Getting Around Devon

Car hire

The national firms providing car hire in the county include Avis, Europcar, Sixt and Hertz. For a different way of hiring, try E-cocars from Totnes train station.

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).

For more information including an interactive bus map, visit Journey Devon - your guide to public transport in Devon. For travelling around Plymouth, try the PlymGo journey planner.

Bus services in Devon

megabus.com offer mega value fares on travel to Devon. Stops include Exeter, Exmouth, Plymouth, Tiverton, South Molton, Bideford, Barnstaple and Ilfracombe.  You can expect free Wi-Fi*, on board charging points* and air con - and tickets can be booked online right up to time of departure at megabus.com.

*Subject to availability

To order or download bus maps, visit the Devon County Council website. For information on bus services in Plymouth, visit the Plymouth City Council website and for the English Riviera, visit the Torbay Council website.

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.

Great Western Railway operates journeys to Devon from over 270 destinations by train. Direct, high-speed services from Paddington, operated by Great Western Railway, stop at Tiverton, Exeter St. Davids, Newton Abbot, Totnes and Plymouth.

Travel First Class and take advantage of free Wi-Fi, plug sockets and complimentary refreshments, allowing you to make the most of your travel time.

If you are a conference organiser or attendee, you can get discounted rail tickets through GWR, with special conference fares available from most stations on the network. See www.gwr.com/conferences for more information and to book.

Taxis

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

Cycling

Cycling is a great way to see Devon at its best and will provide you with easy access to some of the best of the county’s natural heritage. Devon is renowned not only for its peace and unspoilt beauty but also for the wide range and superb network of cycle routes that are available.

Ranging in length and difficulty, there are routes to suit every level of cycling experience and ability, each with its own special attractions. You will discover exciting off road cycling, leisurelyafternoon rides and challenging longdistance routes. There’s wonderful scenery, unspoilt villages, urban routes - feel the sun on your back, the wind in your hair. For more information on cycling in Devon visit the Devon County Council website. 

Travel tips

For a relaxing holiday, don't aim 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.

When travelling on the Devon roads, remember to:

• 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