Travelling Around

Car travel in South Devon

Travelling around South Devon is easy as the A38, which connects Exeter and Plymouth, runs right through the whole region and the A30 and A3052 connects the east of Devon to Exeter, all offer excellent links between towns and villages. Many of the smaller towns and villages are accessed by country lanes, which provide great countryside views and a real feeling of escape. If you’re not used to driving on country roads it’s always best to plan your journey first, so you can enjoy a stress-free day out.

Pay to Park across South Devon with RingGo

If you’re paying to park throughout South Devon, you can use RingGo, the UK’s no.1 parking app, which has millions of users nationwide. Paying to park by phone is quick and easy and means you don’t have to hunt for change or find a machine. 

For a map of places where you can pay to park with RingGo in South Devon, please visit RingGo.co.uk/parking-in-south-devon.

Once you’ve downloaded the free RingGo app and registered, you can also pay to park in tens of thousands of RingGo locations nationwide.

Car Parks

For details on car parks in Teignbridge click here - weekly car park passes can be booked here.

For details on car parks in the South Hams click here

For details on car parks in East Devon click here

For details on car parks in Mid Devon click here

For details on car parks in Exeter click here

As well as a great network of roads there’s a wide range of additional modes of transport available, providing access to all parts of the region.

EV Charging Stations in South Devon

You'll be happy to know that if you bring your electric vehicle to South Devon, you'll be able to charge it up with ease. Many accommodations and attractions provide EV Charging stations, plus there's several dotted across the region. Rapid Charging Devon have a network of over 50 chargers to keep you on the move from Axminster to Plymouth. Click here to find out more about EV Charging in South Devon.

Bus travel in South Devon

South Devon is easily accessible via public transport. With regular bus routes operating between all major town and villages all year round, you can easily leave the car behind.

Stagecoach South West is the main bus operator for the region and their website has comprehensive journey planning and ticketing information to help you plan a day out.

To find out about bus routes in Devon click here

Train Travel in South Devon

The towns of South Devon are easily accessible by rail and there are the several main railway stations, Exeter, Honiton, Tiverton, Newton Abbot, Totnes and Plymouth in the region. From these stations you can connect onto local services which stop off at the seaside towns of Teignmouth, Dawlish, Exmouth, Dawlish Warren, Starcross, Torquay and Paignton as well as Ivybridge on the edge of Dartmoor.

South Devon is famous for its stunning section of railway between Exeter and Newton Abbot. The line runs from Exeter along the River Exe to Dawlish Warren, then along the coast to Teignmouth and finally it follows the River Teign into Newton Abbot. This section of line has become one of the most photographed sections of railway in the country, and has a footpath running beside long sections of the track providing great views out to sea.

For more information on train travel in South Devon visit our South Devon Train Travel page.

Ferry Travel

Ferries are a great way to explore the area. Not only do they cut journey times considerably, so you can easily explore two towns on opposite sides of a river, but they also allow you to get an entirely different view of the landscape. Most ferries in South Devon are foot passenger only, so whether you just want to get from A to B quickly or experience gently sailing down a river, South Devon is the place to take a relaxing and enjoyable ferry ride.

Here are just some of the ferry trips available throughout South Devon

Dartmouth to Kingswear

You can cross the River Dart between Kingswear and Dartmouth using either the Lower Ferry or the Higher Ferry, both take cars as well as foot passengers. There is also a foot passenger only ferry operating across the river estuary. 

Teignmouth to Shaldon

The Teignmouth to Shaldon Ferry takes you on a short trip across the month of the River Teign. It’s the ideal mode of transport to easily explore the seaside town and village of Teignmouth and Shaldon. 

Torquay to Dartmouth

Get a great view of the Torbay coast line on one of the regular ferry’s operating between the harbour towns of Torquay and Dartmouth. There might also be a chance to spot seals and dolphins as there have been many sighting around the coastline.

Totnes to Dartmouth

Enjoy the picturesque views and landscape of the River Dart on one of the regular foot passenger ferries which operate up and down the river. The river is tidal so check the operating times before you travel.

Salcombe to East Portlemouth

The Salcombe to East Portlemouth ferry provides easy access to the coves and beaches which line the mouth of the estuary, as well as allowing you to enjoy the shops and restaurants of Salcombe. The ferry also joins the South West Coastal path on either side of the river.  

Starcross to Exmouth

A short ferry ride across the mouth of the River Exe provides access between Exmouth and Starcross. From Starcross walking and cycling routes offer an enjoyable day out to Dawlish Warren beach and nature reserve. 

Walking routes in South Devon

There are many walking routes and foot paths across South Devon. Combined with a picnic these offer a great active day out. Two of the most well-known walks in South Devon are

Templer Way, an 18 mile walk tracing the historic route of the granite coming from the quarries on Dartmoor to the docks at Teignmouth. Where possible it follows the Haytor Granite Tramway and Stover Canal.

The South West Coastal Path, stretching around the entire coast of the South West it provides many point to point or circular walks offering amazing views and access to hidden beaches and coves. So whether you are after a relaxing stroll or adventurous day out there will be a walk to suit you. 

Find out more about walking in South Devon.

Cycling routes in South Devon

Keep your South Devon getaway green by travelling by bike. Cycling across South Devon is one of the best ways to take in the sights at your own leisure. From rivers and estuaries to hidden paths and winding roads cycling in South Devon is exciting, thrilling and breath-taking.

Find out more about cycling in South Devon.

Coach Parking in South Devon

Visiting South Devon's beautiful market towns and scenery is easy when you come by coach. But it can be easy to forget that coach parking is an essential part of any journey.

Many towns offer coach friendly parking spots, details of these, as well as setting down spots, can be found here.