Heading south west from Bristol Airport is under-served, but you have three routes: the Stagecoach Falcon long-distance coach towards Exeter and Plymouth, a direct taxi (long and expensive), or the A1 Airport Flyer into Bristol followed by a South West train. For Taunton, Exeter and Plymouth, the coach or the Flyer-plus-train combination is usually far cheaper than a taxi. Prices checked August 2026.
The distances involved
These are long trips from a hilltop airport with no rail link of its own:
| Destination | Approx distance | Driving time | Indicative taxi fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taunton | 35 to 40 miles | 45 to 60 min | £90 to £120 |
| Exeter | 75 to 80 miles | 75 to 95 min | £160 to £220 |
| Plymouth | Further south again | Longer still | Higher again |
Distances and drive times are road estimates; taxi fares are indicative ranges and should be confirmed with the operator before you travel. A direct taxi to Exeter or Plymouth is a serious expense, so most travellers look at the coach or train first.
Option 1: Stagecoach Falcon coach
The Stagecoach Falcon is a long-distance coach linking Bristol Airport southbound towards Exeter and Plymouth. Tickets are available online, through the operator's app, or from the driver where offered. Exact fares and times were not confirmed in our sources, so check the live Stagecoach Falcon timetable and price for your date before you rely on it. As a direct coach without a change, it is often the simplest budget option for the far South West when the timing lines up with your flight.
Option 2: A1 Airport Flyer plus a train
For Taunton, Exeter or Plymouth you can split the trip:
- Take the A1 Airport Flyer from the airport to Bristol Temple Meads, from £9.50, in about 30 to 40 minutes. It runs 24 hours a day.
- Change at Temple Meads to a South West mainline train. Frequent services run down to Taunton, Exeter and Plymouth.
Rail fares vary widely with how far ahead you book, so buy an advance single where possible and check National Rail for the current price. This route is fast on the train legs and avoids a very long taxi meter, though it means one change at Temple Meads.
Option 3: direct taxi
A taxi from the official Arrow Cars rank will take you the whole way, but the fares above show why it is the costly choice. It makes sense mainly for a group splitting the cost, for late-night arrivals when coaches and trains have stopped, or when heavy luggage makes changes impractical. Confirm the fare when you book, as it varies with the exact address, time and demand. For these longer South West runs, pre-booking with an operator such as 247 UK Airport Taxi gets you a fixed price agreed before you travel and flight tracking included, so a delayed arrival or heavy traffic will not add to the fare.
Which to choose
- Taunton: the Flyer plus a short train hop is usually quickest and cheapest; a taxi is roughly £90 to £120 if you want door to door.
- Exeter: the Falcon coach or the Flyer-plus-train both beat a £160 to £220 taxi for most travellers.
- Plymouth: the furthest south, so the coach or train almost always wins on cost over a very long taxi run.
For daytime arrivals, compare the live Falcon coach time against a Flyer-plus-train itinerary and take whichever suits your flight. If you land late, check what is still running before assuming public transport is an option, and weigh a direct taxi against waiting for the first morning service. The same trade-off applies heading west; see the guide to Cardiff without a car.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Bristol Airport to Exeter without a car? Take the Stagecoach Falcon coach south, or the A1 Airport Flyer to Bristol Temple Meads then a South West train. Both are far cheaper than a direct taxi, which runs about £160 to £220.
Is there a coach from Bristol Airport to Plymouth? The Stagecoach Falcon runs southbound towards Exeter and Plymouth. Check the live timetable and fare for your date, as exact times were not confirmed in our sources.
How much is a taxi from Bristol Airport to Taunton? Roughly £90 to £120, taking 45 to 60 minutes. Treat the fare as indicative and confirm it when booking.
What is the cheapest way from Bristol Airport to the South West? Usually the Stagecoach Falcon coach, or the A1 Airport Flyer from £9.50 to Bristol Temple Meads followed by an advance-booked train. A direct taxi is the most expensive option.
Does any transport run overnight to the South West? The A1 Flyer into Bristol runs 24 hours, but onward coaches and trains south do not run through the night. For late arrivals a direct taxi may be the only door-to-door option.
More
More: Overview, Public transport, Taxis, Routes, FAQs.
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Last verified August 2026 by the Bristol Airport Guide editorial team. Prices and timetables change, so confirm the specifics on the official Bristol Airport website before you travel.