Car Rentals Near Exeter St Davids
Step off the train and hit the road quickly with convenient and affordable car rental services located just minutes from the Exeter St Davids station.
Station Guide
Navigating Car Rentals at Exeter St Davids
Getting your rental car near Exeter St Davids is a seamless process for arriving travelers. While there are no dedicated car rental counters immediately inside the main station concourse, several major rental companies are conveniently situated just a short walk from the station's main exit. Some off-site providers also offer complimentary shuttle buses or a meet-and-greet service directly outside the terminal, making it incredibly easy to pick up your keys and begin exploring the United Kingdom.
+6 more
Loading map...
What do you need to rent a car in Exeter?
Renting a car in Exeter is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
- Form of ID: A valid physical United Kingdom national photo ID must be presented.
- Driving licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must present a full physical UK driving licence with no major endorsements, held for at least 1 year (some offers require 2 years, especially for vans).
Notes: All drivers must have held their licences for at least 1 year for cars and 2 years for vans from the date of pick‑up.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are generally required. Accepted credit cards (vary by offer) include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and sometimes Diners Club. Some offers also accept debit cards (usually Visa or MasterCard) for deposit or payment, but others only accept credit cards. A few offers require two credit cards in the main driver’s name for higher‑risk rentals. E‑vouchers or printed vouchers may be requested at the counter.
- Age requirements: Standard driving age ranges from 22–80 depending on the specific offer. Common unrestricted bands include 25–75, 25–80, and 26–80. Where young driver fees apply, they typically affect drivers between 22/23 and 25 years old. Examples: ages 23–24 may incur about £40 per day (sometimes capped at around £400 per rental), and some offers charge about £66.36 per day for ages 22–25. No rentals are allowed below the stated minimum age or above the stated maximum age on a given offer.
- Driving licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements, held for at least 1 year (some offers require 2 years). Accepted driving licence include:
• EU/EEA Driving License
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is a translation only; original licence must also be shown; photocopies or scans are not accepted)
or
• UK Driving License (with DVLA check code or printed DVLA endorsement record for all approved drivers). - Form of ID: A valid passport must be presented.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are generally required. Accepted credit cards (vary by offer) include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and sometimes Diners Club. Some offers accept Visa or MasterCard debit cards for deposit/payment, while others only accept credit cards. Certain deals require two payment cards (e.g., two credit cards or a mix of credit and specific debit cards) in the main driver’s name. E‑vouchers or printed vouchers may also be required. If you use your own Collision/Theft coverage (e.g., via credit card or insurer), a printed proof of coverage letter in your name including coverage details, validity dates, countries, and vehicle types must be presented at the desk on applicable offers.
- Age requirements: Standard driving age ranges from 22–80 depending on the specific offer. Common unrestricted bands include 25–75, 25–80, and 26–80. Where young driver fees apply, they typically affect drivers between 22/23 and 25 years old. Examples: ages 23–24 may incur about £40 per day (sometimes capped at around £400 per rental), and some offers charge about £66.36 per day for ages 22–25. No rentals are allowed below the stated minimum age or above the stated maximum age on a given offer.
Drive Exeter & Devon's Best-Kept Secrets
From Dartmoor's wild moors to the Jurassic Coast, find your perfect ride for the ultimate Southwest England adventure
By Trip Type
Popular Makes
Mountain & moor
SUV
Dartmoor Calls—Answer It in Style
5
3
AutoDartmoor's rugged hills and unpredictable weather demand an SUV that tackles muddy trails and rain-slicked roads with equal confidence.
Coastal
Convertible
Top Down Along the Jurassic Coast
42AutoSoak in Devon's sweeping sea views from the driver's seat with the wind in your hair on this iconic World Heritage coastline.
City
Small
Exeter's Streets—Made for Minis
52AutoNarrow medieval lanes and tight parking spots make a small car the smartest pick for exploring Exeter's historic cathedral city and quaint surrounding villages.
Choose Your Ride
Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.
Narrow LanesSmall
Fiat 500
Avis•0.2 mi
41
2
ManualCancellationFree cancellation
DepositZero deposit
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
All-Weather TerrainSUV
Nissan Juke
Avis•0.2 mi
524ManualCancellationFree cancellation
DepositZero deposit
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
Motorway ComfortLarge
Volkswagen Passat
Alamo•1.7 mi
534ManualCancellationFree cancellation
DepositZero deposit
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
Exeter St Davids: Trusted Car Rental Reviews & Ratings
Read genuine customer experiences and ratings for car rentals near Exeter St Davids. Make informed decisions with verified reviews from real renters.
| Rental company | Rating | Avg. Daily Rate | Pickup Method/Distance | Security deposit | Accepts Debit Cards | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 3000+ reviews | $241 | 1.7 mi | $267 - $1,335 |
| |
| 1.2 4,600+ reviews | $56 | 0.2 mi | $401 - $804 |
| |
| 1.2 5500+ reviews | $95 | 0.2 mi | $917 - $1,084 |
|
*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: Jun. 15 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
UK Rental Car Accident Guide What To Do About Safety Insurance And QEEQ Support
Learn exactly what to do if you have a rental car accident in the UK, from the first 60 minutes at the scene to reporting the incident to QEEQ and insurers. This guide explains safety steps, who to call, what information to exchange, how to document evidence, when to involve police, how CDW and excess work, and how to complete rental accident reports so you stay protected on your UK road trip.
