Getting Around Exeter: Transport Tips for Students

Exeter might be hilly in parts (hello, Streatham campus), but it’s a compact, student-friendly city with plenty of ways to get from lectures to lattes without burning through your student budget. 

Buses connect campuses and neighbourhoods, cycling is popular thanks to traffic-calmed routes and waterside paths, trains link you across Devon and beyond, and there are handy car- and bike-share options when you need them. 

The trick is knowing which option fits your day, your timetable and your wallet.

Buses: Your Day-to-Day Workhorse

If you’re studying at Streatham or St Luke’s, buses will likely be your default. 

Stagecoach runs frequent services across the city, including the popular UNI and 4 routes that link campus and the city centre, with late-night coverage on key student nights so you’re not stranded after a library session or society social. 

For savings, look at student tickets and term passes. The university highlights a reduced-price “Termrider” for unlimited travel in the Exeter area during term time – ideal if you’re commuting daily or bouncing between campus, part-time work and sports. 

Buy once, ride often, and stop worrying about topping up. 

Rail: Quick Hops and Weekend Escapes

Exeter has three central stations – St Davids (the main hub), Central and St Thomas – so you’re rarely far from a platform. 

St Davids handles most long-distance and regional services (Great Western Railway, South Western Railway and CrossCountry), making it your springboard to the beach at Exmouth, surf spots down to Cornwall, or city breaks to Bristol and London. If you’re living near the High Street, Exeter Central can be a convenient alternative. 

If you’re mixing bus and train, PlusBus is worth a look: add it to your rail ticket for unlimited local bus travel on the same day – perfect for station-to-campus connections without extra faff. Day prices are clearly listed and can work out cheaper than buying tickets separately. 

Budget Savers: Passes, Bundles and Park & Ride

Think of Exeter as a “bundle city.” DayRider and group tickets can be cost-effective on busy days, while term passes flatten your costs over the semester. 

If you drive in occasionally (or your parents drop you off for a big shop), Park & Ride is a low-stress option: leave the car at edge-of-city sites and hop on frequent buses within the DayRider zone, dodging city-centre parking fees. 

For those rare moments you need a car – flat move, IKEA run, cinema trip with friends – pay-as-you-go car clubs in Exeter let you book by the hour with insurance and fuel included. You only pay when you actually use a vehicle, which keeps costs down versus full-time ownership. 

Students can sign up online and pick up cars from bays around the city. 

Cycling: Scenic, Fast and Surprisingly Flat (If You Pick the Right Routes)

Exeter rewards cyclists who plan their route. Main roads can be steep, but quieter backstreets and signed paths make everyday cycling doable – and often quicker than waiting for a bus at peak times. 

A star draw is the Exe Estuary Trail: a largely off-road, mostly flat, 26-mile path threading through Exeter, Topsham and out to Exmouth and Dawlish Warren. It’s great for weekend spins, sunrise coffee runs, or a brain-clearing ride after deadlines. 

Practical tips: fit lights (winter sunsets sneak up on you), add a decent lock, and consider mudguards – Devon showers happen. If hills to Streatham feel intimidating, try an e-bike for a boost; the city’s electric bike-share scheme (Co-Bikes) has been returning with new stations, making e-assists more accessible for short hops.

Bike- and Car-Share: Flex Without the Commitment

Owning a bike or car isn’t essential in Exeter. Electric bike-share is ideal for “sweat-free” climbs to campus or quick trips across town, and pay-as-you-go car clubs cover those occasional journeys that aren’t bus- or bike-friendly. 

The big win is flexibility: you can choose the right mode for each day – bike to lectures, bus to town, train to the coast – without sinking cash into assets you barely use.

Smart Planning: Apps, Timing and Safety

A little planning goes a long way. Check live bus times before you leave; Exeter’s services are frequent, but shaving five minutes off your wait can be the difference between a relaxed arrival and a sweaty jog to your seminar. 

Trains can be cheaper when booked early – set alerts for weekend trips. 

When cycling, pick routes that trade gradients for calmer streets, and use the riverside paths where possible. Lock your bike in well-lit areas, keep valuables out of sight in parked cars, and walk with friends late at night – common-sense habits that make city life smoother.

The Bottom Line

Exeter’s size and layout make it perfect for multimodal travel. Use buses for reliable everyday links, trains for adventures and placements, bikes for freedom and headspace, and shared vehicles when you need extra carrying power. 

Mix and match to suit your timetable and budget, keep an eye on student deals, and you’ll find getting around Exeter is not just manageable – it’s part of the fun of living here.