Quick Answer
The best overall way to travel from Exeter Airport (EXT) to Torquay is by taking the direct Stagecoach ‘Airport Flyer’ bus (Service 56). It takes ~65 minutes, costs around £5-£8 for a single ticket, and runs every 30 minutes directly from the terminal to Torquay seafront. For a slightly faster but more involved journey, combine the bus to Exeter St Davids station with a train (total ~80-90 mins, £10-£20). Taxis cost £45-£65 and are best for groups or late arrivals.
1. Direct Airport Flyer Bus (The Simplest Option)
The Stagecoach ‘Airport Flyer’ Service 56 is the most straightforward and often the best-value public transport link between Exeter Airport and Torquay. It’s a dedicated coach service designed for air passengers.
Step-by-Step Guide & Key Details
- Where to Find It: The bus stop is directly outside the main airport terminal. Look for clear signage for the ‘Airport Flyer’.
- Route & Stops: It’s a non-stop express service from the airport to Torquay Strand Bus Station on the seafront, via the A380 road.
- Journey Time: Approximately 65 minutes. This is very consistent as it avoids central Exeter.
- Frequency: Buses run approximately every 30 minutes during the day (from early morning until around 11:30 pm). Always check the latest timetable on the Stagecoach website.
Fares & Tickets
| Ticket Type | Approximate Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single (Adult) | £5 - £6 | Pay the driver with contactless/cash. |
| Return (Adult) | £8 - £10 | Often valid for any return within 3 days. |
| Group Tickets | From £12 | e.g., Group of 4 offer. Check online. |
| UniRider Ticket | Discounted | For students at local universities. |
Tip: Consider the ‘Explorer’ ticket if you plan on using multiple buses in Devon in one day.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Direct, no changes required. Ample luggage space under the coach. Reliable journey time. Drops you in the heart of Torquay. Cost-effective.
Cons: Subject to road traffic delays (though rare on the A380). Slightly longer than a taxi.
2. Train via Exeter City Centre (A Step-by-Step Guide)
While there's no airport station, combining bus and train is a classic and efficient route, offering the speed of rail for part of the journey.
The Standard Route: Bus + Train
- Step 1: Airport to Exeter Station. Catch the ‘Airport Flyer’ bus (Service 56 or 56A) from outside the terminal. Alight at either Exeter St Davids (mainline station) or Exeter Central (city centre station). Journey: ~30 mins.
- Step 2: Train to Torquay. From Exeter St Davids or Central, take a Great Western Railway (GWR) train towards Paignton or Penzance. Alight at Torquay Station. Journey: ~35-40 minutes.
- Step 3: Arrival in Torquay. Torquay station is located uphill from the harbour. It’s a 15-20 minute walk downhill to the seafront, or you can take a local taxi or bus.
Train Fares, Tickets & Railcards
Train tickets can be purchased at the station, from machines, or online in advance. Fares vary greatly:
- Advance Single: Can be as low as £5-£8 if booked weeks ahead for a specific train.
- Off-Peak Day Return: Around £8-£12. Offers flexibility for your return.
- Anytime Single: £10+ for full flexibility.
Railcards save 1/3: All major UK railcards (16-25, Two Together, Senior) are valid. Apply the discount when buying your train ticket.
Alternative: Local Bus to Station
A cheaper but slower alternative to the Airport Flyer is local bus service 4 or 4A to Exeter city centre, then a walk to the station. Adds significant time and is less convenient with luggage.
3. Taxi & Private Transfers (Door-to-Door Convenience)
Taxis offer the ultimate convenience but at a premium price. Ideal for specific situations rather than general travel.
What to Expect & How to Book
- Journey Time: 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost Range: £45 to £65 for a standard saloon car to central Torquay. Prices are higher for estates, MPVs, or late-night travel.
- At the Airport: Official taxi ranks are located directly outside the terminal. These are metered or fixed-price services.
- Pre-Booking (Recommended): For better rates and guaranteed availability, especially for groups or late arrivals, pre-book with a reputable local company like Torquay Taxis or Bee Line Taxis.
When is a Taxi the Best Choice?
- Late-Night/Early-Morning Flights: When public transport has stopped.
- Groups of 3-4: Splitting the cost can make it comparable to bus/train fares per person.
- Heavy Luggage or Reduced Mobility: Direct door-to-door service eliminates carrying bags or navigating stations.
- Traveling with Young Children: Avoids the hassle of changes and schedules.
Warning: Always agree on a fare or ensure the meter is running before setting off.
4. Hiring a Car at Exeter Airport
Exeter Airport has several on-site car hire desks, making it easy to start a driving holiday. This is the best option for exploring beyond Torquay.
The Drive & Process
- The Route: Follow signs for the A30, then the A380 towards Torquay. It’s a simple, well-signposted 45-minute drive.
- Hiring: Desks for companies like Hertz, Europcar, and Enterprise are in the arrivals hall. Pre-booking online is essential for the best rates and vehicle availability.
- Parking in Torquay: This is the major drawback. Central Torquay has limited and expensive parking. Ensure your accommodation has parking, or be prepared to use paid public car parks (e.g., Harbour Car Park, Circus Car Park).
Is It Right For You? A Detailed Analysis
Choose Car Hire IF: You plan to visit Dartmouth, Dartmoor, Plymouth, or multiple coastal towns. You value absolute flexibility and independence. Your accommodation has free parking.
Avoid Car Hire IF: You are staying in central Torquay and don't plan to leave. Your hotel charges for parking or has none. You are uncomfortable with UK driving or navigating narrow country lanes.
