Exeter Airport, or EXT, offers a compact and welcoming experience for travellers exploring Devon or connecting to European destinations.
The passenger experience at EXT, handling around 500,000 passengers annually across 26 destinations, is shaped by its single, user-friendly terminal, serving airlines like Ryanair, TUI Airways, Aer Lingus, and Loganair. Destinations include Alicante, Dublin, Edinburgh, and seasonal routes to Corfu and Paphos. The terminal’s modern design, with recent upgrades like new security scanners, features clear signage and local touches such as a Robin Hood statue and aviation-themed decor, ensuring easy navigation. Its small size keeps walking distances minimal, though summer peaks can create a busy atmosphere.
Accessing the airport from Exeter’s city centre, 6 miles away, is straightforward. Stagecoach bus route 56 runs hourly to Exeter St David’s railway station and the city centre in 20-35 minutes for £2.50, with services from 5 am. to 11 pm.
Taxis, operated by Apple Central Taxis outside arrivals, cost £15-£20 for a 15-minute ride, with pre-booked options available. Car rental agencies like Avis, Hertz, and Europcar are in the Car Rental Centre next to Car Park 1, a two-minute walk from the terminal. Parking includes Car Park 1 for drop-off and pick-up at £1 for 30 minutes, Car Park 4 with 10 minutes free and a four-minute shuttle, and long-stay options at £40 per week, bookable online. The A30 and M5, 1.5 miles away, ensure easy driving access.
The airport’s layout features a single terminal with check-in and arrivals on the ground floor and departures, including 10 gates, on the first floor.
Security is centrally located, with Fast Track passes at £3.50 for quicker access. Domestic and Schengen flights bypass passport control, while non-Schengen arrivals face brief checks. Recent security upgrades streamline screening, but bus transfers to aircraft can add time. Ongoing construction for additional facilities may cause minor disruptions.
Delays are most common during summer and holiday periods, with security queues taking up to 15 minutes at peak times. Winter weather or staffing shortages can affect schedules, and baggage claim for international flights may take 30 minutes. Arriving two hours early for European flights and three for international is advised, with flight updates available via Flightradar24 or airport screens. Online check-in is required for Ryanair passengers to avoid fees.
Dining options include We Make for sandwiches and coffee before security, and Fed & Watered Café-Bar and Wine & Dine after security, offering salads, paninis, and hot meals with local Devon influences. Most eateries close by 10 pm, with vending machines available for late-night snacks. Retail features World Duty Free for perfumes, whisky, and souvenirs, alongside WHSmith for books and travel essentials, both airside. A Travelex currency exchange operates in the check-in hall.
Facilities cater to diverse needs, with one hour of free Wi-Fi via “_FreeWifi” and premium access for £2. Charging stations are available, though limited, so portable chargers are useful. The Executive Lounge, open to all for £23, offers snacks, drinks, and showers. Accessibility services include ramps, lifts, wheelchairs, and designated parking in Car Parks 1 and 2, bookable 48 hours in advance. A children’s play area is in the departure hall, and baby-changing facilities are near restrooms. No prayer room or showers are available outside the lounge, and the Hampton by Hilton, a short walk away, serves layovers. The terminal is open overnight for early check-ins but closes after the last flight.
On-time performance is generally reliable, supported by a single runway and efficient operations, though peak congestion can cause minor delays. Connections within the single terminal are quick, taking 25 minutes for domestic-to-domestic transfers and 40-60 minutes for international, with a minimum one-hour layover advised for self-transfers.
Aer Lingus to Dublin
Aer Lingus Regional (operated by Emerald Airlines) operates from the Main Terminal at Exeter Airport for flights to Dublin. Check-in desks are typically Desks 1–5 in the small check-in area. Check-in opens 2 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before departure. Online check-in is available 48 hours to 2 hours prior. Exeter is a regional route with limited flights, so confirm schedules and arrive 90 minutes before departure.
Exeter is a small airport with 1–4 gates (dynamic; often Gate 3 for Aer Lingus to Ireland); arrive at gate 30 minutes early., and specific gate assignments are announced at the airport. Passengers proceed to the boarding area after security.