First Timer's Guide to Refuelling Rental Cars in the UK
A comprehensive guide for first-time renters on how to refuel a rental car in the UK, covering fuel types, payment options, and important tips.
Insider's Guide to UK Car Rentals: Avoid Hidden Costs
Discover how to avoid unexpected charges when renting a car in the UK. This guide covers insurance options, fuel policies, and driver-related fees to help you save money and drive with confidence.
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 accounts for 32% of rentals; St Davids Rail Station 30%; city centre 18%. Enterprise leads with 24% market share, followed by Hertz at 18%."
Booking Patterns
"Economy cars dominate at 32% of bookings; compact SUV demand grew 14% YoY driven by Dartmoor tours. Peak season (Jun-Aug) sees 55% higher pricing, averaging GBP 85/day."
Customer Pain Points
"38-42% of renters misunderstand CDW coverage; 40-44% of negative reviews cite hidden fees as their primary complaint during Exeter rentals."
Data Sources
- QEEQ internal booking databse
- BVRLA Car Rental Outlook 2025
- Visit Devon Tourism Statistics
- Exeter Airport Operational Report
- BVRLA Car Rental Outlook 2025
- Grand View Research - UK Car Rental Market
- Leaseurope 2024 Annual Report
- Consumer怨声分析报告
- BVRLA Customer Satisfaction Survey
- Dartmoor National Park Authority Visitor Report
Exeter Car Rental Guide
Essential driving tips and rental advice for exploring Exeter and the English countryside
Can I drive in Exeter with my US driver's license, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
US tourists can legally drive in the UK with their US driver's license for up to 12 months, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended. An IDP costs about $20 and can be obtained from AAA offices in the US. UK rental companies often require both your US license AND an IDP as standard practice—without it, you may be turned away at the counter even with a reservation.
I'm from the US—will left-hand traffic trip me up? Any tips for roundabouts?
Yes, driving on the left is the biggest adjustment for US drivers. Key rules: stay in the left lane on motorways (pass on the right), give way to your right at intersections, and approach roundabouts in the left lane. Exeter has over 20 roundabouts in the city area alone. Most accidents involving American tourists occur from confusion at roundabouts—remember: traffic already in the roundabout has priority. Take a practice drive on quieter roads before tackling city traffic.
What are the speed limits and will I get caught by speed cameras?
UK speed limits are 30 mph in urban areas, 60 mph on single carriageways, and 70 mph on motorways—clearly posted with red circular signs. Speed cameras are everywhere and caught over 2 million drivers in 2024. Fines start at £100 plus 3 penalty points on your license. If you accumulate 12 points within 3 years, you face a driving ban. The M5 motorway passing south of Exeter has regular average-speed cameras through roadwork zones—don't speed through them thinking you'll just 'flash' past.
Winter driving in Exeter—do I need snow chains or winter tires?
Exeter rarely gets heavy snow, but when it does, the hilly terrain around Dartmoor and Exmoor becomes extremely dangerous. Winter tires (around £80-150 per set for 4 days rental) are highly recommended from November-March. Snow chains are not commonly used in the UK and may damage rental cars. The AA recommends carrying a blanket, flashlight, and shovel in winter. If frost/ice is forecast, the A30 and A38 near the moors often close—check Traffic England (trafficengland.com) before setting out.
How expensive is parking in Exeter city center, and what's the best strategy?
Exeter city center parking is notoriously expensive and limited. Park and ride services (St. Luke's, Honiton Road, Countess Wear) cost £3-4 per day with frequent buses into town—strongly recommended over driving into the center. On-street parking in the city costs £2.20-3.50 per hour with 1-2 hour maximums. City car parks charge £15-25 for full-day parking. Note: many car parks have height restrictions (2.0-2.1m)—verify your rental vehicle fits if you're in an SUV or large 4x4.
QEEQ Platform Awards
Recognized globally for excellence in car rental booking services and customer satisfaction.
Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025
Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024
Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023
Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2022
Best Business Partner Award of ABG 2023 & 2024
Business Excellence Awards 2024
The Magellan Awards in Car Rental Service Category
The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road
Recommended by our customers
Trusted by customers worldwide and we're always working to improve.
