Looking for an extreme day trip, city break or weekend break from Exeter Airport? Days & Stays searches published flight schedules to help you discover where you could go.
Choose your travel date and the minimum amount of time you want at your destination. We’ll find possible day trips and short breaks based on available schedules.
No registration or login is required, and you can search available published schedules well ahead of your trip, rather than being limited to the next few weeks.
You can then compare possible trips and check flights, things to do and places to stay if you decide to make a short break of it.
Find your next day trip
Find your next day tripDirect Flights from Exeter Airport
The table below shows destinations served by direct flights from Exeter Airport. Routes and frequencies can vary by season, so use the Days & Stays Flight Finder above to check which destinations suit your travel dates.
Some destinations work well as extreme day trips with the right flight times, while others suit a city break, weekend away, or longer short break.
Use the Days & Stays Flight Finder to see which destinations work for your date. There’s no need to register or log in.
Direct Flights from Exeter Airport
Popular destinations for day trips, short breaks and longer stays.
| Destination | Country | Approx. flight time |
|---|---|---|
| Guernsey | Channel Islands | 40 mins |
| Jersey | Channel Islands | 45 mins |
| Newcastle | England | 1 hr 15 mins |
| Amsterdam | Netherlands | 1 hr 20 mins |
| Dublin | Ireland | 1 hr 25 mins |
| Belfast City | Northern Ireland | 1 hr 30 mins |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 1 hr 45 mins |
| Majorca | Spain | 2 hrs 15 mins |
| Alicante | Spain | 2 hrs 25 mins |
| Málaga | Spain | 2 hrs 30 mins |
| Faro | Portugal | 2 hrs 35 mins |
| Dalaman | Turkey | 4 hrs 20 mins |
Could you visit in a day?
Potentially. The deciding factor is the schedule rather than the distance alone.
Use the Days & Stays Flight Finder to check outbound and return flights
for your chosen date.
Where Can You Go for a Day Trip from Exeter Airport?
The answer changes with the flight schedule. A destination that’s perfect for an extreme day trip on one date may have no suitable same-day return on another.
Edinburgh and Dublin are obvious places to look, but other destinations may become possible depending on the day’s schedule. With an early departure from Exeter and a late enough flight home, the Days & Stays Flight Finder can identify the combinations that give you useful time at your destination.
Flight time is only part of the equation. Airport transfers matter too, so Days & Stays looks for flight combinations, while our destination guides help you work out how much useful time you’ll have on arrival.
City Breaks & Weekend Breaks from Exeter Airport
If the flight times aren’t right for a day trip, city breaks and short breaks from Exeter Airport open up many more possibilities, particularly if you can stay for one or two nights.
Destinations such as Amsterdam, Dublin, Edinburgh and Newcastle can be worth considering for a city break or weekend away, while routes to Spain, Portugal and elsewhere in Europe open up further possibilities for longer short breaks.
The Days & Stays Flight Finder searches published flight schedules for both same-day trips and short breaks, helping you discover where you could go with the time you have available.
Our destination guides include airport transfers and what you can realistically do once you arrive.
Where Are the Cheapest Flights from Exeter?
No single destination is always cheapest. Fares vary by date, demand, and how far ahead you book.
Rather than choosing somewhere because it is normally considered cheap, compare the total cost of the trip, including travel to Exeter Airport, destination transfers, accommodation if required and anything you want to do while you’re there.
Beach, Sunshine or Something Different?
Exeter isn’t limited to city breaks. Direct flights also serve holiday destinations across Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus and Turkey, including the Canary Islands and Mediterranean resorts.
Many of these routes are seasonal, and others operate only on certain days of the week.
Days & Stays searches all available published schedules, helping you discover seasonal routes and future day-trip possibilities that may not be operating right now.
Not Sure Where to Go?
That’s exactly what the Days & Stays Flight Finder is designed for.
Choose your departure airport, travel date and how long you’d like to be away. We’ll search published flight schedules and show you destinations that could fit your trip, whether you’re looking for a day trip, city break, weekend break or short break.
You don’t need to decide where you’re going first. Start with the time you have available and see where you could go.
No account. No login. Just choose a date and see where you could go.
Find your next day trip
About Exeter Airport
Exeter Airport (EXT) is in East Devon, around six miles east of Exeter city centre. It is particularly convenient for travellers from Devon and parts of Somerset, Dorset and Cornwall.
The airport has a single passenger terminal and is relatively small, so getting around is generally straightforward. However, Exeter Airport does not have its own railway station, something worth considering when planning an early departure or late return.
For an extreme day trip, we recommend planning your travel to and from Exeter Airport before booking your flights. Some of the most useful same-day combinations or short breaks leave Exeter early in the morning or arrive back late at night, when public transport options may be more limited.
Exeter Airport at a Glance
Useful information for planning your trip from Exeter Airport.
