Stagecoach reveals major update for Exeter routes ahead of winter timetable launch

Stagecoach South West has confirmed a series of timetable updates across Devon and Cornwall, with a particular focus on Greater Exeter, as part of its winter 2026 service adjustments. 

The changes, effective from Sunday 4 January 2026, include the continuation of popular late-night weekend routes, new overnight journeys, and minor timetable amendments.

Exeter residents will benefit from extended late-night services that have proven popular during trial periods, offering safer and more reliable travel for hospitality staff, shift workers, and visitors to the city’s night-time economy. 

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Service 1/1A between Exeter, Cullompton, and Tiverton will now include an early morning 03:10 departure from Exeter that continues to Tiverton. 

While Service 5/5A/5C between Exeter and Crediton, Okehampton, and Chulmleigh. 

Service 57 between Exeter and Exmouth via Topsham, will also run on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings with updated schedules.

From Saturday 10 January, a new late-night Service 4 will connect Exeter city centre with Cranbrook, providing four journeys from Exeter to Cranbrook and three in the opposite direction between midnight and 04:00. 

Stagecoach explained that the new route responds to feedback from Cranbrook residents and employers, providing overnight connections that reflect the needs of the local community.

However, not all routes will continue. Service 2 between Exeter and Newton Abbot via Dawlish has been withdrawn from late-night operation due to low demand.

Several council-tendered routes are also changing operators from 5 January. 

Daytime and some evening journeys on Services 96, 97, 173, 348/349, 352/353, 360, and 369 will transfer to Dartline or Country Bus. 

Service 6A between Exeter and Okehampton will see reduced weekday college-day journeys, and all routes will be renumbered 66. 

Stagecoach has reassured passengers that all council-tendered routes will continue under new operators and encourages travellers to check timetables and ticketing information before planning journeys.

Stagecoach emphasised the importance of its late-night network to Exeter’s economy: “By extending our late-night network, Stagecoach is giving hospitality staff, shift workers, and visitors safer, reliable travel options that directly support Exeter’s night-time economy,” a spokesperson said. 

Stagecoach added that demand on the city’s late-night services has remained steady and is expected to stay strong as more communities gain access to overnight travel.