Overview
Exeter is the cathedral city at the heart of Devon and the natural gateway to the South West, with Dartmoor, the Jurassic Coast and the beaches of south Devon all within easy reach. For UK travellers, flying to Exeter makes the most sense from Scotland, the North of England and Northern Ireland, where driving or taking the train would swallow the best part of a day. From London and the South, rail is usually the better option, but a short hop into Exeter Airport (EXT) can still work well when time is tight. Use the price charts on this page to see how current fares to Exeter compare.
Best time to fly to Exeter
Devon is a summer favourite, so June to August brings the highest demand and the busiest airport; book early if you need school-holiday dates. Late spring and September are the sweet spot, with mild weather, quieter attractions and generally softer fares. Winter is cheapest of all, though the route network thins out and Dartmoor weather can turn bleak. The South West is famously mild but wet, so pack a waterproof whatever the month, and check the When to book chart above for the pattern on your route.
Airlines and routes
Loganair is the main carrier serving Exeter from within the UK, with direct flights from airports including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle, plus Belfast City. Aer Lingus links Exeter with Dublin. Flight times are short: roughly an hour from Manchester and around 1h15 to 1h30 from Scotland or Belfast. There are no scheduled flights from London airports, where the train from Paddington takes about two to two and a half hours. Ryanair and TUI also operate holiday routes from Exeter to Spain and Portugal.
Things to do in Exeter
The city rewards a slow wander, with Roman walls, Georgian terraces and a lively quayside.
- Exeter Cathedral: Magnificent Gothic cathedral with the longest uninterrupted medieval vaulted ceiling in the world and a 15th-century astronomical clock.
- Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM): Free, wide-ranging museum covering natural history, world cultures and Devon's past.
- Exeter's Underground Passages: Guided tours through medieval water-supply tunnels, a rare survivor open to the public.
- Exeter Quayside: Restored historic harbour with independent cafes, canoe and bike hire and a traffic-free trail along the River Exe.
- Powderham Castle: Historic family castle and deer park on the estuary, a short drive south of the city.
At Exeter Airport (EXT)
Exeter Airport sits about 5 miles (8 km) east of the city centre, just off the M5 and A30. Stagecoach buses run to the city centre and bus station in around 25 to 35 minutes, while a taxi takes roughly 15 minutes. Car hire desks are on site, and mainline trains from Exeter St Davids and Exeter Central connect onwards across Devon and Cornwall.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Exeter
- Book domestic flights around four to eight weeks ahead, as last-minute regional fares climb quickly.
- Fly midweek, typically Tuesday or Wednesday, and avoid school holidays and Devon's peak summer weeks.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to spot the cheapest departures.
- Compare a direct Loganair flight against rail or connecting options from your nearest airport.
Travel essentials
Flights within the UK need no visa or passport, but airlines require accepted photo ID, so carry a valid passport or driving licence. The Dublin route is international and requires a passport; Irish and UK citizens travel visa-free under the Common Travel Area. The currency is the pound sterling (GBP), contactless payment is accepted almost everywhere, and no vaccinations or special entry paperwork are required.