Address
Exeter Airport, Clyst Honiton, Exeter, Devon, EX5 2BA
Telephone
01392 367 433
Official website
Visit Exeter Airport →
Getting to Exeter Airport
With no railway station at Exeter Airport, most passengers arrive by car, bus or taxi. For a same-day trip, check your journey in both directions before booking, particularly if your flight leaves early or arrives back late.
Driving and Parking at Exeter Airport
Driving can be particularly convenient for early departures or when travelling with others.
Exeter Airport has several parking options, including car parks close to the terminal and longer-stay parking. Pre-booking can save money, so compare options before you travel.
👉 Compare Exeter Airport parking with Holiday Extras
Bus, Train and Taxi to Exeter Airport
For many passengers, particularly those catching an early morning flight or arriving late in the evening, being dropped off by car or travelling by taxi is likely the simplest way to reach Exeter Airport.
The Stagecoach 4A connects Exeter Airport with Exeter city centre and Exeter St Davids railway station, while the 43 connects the airport with Pinhoe railway station. Services can be limited at weekends and on bank holidays, so check the timetable against your flight times before relying on the bus.
Exeter Airport does not have its own railway station. Cranbrook is the nearest station, around 3 miles away, but there is no direct airport bus connection, so you’ll need a taxi for the final part of the journey. Exeter Central is around 6 miles away and Exeter St Davids around 7 miles away, with the 4A providing the most straightforward bus connection from St Davids.
If you are planning an extreme day trip from Exeter Airport, check the return journey as carefully as the outbound one. A flight arriving back in Exeter late in the evening may land after convenient public transport connections have finished.
Exeter Airport lists Apple Taxis Exeter as its airport taxi provider. You can pre-book taxis by calling 01392 666666 or through the Apple Taxis website.
👉 See the Stagecoach 4A Timetables here.
Getting to Exeter Airport by Train
Exeter Airport does not have its own railway station.
The usual option is to travel by train to Exeter St Davids and continue to the airport by the Stagecoach 4A bus. When comparing journeys, allow time for the transfer between the train and airport bus, as well as potential delays.
For very early flights, the first train of the morning may not get you to Exeter in time, so check the complete journey before booking your flight.
Exeter Airport Hotels
If your flight leaves particularly early, staying near Exeter Airport the night before can make the start of your trip considerably easier.
The Fair Oak House is directly opposite Exeter Airport and within easy walking distance of the terminal, making it one of the most convenient options for an early departure. There are also hotels around Exeter and the surrounding area, although you will generally need a taxi or car to reach the airport.
It is worth comparing the cost of an overnight stay with airport parking, particularly if you have a long drive to Exeter or need to reach the terminal early in the morning.
👉 Compare Exeter Airport hotels and parking with Holiday Extras
👉 Find hotels near Exeter Airport
Taxi, Drop-off and Pick-up
Exeter Airport has a useful free drop-off and pick-up option in Car Park P4, where you can park for up to 30 minutes without charge. This can be a good choice if someone is taking you to the airport or collecting you after your flight.
For a more convenient drop-off, Car Park P1 is directly opposite the main terminal. The current drive-up charge is £8 for up to 15 minutes, rising to £15 for stays between 15 and 60 minutes.
Days & Stays tip: For an extreme day trip, being dropped off at Exeter Airport can be one of the easiest options. If you do not need to be left immediately outside the terminal, use Car Park P4 for up to 30 minutes free, rather than paying the P1 drop-off charge.
If someone is collecting you, P4 also gives them up to 30 minutes free. Check your flight has landed before entering the car park if there is any risk of exceeding the free period.
Do not stop on the airport’s terminal approach roads. Stopping there is prohibited under the airport’s byelaws.
Planning Your Trip from Exeter Airport
Whether you’re planning an extreme day trip or a short break, the flight times are only part of the picture. It’s also worth thinking about how you’ll get to Exeter Airport, how quickly you can reach your destination after landing, and how much time you’ll realistically have before your return flight.
How Much Time Will You Really Have?
Days & Stays shows the scheduled time between your arrival and return flights, but that isn’t the same as sightseeing time.
Allow plenty of time to leave the airport, travel into the city, and return with time to make your flight home. Ten hours between flights with a 15-minute airport transfer could give you more useful time than 12 hours with a lengthy journey into the city.
Our destination guides include airport transfer information to help you work out how much time you’ll actually have.
Travel Light
For a day trip, a small under-seat bag may be all you need. Travelling without checked luggage saves time and avoids waiting at baggage reclaim.
Check the cabin baggage allowance included with your fare before travelling.
Check Your Travel Documents
You’ll need suitable identification, including on domestic flights. Depending on your airline, this may include a passport, photocard driving licence or another accepted form of photographic ID.
For international trips, check your destination’s passport, visa and travel authorisation requirements before booking.
Allow for Things Going Wrong
Delays matter more when you only have a day, and a cancellation could leave you needing an unexpected overnight stay.
Check whether your flights are on the same or separate bookings, consider appropriate travel insurance and have a plan for disruption.
More help: Read our guide to planning an extreme day trip, including delays, cancellations, travel insurance, separate flight bookings and passenger rights.
