Exe Estuary’s STUNNING ferry crossing (you can’t miss this!)
If you’re visiting any towns around the mouth of the River Exe (Exmouth, Dawlish or Dawlish Warren), the River Exe foot ferry running between Exmouth and Starcross is a fantastic, easy way to see more of the area!
Here’s all you need to know about taking it.
About the River Exe ferry
The River Exe ferry runs seasonally between Exmouth Marina and Starcross Pier, usually from April to October.
It’s a direct estuary crossing – ideal if you’re travelling to towns on the route and don’t want to drive or take the train via Exeter!
In around 15 minutes, you cross open water with Exmouth’s waterfront behind you and Starcross coming into view ahead.
The ferry departs from Exmouth’s marina and land at Starcross next to the historic Great Western Railway station.
It’s a family-run company and they have a lovely dog who’s often on the boat!
Timetable
The ferry operates between April and October, sailing regularly seven days a week.
The times are subject to change (depending on tides and weather), so I’d recommend checking their active Facebook page for up-to-date timetables.
Costs (updated for 2025)
Tickets cost £8.50 return or £6 one-way for adults. Children aged 1–12 travel for £5 return or £4 single. Bicycles are welcome for £2 per crossing, while dogs travel for £1.
Only cash is accepted, and boarding is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Boarding points and connections
In Exmouth, the ferry departs from the marina close to the town centre and main beach – it’s about 10 minutes from the main beach area and is close to Land and Sea restaurant. Google maps location here.
Once in Starcross, you are immediately next to the Riviera Line railway station with trains towards Exeter and Torbay.
Cycling the Exe Estuary
For cyclists, the River Exe ferry is a key link on the Exe Estuary Trail.
You can cycle along dedicated paths from Exmouth to Topsham or from Starcross to Dawlish Warren, so you’ll end up taking a full circuit around the estuary. Bicycles are carried on the ferry, but space is limited to a first-come basis.
Practical tips for using the River Exe ferry
Arriving at least ten minutes before departure – especially on sunny days!
Queues can form early at weekends and during school holidays.
The ferry itself is an open boat without a covered area, so carrying a waterproof jacket is sensible if rain is forecast!
Payments are cash only, and there is no card machine at either landing point. The nearest cashpoint in Exmouth is TSB in the town centre (Google Maps location here). In Starcross, there is a Spar shop with an ATM.
Pushchairs are allowed, but boarding involves a small step, and crew members will assist where possible. Wheelchairs may struggle at the Starcross side due to the stepped railway bridge.
Dogs must stay on leads, and owners are responsible for them during the crossing.
Bicycles are stored in a separate part of the ferry’s open deck. In the case of very bad weather or tidal issues, crossings may be suspended. Updates are most reliably posted on the ferry’s Facebook page.
What to do at either end
Take a look at my things to do in Exmouth post for my full guide.
If the River Exe ferry is part of a walking or cycling route, Orcombe Point is around a 50 minute walk from the ferry terminal. Here’s some information about Orcombe Point.
You can also easily join the Exe Estuary trail.
In Starcross, a pathway leads up to Powderham Castle (around 35 minutes), home of the Courtenay family (of which the Earl of Devon is a member). It’s privately owned but open to the public.
You can also take the South West Coast Path to Dawlish Warren (around 50 minutes) or Dawlish (around 1 hour 30 minutes). See things to do in Dawlish here.
For more ideas of things to do in Devon, take a look at this post!
