Car hire in Exeter, United Kingdom

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Exeter

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 15 car hire locations in Exeter. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

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 companyAlamo
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 2,181
Best time to book4 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 for an average of R 2,187 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top rental companies, making booking quick and easy.

  • August is the cheapest month to rent a car in Exeter. With average daily rates of R 698, you're on the fast-track to saving.

  • Get the timing right and book around two weeks ahead to score a cheap rental car in Exeter.

  • Check out car hire deals in Exeter from popular providers like Alamo, Hertz and Europcar.

  • Whether you choose Alamo or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Exeter car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.

  • Look into booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Find the best available rates for a car for rent in Exeter by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Save money on fuel by picking a car hire in Exeter that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore without limits.

  • Jetting into Exeter? Consider picking up one of the car rentals in Exeter International Airport. That way, you can get going soon after landing.

Compare car hire types in Exeter

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Exeter may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, light on fuel, and a match made in heaven for city driving.

  • Medium: A top choice when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra room compared to smaller cars.

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

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Exeter makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready to take on any task.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different Exeter car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • From navigation systems to reverse cameras, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Exeter.

Good to know

  • To rent a car in the United Kingdom, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles for an additional fee, so carefully review the policies before securing your wheels.

  • Add a car seat to your Exeter car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Rules vary from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest option.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Exeter

  • Don't leave town without exploring some of the city's biggest attractions, like Exeter Cathedral and Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market. Lock in a car hire deal in Exeter and then start mapping out your sightseeing hit list.

  • When you're ready to check in, The Lamb Inn and Exeter Rougemont Hotel by Sunday will make you feel at home in Exeter.

  • Keep travelling to Cardiff. Around 88 kilometres north of central Exeter, it's home to must-see sights like Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National History Museum.

  • Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff and Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre are among the most popular accommodation options in Cardiff.

  • Add Plymouth to your trip lineup. Grab your cheap car hire in Exeter and drive about 56 kilometres south-west to explore leading attractions like Mayflower Museum and SW Coastal Path.

  • Leonardo Hotel Plymouth and Future Inn Plymouth are comfortable places to stay in Plymouth if you're planning to stick around.

  • When the drive's been this good, why hit the brakes? Cruise on over to Bristol, about 105 kilometres north-east of Exeter. From Banksey to Banksy's You Don't Need Planning Permission to Build Castles in the Sky, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.

  • Drift off to sleep in Bristol at Mercure Bristol Holland House. Future Inn Bristol has a soft bed ready for you too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Exeter will set you back around R 2,181 per day or R 4,573 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Exeter is a compact SUV. The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Exeter are currently Dollar and Hertz.
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 August.
On average, around R 4,573. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Exeter is R 2,705.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Exeter for a whole month is R 19,670. 

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 R 944 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,561.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Alamo, 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.