Quick Answer
There is no single direct transport from Exeter Airport (EXT) to Exmoor National Park. The fastest overall journey (approx. 1.5 hours) involves a taxi or bus to Exeter St Davids train station, a train to Tiverton Parkway, and a final taxi to your destination. The cheapest option is a combination of local buses, with total fares potentially under £10, but taking over 2.5 hours. For most visitors seeking a balance, the train+bus combo offers the best mix of speed, cost, and reliability.
By Train & Connecting Transport (Recommended for Speed & Comfort)
While there's no station at the airport, the UK rail network provides an efficient core leg of the journey. This option is ideal if you prefer to avoid long road journeys and enjoy scenic rail travel.
The 3-Step Process: 1) Airport to Exeter Train Station. 2) Mainline Train to a Gateway Station. 3) Final Connection into Exmoor.
| Route Option | Key Gateway Station | Approx. Train Time | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via Tiverton Parkway | Tiverton Parkway (TVP) | 15-20 mins | Fastest train leg, good taxi/bus links to N. Exmoor. |
| Via Taunton | Taunton (TAU) | 25-35 mins | More frequent trains, better for W/S Exmoor. |
| Via Barnstaple (Tarka Line) | Barnstaple (BNP) | ~1 hr 10 mins | Scenic branch line, serves N. Exmoor coast. |
Step 1: Getting to Exeter's Train Stations
From the airport terminal, you have two main choices to reach the city's train stations:
- Bus 56 (Stagecoach): The cheapest link. Runs every 30 mins to Exeter St Davids and Exeter Central stations. Journey takes ~30 mins. Fare is around £2.50 (pay on board). Check current times on the Stagecoach website.
- Taxi: A 15-minute direct ride, costing £12-£18. Use the official airport taxi rank or pre-book for a fixed price.
Step 2: Mainline Train Journey
From Exeter St Davids, frequent Great Western Railway (GWR) services run north.
- To Tiverton Parkway: Fast, modern trains. Ideal for Dulverton, Withypool areas.
- To Taunton: Served by both GWR and CrossCountry. Better for Dunster, Minehead, Wimbleball Lake.
Step 3: The Final Connection into Exmoor
This is the most challenging part. Public transport inside the park is limited.
- From Tiverton Parkway: Pre-booked taxi is best (25 mins to Dulverton, ~£30). The 398 Bus (Barnstaple - Taunton) runs infrequently but serves Dulverton. Check the timetable meticulously.
- From Taunton: The 28 or 29 bus runs to Minehead (for Dunster). The Exmoor Explorer (seasonal) is a fantastic hop-on/hop-off service.
By Bus (The Cheapest & Most Direct Road Option)
For budget travelers, direct bus services offer the most straightforward road connection, eliminating complex train changes.
Option A: Local Bus (Stagecoach Falcon & 398)
This is the true budget choice, requiring one change.
- Bus 56 (Airport to Exeter Bus Station): As mentioned in the train section.
- Bus Falcon (Exeter to Taunton): A frequent express service. Alight at Taunton Blackbrook Park & Ride or M5 Junction 25.
- Bus 398 (Taunton to Barnstaple via Exmoor): This is your key into the heart of the park, stopping at Dulverton, Withypool, and Simonsbath. It runs 3-5 times daily. Total fare can be under £10 using a Stagecoach Day Rider.
Option B: National Express Coach
While no coach goes deep into Exmoor, you can get close.
- From Exeter Airport (Bus 56 to city), take a National Express coach from Exeter to Taunton or Minehead.
- Fares start from £5 if booked weeks ahead. From Taunton/Minehead, you'll need the local 398 or 28 bus.
- This is best for travelers heading to the eastern or coastal fringes of the park.
By Taxi, Private Transfer & Car Hire (Door-to-Door Convenience)
This is the most flexible but costly solution, recommended for groups, those with heavy luggage, or visitors arriving late.
Pre-Booked Taxi / Private Transfer
A direct, door-to-door journey takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Cost: £80 - £120+ one-way, depending on your exact destination in Exmoor (e.g., Dulverton is cheaper than Porlock).
- Why Pre-Book? Airport taxi ranks may not have drivers willing to go to remote Exmoor locations. Pre-booking guarantees a driver and a locked-in price.
- Providers: Use reputable local Exmoor firms like Exmoor Taxis or Dulverton Private Hire. They know the park's lanes intimately.
Car Hire at Exeter Airport
For maximum freedom to explore the remote valleys and coasts of Exmoor, hiring a car is unbeatable.
- Providers: Major companies (Enterprise, Europcar, Avis) have desks at the airport.
- Journey: Simply drive north via the M5 to Junction 27, then follow the A361 towards Tiverton and onto the B3227 into Exmoor. A sat-nav or offline maps are essential.
