Exploring Exeter, and the surrounding area, without a car is easy and rewarding, with plenty of green escapes, family friendly attractions and cultural gems just a short train, bus, or bike ride away.
By train and bus, Exeter offers a great network of public transport options, so you can give the car a holiday too and enjoy a car free day out exploring the area.
Let the train take the strain and sit back and relax with GWR. Soak up the stunning Devon views as rolling countryside and dramatic coastline make for memorable journeys in every direction. If you fancy a trip along the coast then it's all aboard the Avocet Line to Exmouth in East Devon and the Riviera Line to South Devon, passing along the famous Dawlish sea wall. Head inland and explore the wild, rugged heart of Devon on the Dartmoor Line to Okehampton.
Check out our Sea Moor City guide for days out by train.
Travel Devon is a great place to start planning a day out from Exeter by bus. A handy interactive map allows you to view timetables and routes. Buses run from Exeter to numerous locations across Devon, including a number of popular attractions. These include Crealy Theme Park, Powderham, World of Country Life, The Donkey Sanctuary, Killerton House and Gardens, Seaton Tramway, and many more place.
To really experience the great outdoors, Exeter has lots of cycle trails and walking routes to choose from, taking you beyond the city boundaries through beautiful valley parks and picturesque towns and villages.
Bike hire is available from Saddles & Paddles on Exeter’s Quayside, so why not hop on a bike and discover the beauty of Exeter and the surrounding area through a wide network of shared used paths. Free maps are available from Cycle Devon. Popular walking and cycle routes from Exeter include the Exe Estuary Cycle Trail, The Green Circle and the Ludwell Valley Park Trail.