Exeter
United Kingdom
450 km
6-7 hours driving
Rennes
France
Distance
450 km
Drive Time
6-7 hours
Est. Fuel
£40-£50
Est. Tolls
£12-£20
Route Overview
Exeter to Rennes is ideal for western ferry routes. The Plymouth-Roscoff ferry (1 hour from Exeter) lands you in Brittany just 2 hours from Rennes. Alternatively, Portsmouth-St Malo is 2.5 hours from Exeter and puts you even closer to Rennes.
Best crossing option
Plymouth-Roscoff or Portsmouth-St Malo ferry
Cost Comparison
| Method | Crossing Cost | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel | £130-£200 | £250-£340 |
| Ferry | £120-£190 | £172-£260 |
| Fly + Hire | £120-£300 | £195-£480 |
Estimated costs for 2 adults, standard car. Actual prices vary by season, booking time, and vehicle. Use our calculator for personalised results.
Tips for This Route
Plymouth is only 1 hour from Exeter — the Brittany Ferries Roscoff service is perfect for Devon residents.
The Portsmouth-St Malo ferry is another excellent option — St Malo is just 70 km from Rennes.
Western Brittany routes have minimal tolls compared to autoroute-heavy routes from Calais.
Rennes is Brittany's capital with beautiful medieval architecture and excellent food.
This route avoids the busy M25 and Dover-Calais corridor entirely — a more relaxed journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Exeter to Rennes?
The cheapest option is the Plymouth-Roscoff or Portsmouth-St Malo ferry combined with driving. Total costs are around £172-£260 one way. Western ferry routes have minimal tolls in Brittany, keeping costs low. Plymouth is just 1 hour from Exeter.
How long does it take to get from Exeter to Rennes?
Via Plymouth-Roscoff, the total journey is about 10-11 hours (1 hour to Plymouth, 6-8 hours ferry, 2 hours driving to Rennes). Via Portsmouth-St Malo, it is 2.5 hours to Portsmouth, 8-11 hours on the overnight ferry, then just 1 hour to Rennes.
Should I use Plymouth-Roscoff or Portsmouth-St Malo?
Plymouth-Roscoff is closer to Exeter (1 hour vs 2.5 hours) and is ideal for a daytime crossing. Portsmouth-St Malo has overnight options and lands you closer to Rennes (just 70 km away). If you want to minimise French driving, St Malo is better. If you want an easy UK drive, Plymouth wins.
Get an exact cost for Exeter to Rennes
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Compare Exeter → Rennes