- Considerations: Be prepared for narrow, winding roads. Ensure your accommodation has parking. Fuel costs and insurance add to the daily rate.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: Train vs Bus vs Taxi
Below is a simplified comparison of your core options from Exeter Airport to a central Exmoor village like Dulverton.
| Transport Method | Approx. Total Time (Door-to-Door) | Approx. Cost (One-Way, Per Person) | Key Advantages | Key Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train + Bus/Taxi | 1.5 - 2.5 hours | £25 - £50* (*+ £30 for final taxi) |
Fast core journey, scenic, reliable in bad weather. | Multiple changes, final connection can be infrequent. |
| Bus (Stagecoach Combo) | 2.5 - 3.5 hours | £5 - £15 (with passes) | Cheapest option, most direct road route into park. | Longest travel time, limited daily services. |
| Pre-Booked Taxi | 1 - 1.5 hours | £80 - £120+ (for car) | Door-to-door, no hassle with luggage/times. | Very expensive, need to book ahead. |
| Car Hire | 1 - 1.5 hours | £40 - £80/day + fuel | Total freedom to explore Exmoor at your pace. | Costly for solo travelers, challenging rural roads. |
Verdict: For value and experience, take the train to Tiverton Parkway. For strict budget travel, master the 398 bus timetable. For stress-free arrival with gear, share a pre-booked taxi.
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
Beyond schedules, here's practical wisdom for a smoother trip.
Master the Connection in Exeter
If using Bus 56 to the train, get off at Exeter St Davids station (the first stop). Don't go to the city centre unless you need to. This saves 10 minutes.
Be Realistic About Luggage
Trains and buses have space, but if you have large suitcases and are changing transport 2-3 times, it becomes a burden. Consider using a luggage forwarding service like Send My Bag to ship cases directly to your accommodation.
Plan for Infrequent "Last Mile" Transport
Inside Exmoor, bus services like the 398 or the Exmoor Explorer are wonderful but may only run 3-5 times a day, with no service on Sundays or evenings. Always have a backup plan (e.g., a local taxi number: 01643 703704 for West Exmoor).
Check Accommodation Location Precisely
"Exmoor" is vast. A B&B in Porlock is a 45-minute drive from one in Dulverton. Choose your gateway (Taunton vs Tiverton) based on your final destination.
Book Everything in Advance During Peak Season
In summer (July-Aug) and during school holidays, trains, cheap fares, and taxis get booked up. Secure your transport when you book your accommodation.
FAQs: Exeter Airport to Exmoor National Park
What is the best way to get from Exeter Airport to Exmoor National Park?
For most travelers, the best balanced way is: Bus 56 to Exeter St Davids -> Train to Tiverton Parkway -> Pre-booked taxi to your final village. This optimizes for speed, cost, and reliability. See our train section for full details.
Is there a direct train from Exeter Airport to Exmoor?
No. Exeter Airport lacks a station. A direct journey is impossible. The trip always requires at least two modes of transport: first to a mainline station, then into the park via road. The train acts as the efficient middle segment.
How long does it take to get from Exeter Airport to Exmoor National Park?
Between 1 hour and 3.5 hours, depending on your method and final destination. A taxi takes about 1-1.5 hours. The train+bus combo takes 1.5-2.5 hours. The budget bus-only route can take over 3 hours. All times are door-to-door.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Exeter Airport to Exmoor?
The absolute cheapest is the Stagecoach bus combination: Bus 56 to Exeter, then the Falcon service, and finally the 398 bus into Exmoor. Using a Day Rider ticket, this can cost under £10 per person. See the bus section for the step-by-step guide.
Is it easy to travel to Exmoor with children and luggage?
It is not the easiest family journey due to changes and limited bus space. For families, we strongly advise either hiring a car at the airport or splitting the cost of a pre-booked people-carrier taxi. The convenience and saved stress are worth the extra cost.
Can I use a taxi from Exeter Airport to my hotel in Exmoor?
Yes, but do not just hail one at the rank. You must pre-book a private transfer with a local Exmoor company. A meter taxi from the rank would be prohibitively expensive (£120+). A pre-booked fixed-price transfer from a firm like Exmoor Executive Travel is the only sensible way to do this.
Should I book transport tickets in advance?
Absolutely yes. Book train "Advance" fares for savings. Check and note down bus timetables, especially for the vital 398 service. Always pre-book any taxi journey into or within Exmoor. Spontaneous travel is very difficult in this rural area.
Is the train or bus more scenic to Exmoor?
The bus journey, particularly the 398 route, is the clear winner for scenery. It travels right through the heart of the park over moorland and through picturesque villages like Withypool. The train from Exeter to Tiverton is pleasant but mostly through lowland countryside before you reach the park boundary.