Car hire in Exeter, United Kingdom

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Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Exeter car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Exeter pick-up location

There are 18 car hire providers in Exeter. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Exeter

Hiring a car in Exeter: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyEuropcar
Most popular carCompact, SUV
Average daily priceRs44,476
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Exeter

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Exeter car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Exeter

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Exeter and get on your way for around Rs44,476 a day. From solo getaways to family escapes, we'll help you find a rental that suits your trip.

  • Daily rental prices in Exeter start from just Rs9,438.

  • For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from Rs34,785 and fit more into your itinerary.

  • Here's the secret to booking at the right time. Two weeks in advance gives you better odds at securing the best price on a Exeter car hire.

  • Alamo, Hertz and Europcar are some of the best-known providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Exeter car hire policy, whether with Alamo or a different supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find 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. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.

  • Travel without limits by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you want without paying more.

Best value car hire options right now

  • The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at Rs22,255 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around Rs19,444, this provider comes in next.

  • The third option also performs well on price. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly Rs38,845 a day.

  • After a car that works for most trips? The Compact rental category is the go-to choice for travellers visiting Exeter.

Flying to Exeter? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Take the hassle out of arrival day by picking up a car hire at Exeter International Airport. If you're flying to Exeter through this hub, simply pick up your wheels after landing and get moving. The drive to the city centre is about 11 kilometres and takes around 20 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Exeter

  • Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or just planning a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to good fuel efficiency and easy handling.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for couples and small families.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Great for longer journeys, this Exeter car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country routes alike.

  • Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Exeter that can handle the big jobs. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, baggage or a bunch of your favourite people.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different Exeter car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Exeter.

Good to know

  • To rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may offer rentals to younger drivers for an additional fee, so always check the terms before securing your ride.

  • Add a car seat to your Exeter car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Rules can change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest way to go.

  • You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.

  • Familiarise yourself with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the left side of the road in the United Kingdom.

  • Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph through urban areas and around 100kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United Kingdom is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.

  • Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.

  • The British pound (GBP) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay by card where you can, and keep some cash handy for places that don't accept electronic payment.

  • English is the language used most widely across the country.

Best hotels in Exeter for drivers

  • Offering parking, The Salutation Inn gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 6 kilometres from central Exeter and also comes with a restaurant and Wi-Fi.

  • Courtyard Exeter Sandy Park is also a good option if your plans involve plenty of driving. It features parking, along with Wi-Fi and internet access. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 5 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse the selection of hotels in Exeter for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find what works for you. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to narrow it down to EV-friendly stays.

  • It's time to start exploring now you've found a car hire deal in Exeter and your hotel. From Exeter Cathedral to Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market and Exeter Guildhall, the city's packed with places worth visiting.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Exeter

  • Cardiff should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National History Museum. This city is around 88 kilometres north of central Exeter.

  • They've perfected the guest experience at Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre and Holland House Hotel & SPA Leisure Club By Sunday Cardiff, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Cardiff.

  • Or collect your cheap car hire in Exeter and then take off to Plymouth. About 56 kilometres southwest of Exeter, Mayflower Museum and SW Coastal Path are among the highlights that make the extra drive worth it.

  • Plymouth has some comfortable accommodation options including Leonardo Hotel Plymouth and Future Inn Plymouth. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.

  • Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Bristol, about 105 kilometres northeast of Exeter. Make your first stop Clifton Suspension Bridge, then take your time exploring Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

  • Get some shut-eye in Bristol at either Future Inn Bristol or Novotel Bristol Centre. They have a room waiting for you and a spot for your wheels too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Exeter will set you back around Rs44,476 per day or Rs43,366 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Exeter is an intermediate crossover (similar to SUVs). The most popular is Compact, SUV.
The cheapest car hire companies in Exeter are currently Hertz and Dollar.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Exeter is currently June.
On average, around Rs43,366. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Exeter is Rs34,785.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Exeter for a whole month is Rs399,977. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Exeter, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Exeter that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Exeter.
Most places – Exeter included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is Rs12,457 per day. The average price per day is around Rs45,280.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Europcar, Hertz and Enterprise offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Enterprise as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Exeter.