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Car Hire Near Exeter Central Station

Step off the train and into your hire car. The perfect starting point for your Devon adventure.

Landmark Guide
Finding Your Hire Car at Exeter Central
Car hire providers are conveniently located a short distance from Exeter Central station. Upon exiting the main entrance, you'll find several major rental offices within a 5 to 10-minute walk. Please check your booking confirmation for the exact address and collection instructions from your provider.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+6 more
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Discover Exeter & Beyond by Car

From historic city streets to stunning Dartmoor peaks—find your perfect ride for the ultimate Devon adventure, with more popular picks waiting below.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

City Exploring

Small

Compact & Convenient City Cruiser
5
2
Auto

Exeter's charming yet narrow medieval streets and limited city-centre parking make a small car the smartest choice for stress-free urban exploration.

Moorland Adventure

SUV

Rugged Dartmoor Explorer
5
3
Auto

Dartmoor's rugged terrain, unpredictable weather and uneven tracks demand a vehicle with superior grip, clearance and all-weather capability.

Coastal Cruise

Convertible

Sunny Seaside Tourer
4
2
Auto

The stunning Jurassic Coast and Devon seaside deserve to be enjoyed with the roof down, capturing every sea breeze and sunlit vista along the way.

Car Rental Reviews Near Exeter Central Station

Read genuine customer reviews for car hire near Exeter Central. Make an informed choice before you book your vehicle.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
National
2.9
25 reviews
$1221.4 mi from Exeter Central
$484 - $1,005
  • easy
  • helpful
  • friendly
  • excellent service
  • great car
Hertz
2.8
17,099+ reviews
$981.3 mi from Exeter Central
$464 - $958
  • professional
  • helpful staff
  • easy process
  • smooth service
  • good value
Alamo
2.0
3,000+ reviews
$921.4 mi from Exeter Central
$441 - $969
  • car
  • service
  • experience
  • staff
  • great
Enterprise
1.8
23800+ reviews
$1012.9 mi from Exeter Central
$443 - $976
  • friendly staff
  • excellent service
  • great experience
  • professional team
  • smooth process
Dollar
1.4
200+ reviews
$911.3 mi from Exeter Central
$274 - $1,027
  • customer service
  • quick
  • easy
  • smooth
  • professional
Avis
1.3
4700+ reviews
$740.3 mi from Exeter Central
$411
  • helpful staff
  • friendly service
  • quick process
  • clean vehicle
  • efficient service
Budget
1.2
5690+ reviews
$870.3 mi from Exeter Central
$674 - $685
  • helpful staff
  • great service
  • efficient
  • no hidden expenses
  • clean car

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: May. 29 2026
Essential Rental Hub
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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Exeter Airport captures 30-35% of rentals as Devon's primary hub, with St Davids Station at 28-33%. Enterprise leads at 23-25% market share. Airport passengers surged 28% YoY to 450,112 in summer 2024."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars dominate at 30-34% but SUVs grew 12-15% YoY for Dartmoor routes. Peak summer rates reach GBP70-110/day versus GBP32-50/off-season. 38% of bookings made 14+ days ahead."

Customer Pain Points

"Hidden fees cited by 40-44% of negative reviews, with airport surcharges adding 15-20% to base rates. CDW excess misunderstanding affects 38-42% of renters, causing unexpected GBP700-1500 liability claims."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Exeter Airport Passenger Growth Announcement
  • BVRLA Industry Reports 2024-2025
  • Office of Rail and Road - UK Railway Station Usage Data
  • BVRLA Rental Outlook Report December 2025
  • South West Research - Devon Tourism Economic Impact
  • Dartmoor National Park Authority
  • Hellascar Hidden Costs Analysis 2024
  • Citizens Advice Bureau Car Rental Report 2023
  • Trustpilot Car Rental Reviews UK 2024

Exeter Car Rental & Self-Drive FAQ

Essential driving guide for Exeter and the South West England region

Can I drive in Exeter with my home country's licence?
Yes, you may drive in the UK with a valid foreign licence for up to 12 months. However, if your licence is not in English, you MUST carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside it. The AA or RAC in the UK can issue an IDP for around £5.50. Your home country's licence must be current and valid.
I'm under 25 - how much extra will I pay to rent a car?
Most UK rental companies charge a Young Driver Surcharge of £25-£35 per day for drivers aged 21-24. Some companies also add a higher security deposit. The minimum age to rent is typically 21, though premium and sports cars often require 25. Book early and compare quotes, as surcharges vary significantly between providers.
What should I know about driving on the left side of the road?
UK vehicles are right-hand drive, meaning you drive on the left. Roundabouts require clockwise navigation - traffic already on the roundabout has priority. At crossroads, only turn right across oncoming traffic. Take time to adjust; many rental companies offer a brief orientation. Sat-nav is essential for beginners.
Do I need winter tyres or snow chains for Exeter in December?
Exeter and Devon rarely experience heavy snowfall, but Dartmoor National Park nearby can have icy conditions and occasional snow. The AA recommends carrying winter tyres or snow chains if visiting higher elevations October through March. Check the forecast before driving onto Dartmoor - roads can close rapidly in severe weather.
How do I pay for parking in Exeter city centre?
On-street parking uses pay-and-display machines accepting coins, card, or contactless payment. Rates are approximately £1.20-£2.40 per hour in central zones. Car parks (like John Lewis and Princesshay) offer hourly or daily rates of £2-£15. Mobile phone payments via RingGo app are widely accepted. Avoid parking on yellow lines without permission.
What are the speed limits and how are cameras enforced in the UK?
UK speed limits are 30mph in urban areas, 60mph on single carriageways, and 70mph on motorways. Speed cameras are prolific and linked to automatic number plate recognition. Fines start at £100 with 3 penalty points. The M5 motorway passing Exeter north-south is monitored. Download the/speedcheck app or use a detector to avoid unintentional violations.

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Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

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