Stagecoach launches major new night bus service connecting Exeter and Cranbrook

New overnight bus services connecting Exeter city centre with Cranbrook will begin later this month, as Stagecoach South West expands its late-night network to support the city’s night-time economy and provide safer travel options for residents and shift workers.

From Saturday 10 January 2026, Stagecoach will introduce a new late-night Service 4, running between Exeter city centre and Cranbrook during the early hours of Sunday mornings. 

The service will operate hourly through the night, with four journeys from Exeter and three from Cranbrook between approximately midnight and 4am.

The new route follows a successful trial period and has been developed in response to feedback from local residents, employers and night-time economy partners. 

It is intended to improve overnight connectivity for people working late shifts, those travelling home after evenings out, and residents in one of Exeter’s fastest-growing communities.

READ NEXT: ALERT: Yellow weather warning issued for Exeter as temperatures drop below freezing

Peter Knight, Managing Director at Stagecoach South West, said the service has been introduced following positive demand during the trial phase.

“Following a successful trial period, Stagecoach, in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, who have provided funding for the service, is pleased to introduce new late-night bus services in Exeter from Saturday 10 January 2026,” he said.

“Service 4, operating between Exeter City Centre (Cheeke Street) and Cranbrook, will run hourly through the night on Saturday nights into Sunday mornings.”

“In line with the trial period, customers can expect reliable services throughout the night.”

“The introduction of these services reflects positive demand during the trial and Stagecoach’s ongoing commitment to supporting Exeter’s night-time economy, shift workers and late-night travellers by providing safe and sustainable transport options.”

The new night service forms part of a wider set of timetable changes across Exeter and the surrounding area introduced earlier this month as part of Stagecoach’s winter service adjustments.

Other late-night services in Exeter have also been retained following strong usage. 

Service 1/1A between Exeter, Cullompton and Tiverton now includes a 03:10 early-morning departure from Exeter. 

Meanwhile, Service 57 between Exeter and Exmouth via Topsham continues to operate on Satuday nights into Sunday mornings with updated schedules.

However, some late-night routes have been withdrawn. 

Stagecoach has confirmed that Service 2 between Exeter and Newton Abbot via Dawlish no longer runs overnight due to low passenger demand.

In addition, several council-supported services across Devon have changed operators since early January, with some routes transferring to Dartline or Country Bus. 

Stagecoach has advised passengers to check updated timetables and ticketing information before travelling.

Stagecoach said demand for Exeter’s late-night bus network has remained “steady” and is expected to grow as more communities gain access to overnight public transport, helping reduce reliance on private vehicles and improve safety during night-time travel.