Getting around Devon

Tips
*Don’t expect to do Devon in a day –despite the excellent transport links, it is a large county (the third largest in England) and is therefore best enjoyed to the full at a leisurely pace.

*Use our traffic and travel links to help plan your journey and to avoid any possible delays.

*Devon County Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and the Devon and Cornwall Safety Camera Partnership are working in partnership on the Devon Countrymile project to improve rural road safety, specifically in the area between Exeter and Barnstaple, bordered by the A361, the A377 and the A396. The Devon Countrymile project is supported by the Department for Transport.

These six safety tips highlight the main causes of collisions on the A361 over the past five years.

• Keep patient – Overtake only when it is safe to do so
• Stay focused – Avoid distractions in or outside of the car
• Take regular breaks – Avoid driving when tired. There are numerous laybys
• Keep a safe distance – There are too many rear-end shunts on this route
• Use lower speeds in poor weather conditions
• Know your speed limits on single carriageways

For more information visit www.devon.gov.uk/countrymile

Car hire
The national firms providing car hire in the county include Avis, Europcar and Hertz.
For something different, try hiring a classic car with Red Roadster Classic Car hire.

Public transport
Sit back and enjoy the view as someone else does the driving. To plan a day out by bus, coach or train visit the Traveline website or call 0871 200 22 33 (calls provided by BT will be charged at 10p per minute plus 6p set up fee per call. Mobile, business and other providers' charges may vary –visit the website here for more information on charges).

Bus services in Devon
The main bus services within Devon are operated by Stagecoach and First Group. There are also Park and Ride services in Exeter, Barnstaple, Dartmouth and Plymouth. Have a look at the Devon County Council website for more information on bus services in the county or for Plymouth or Torbay, visit the Plymouth City Council or Torbay Council websites.

Railways in Devon
The railways are a wonderfully scenic way to travel around Devon, linking its picturesque villages and historic market towns and offering uncompromised views of the coastline. Special one-day tickets offer a great deal for visitors: ranger tickets give the freedom of Devon's rail network for a day; branch line rangers give the freedom of one of the delightful local lines - such as the Tarka Line, Tamar Valley Line and Avocet Line.
Visit the National Rail Enquiries or First Great Western website to plan your journey.
Alternatively, see the Great Scenic Railways of Devon and Cornwall for information on the Tarka and Tamar Valley lines.

Taxis
Taxis are easily available from all the major railway stations and airports in the county.

Something Different?
On summer Saturdays try the Haytor Hoppa, running every Saturday during from 30th May to 31st October the scenic bus service costs just £2 per adult and gives you the freedom to explore the moor by visiting tors such as Haytor and Houndtor, going on a variety of walks and lunching in scenic spots such as Widecombe-in-the-Moor and Manaton.
For more information on the Haytor Hoppa click here to go to the Dartmoor NPA website.

Click here for up to date traffic and travel information.

For a map of Devon click here.