How to find a cheap car hire deal in Exeter
Pick up a cheap rental car in Exeter for an average of £99 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, helping you find and book the best deal fast.
£15 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in Exeter.
Planning to stay longer? Book a weekly rental from £99 and say yes to more adventures.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Around two weeks in advance gives you better odds at securing the best price on a Exeter car hire.
Browse the offers available with Alamo, Hertz and Europcar. They rank among the city's most trusted providers.
Whether you go with Alamo or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Exeter car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Explore without limits by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming out on top for value is this company, with average prices of £97 a day.
Next up is this provider, offering daily rates of around £104.
The third option also performs well on price. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly £195 a day.
The Large rental category is a reliable option if you're not sure which wheels are right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other in Exeter.
Flying to Exeter? Think about an airport pick-up
Start your Exeter trip sooner by picking up a car hire at Exeter Airport. The city centre is about 11 kms (7 miles) away from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Exeter
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Exeter gives you the freedom to explore for less. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are excellent for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A solid choice when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all effortlessly. Ideal for longer drives, this Exeter car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or zipping along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Exeter makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're tough, versatile, and built to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Exeter car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Exeter by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom is typically 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always go over your rental company's policy to make sure you meet the requirements.
Add a car seat to your Exeter car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Regulations change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest approach.
Come prepared to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) plus another photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
If you've never driven in the United Kingdom, remember that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 40kph (25mph) in built-up areas and 100kph (65mph) or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United Kingdom is 0.08%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
The British pound (GBP) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay with a card where you can, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't available.
Best hotels in Exeter for drivers
Spend less time hunting for a parking spot and more time relaxing at The Salutation Inn. About 6 kms (4 miles) from central Exeter, it comes with parking, a restaurant and a golf course.
Red Lion also works well for a trip built around driving. It features parking, along with a teahouse and a restaurant. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 8 kms (5 miles) from the city centre.
Browse the selection of hotels in Exeter for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find what works for you. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Exeter and your hotel, all that's left to do is decide where to head to first. Start your trip with popular attractions such as Exeter Cathedral, Exeter Guildhall and National Trust - Killerton.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Exeter
Around 88 kms (55 miles) north of central Exeter, Cardiff deserves a spot on your itinerary. Head straight for can't-miss sights like Cardiff Castle and St. Fagans National Museum of History.
Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG and Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday are recommended accommodation options with parking in Cardiff.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Exeter and then take off to Plymouth. Roughly 56 kms (35 miles) southwest of Exeter, Plymouth Sound and National Marine Aquarium are big attractions that are worth going out of your way for.
Leonardo Hotel Plymouth and Future Inn Plymouth are comfy places to stay in Plymouth if you're hanging around for a while. Book one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Looking to cover more ground? Bristol is a top road trip destination that's about 105 kms (65 miles) northeast of Exeter. Plan to make a few pit stops at Banksey and Clifton Suspension Bridge.
The only thing left on your to-do list now is sleep. Mercure Bristol Holland House and Future Inn Bristol have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Bristol.
