.

The picturesque seaside towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, collectively known as the English Riviera, are all great places to stop for a leisurely seaside stroll and some fish and chips - only 40min from Exeter Airport.

Head to North Devon to drive the long and winding A39 road known as the UK’s Atlantic Highway. Between Barnstaple and Newquay, this scenic Devon drive reveals some of the UK’s most magical coastlines.

Nature lovers will enjoy going off the beaten track for a drive through Exmoor National Park or west to Dartmoor National Park where quiet landscapes and walking trails abound.

History buffs can drive north up the A30 to visit the spa town of Bath, renowned for its 18th century Georgian architecture and ancient Roman baths. From here you can check out the numerous galleries, museums and attractions in the nearby city of Bristol, approximately 45 minutes from Bath.

While there is public transport in Exeter itself and you can catch a bus from the airport to the centre of town, you will need a hire car to travel further afield and explore the wider area.

The Avis team at Exeter Airport are experts on the region and ready to advise you on the best places to go and help make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down. If you are feeling inspired check out this epic south west road trip.

Hiring a car is an easy way to explore the south west of England. Be aware that as you leave the airport you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road.

Other UK road rules include:

• Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
• Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
• Zebra crossings (black and white stripes on the road) give pedestrians right of way to cross the road
• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children aged under 12 or less than 135cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size

If you have not driven in this part of the world before, we’d advise checking the road rules for driving in the UK before you set off.