Make More of Your Trip
Found a flight combination that suits you? Next, decide what you want to do when you get there.
Things to Do
For an extreme day trip, it’s worth booking popular attractions, tours and experiences in advance. Spending an hour queuing isn’t ideal when you only have a day.
👉 Find things to do with GetYourGuide
Our destination guides focus on places you can realistically visit in the time you have.
Turn Your Day Trip into a Short Break
If the flight times don’t quite work for a day trip, staying for one or two nights can open up many more possibilities and give you more time to explore.
👉 Find accommodation with Booking.com
Days & Stays covers both same-day trips and short breaks, so don’t rule out a destination just because the flights don’t work in a single day.
Getting Around When You Arrive
Check how you’ll get from the airport to where you actually want to go. Some airports have fast rail or metro connections, while others require a longer bus, coach or transfer.
Our destination guides include airport transfer information where useful, helping you judge how practical a destination is for a day trip.
Extreme Day Trips from Exeter Airport FAQs
Answers to some of the most common questions about extreme day trips, city breaks, weekend breaks, same-day flights and planning a trip from Exeter Airport.
Can you do an extreme day trip from Exeter Airport?
Yes. Some destinations can be possible as same-day trips from Exeter when there is an early outbound flight and a sufficiently late return. Exeter has a smaller route network than some larger UK airports, so the options vary considerably by date and season. The Days & Stays Flight Finder searches the published schedules for the date you choose.
Where can I fly from Exeter Airport and return the same day?
It depends on your travel date and the flight schedules operating that day. Some routes can offer useful same-day combinations, while others may only work on particular days or during seasonal flying programmes. Rather than relying on a fixed list, use the Days & Stays Flight Finder to see which destinations work on your chosen date.
What are the best extreme day trips from Exeter Airport?
The most practical destinations usually combine an early flight from Exeter, a late return flight and a straightforward journey from the destination airport into the city or resort. Flight times change throughout the year, so a destination that makes an excellent day trip on one date may offer very little time on another.
Can I find city breaks from Exeter Airport?
Yes. Days & Stays can help you find city breaks from Exeter Airport as well as same-day trips. Choose your travel date and how long you’d like to be away, and the Flight Finder will search published schedules for destinations that could fit your trip.
How long should I have at my destination?
We generally look for at least eight hours between the scheduled arrival and departure flights when searching for a worthwhile day trip. Remember that this isn’t eight hours of sightseeing. You still need to allow time to leave the airport, travel into the city or resort and return in good time for your flight home.
How far ahead can I search for day trips from Exeter Airport?
Days & Stays lets you search available published flight schedules rather than limiting you to the next few weeks. This can help you find seasonal routes and future trip possibilities that aren’t operating right now. How far ahead you can search depends on the schedules currently published by the airlines.
Do I need to create an account or log in?
No. You don’t need to register, create an account or log in to use the Days & Stays Flight Finder. Choose Exeter Airport, select your travel date and how long you’d like to be away, then search the available published schedules.
Are extreme day trips from Exeter Airport cheap?
They can be. Fares vary considerably by route, date and airline, so it can pay to be flexible about your destination and travel date. Look at the total cost of the trip, including flights, travel to Exeter Airport, parking if required, destination transfers and anything you want to book while you’re there.
Do I need a passport for a domestic flight from Exeter?
Not necessarily, but you will need identification that meets your airline’s requirements. Depending on the airline, acceptable photographic identification may include a passport, photocard driving licence or another document accepted by the airline. For international flights, check the passport and entry requirements for your destination before booking.
What happens if there isn’t a suitable return flight on the same day?
Consider turning it into a city break or weekend away. Staying overnight can make many more destinations possible and may provide better flight times. The Days & Stays Flight Finder can search for both same-day trips and short breaks.
Can I book flights through Days & Stays?
Days & Stays is a travel discovery service, not an airline, travel agent or booking provider. We search published flight schedules to help you identify possible trips and may provide links to third-party booking providers where you can check current fares and availability. Any booking, payment and contract for travel is made directly with the provider you choose.
Does Days & Stays earn commission?
Some links on Days & Stays are affiliate links. If you make a booking or purchase through one of these links, we may receive a commission from the provider at no additional cost to you. This helps support Days & Stays and ThisIsSouthWest.com.
How do I find extreme day trips from Exeter Airport?
Choose Exeter Airport, select your travel date and choose a same-day trip in the Days & Stays Flight Finder. We’ll search the available published schedules and show destinations where a day trip could be possible. If you’d rather stay longer, you can also search for a city break, weekend away or short break.
Ready to See Where You Could Go?
Choose your departure airport and travel date and let Days & Stays find the possibilities.
You don’t need to choose a destination first. Search the available flight combinations, see how much time you could have there and start planning your next day trip, city break or weekend away.
Find Your Next Trip ↑Booking information: Days & Stays searches flight schedules to help identify possible trips. Flight times, fares and availability can change. Bookings are completed with third-party providers. Some links are affiliate links and we may receive a commission if you make a booking, at no additional cost to you.