Cost Breakdown & Tips
Weekly hire can start from £200-£300, plus fuel and insurance. Always:
- Inspect the car for damage before leaving.
- Understand the fuel policy (full-to-full is best).
- Consider excess reduction insurance from a third party like Insurance4CarHire to save on the hire company's expensive cover.
5. Cost & Time Comparison Table: Exeter Airport to Torquay
Use this table to quickly compare all options based on average metrics for a single adult traveler.
| Transport Method | Avg. Total Time | Avg. Cost (Single) | Best For | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Flyer Bus (56) | 65 mins | £5 - £6 | Best Overall Value & Simplicity | Traffic can cause minor delays. |
| Bus + Train | 80-100 mins | £10 - £20 | Combining with a railcard or advance ticket. | Requires one change; train leg is scenic. |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 45-60 mins | £45 - £65 | Late Nights, Groups, Heavy Luggage. | Cost is high for solo travelers. |
| Car Hire | 45 mins | £30+ per day + fuel/parking | Exploring the wider region. | Parking in Torquay is challenging/expensive. |
Verdict: For most travelers, the direct Airport Flyer bus provides the best balance of cost, convenience, and reliability. Pre-book a taxi for flights arriving after 11:30 PM.
6. Travel Tips & Local Advice for a Smooth Journey
Beyond schedules and fares, these practical tips will enhance your trip from Exeter Airport to the English Riviera.
Luggage & Connections
- Luggage on Buses/Trains: Both the Airport Flyer and GWR trains have dedicated luggage areas. Keep valuables with you.
- Connection Time: If taking the bus+train route, allow at least 20-30 minutes between your bus arrival in Exeter and your train departure to account for bus delays and finding your platform.
- Torquay Station to Seafront: It's a steep walk down. Taxis are usually waiting outside the station for a short £5-7 ride to the harbour.
Booking & Money-Saving
- Check Timetables in Advance: Public transport frequency reduces in the evenings and on Sundays. Always verify on the operator's website.
- Combo Tickets: While there's no through ticket from the airport, buying your train ticket in advance from a retailer like Trainline can secure the lowest 'Advance' fares.
- Mobile Tickets: Both Stagecoach (via their app) and GWR offer e-tickets, making travel paperless.
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer (June-August): Torquay is busy. Buses and trains can be fuller, and taxi wait times may increase. Book transport where possible.
- Winter & Evenings: Services run less frequently. The last direct bus is crucial to catch.
FAQs: Exeter Airport to Torquay Travel Questions
Is there a direct train from Exeter Airport to Torquay?
No, there is no direct train service from Exeter Airport (EXT) to Torquay. The airport does not have its own railway station. The most common route involves taking the Stagecoach 'Airport Flyer' bus (Service 56 or 56A) from outside the terminal to Exeter St Davids or Exeter Central railway stations, and then catching a train to Torquay station. The total journey typically takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Exeter Airport to Torquay?
The cheapest way is by combining the Stagecoach 'Airport Flyer' bus and a train. An Off-Peak Day Return train ticket from Exeter to Torquay can cost around £8-£12, and the bus fare is approximately £2-£4 each way. Booking train tickets in advance online can yield even lower 'Advance' fares. The direct 'Airport Flyer' bus alone (Service 56) is also a very cost-effective and simple option at a similar total price.
How long is the bus ride from Exeter Airport to Torquay?
The direct Stagecoach 'Airport Flyer' bus (Service 56) takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes to reach Torquay's Strand bus station. This service runs approximately every 30 minutes during the day. It's a straightforward, non-stop service along the A380, making it one of the most reliable and time-consistent options, especially during peak traffic hours when train connections might be less predictable.
How much is a taxi from Exeter Airport to Torquay?
A pre-booked taxi or private transfer from Exeter Airport to central Torquay typically costs between £45 and £65, depending on the taxi company, time of day, and exact destination. The journey takes around 45-60 minutes. It's significantly more expensive than public transport but offers door-to-door convenience, which is ideal for groups, those with heavy luggage, or late-night arrivals.
Can I use a UK railcard for the journey from Exeter Airport to Torquay?
Yes, all major UK railcards (like the 16-25 Railcard, Two Together, Senior Railcard) are valid on train services between Exeter and Torquay operated by Great Western Railway (GWR). You can apply the discount when purchasing your train ticket online, at a machine, or at the ticket office. Remember, the railcard discount only applies to the train portion, not the connecting bus from the airport.
Is it easy to get to Torquay from Exeter Airport late at night?
Options are very limited late at night. The last direct 'Airport Flyer' bus (Service 56) usually departs around 11:30 PM. The last trains from Exeter to Torquay typically run until just after midnight. If your flight arrives after these services have ended, your only practical options are a taxi or pre-booked private transfer. It is highly recommended to check the latest timetables on the Stagecoach and GWR websites for exact times.
Is hiring a car at Exeter Airport a good idea for Torquay?
Hiring a car can be an excellent idea if you plan to explore the wider English Riviera and Dartmoor National Park. The drive from Exeter Airport to Torquay is straightforward via the A380 and takes about 45 minutes. However, for staying solely in Torquay, a car can be a burden due to limited and expensive parking. Consider your itinerary: if you're mainly based in Torquay, use public transport and local taxis; for broader exploration, car hire offers great flexibility.
Where does the Airport Flyer bus drop off in Torquay?
The Stagecoach 'Airport Flyer' (Service 56) terminates at the Torquay Strand Bus Station, which is centrally located on the seafront. This is a major transport hub, making it easy to connect to local buses serving nearby towns like Paignton and Brixham, or to find taxis and your onward accommodation. The train station is about a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride from the bus station.