Exmouth's 357 :Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton via Littleham
Looking for a quick and scenic way to explore two of Devon’s most charming coastal towns? Stagecoach South West’s route 357 is the perfect shuttle service, connecting the bustling seaside resort of Exmouth with the delightfully traditional Georgian town of Budleigh Salterton. This lovely route offers more frequent connections than the longer 157 service, making it ideal for day trips and short coastal hops.
What makes route 357 special
Route 357 takes you on a leisurely stroll along the Jurassic Coast between Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton with Stagecoach’s hourly buses.
Routes 157 and 357 run east from Exmouth towards Budleigh Salterton on the edge of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, complete with its protected quartzite pebble beach and Triassic fossils (if you can find them!).
What’s brilliant about the 357 is how it provides extra buses between these two destinations, giving you much more flexibility than relying on the longer 157 route. It’s the perfect way to experience two very different but equally charming coastal experiences in one trip.
The route breakdown
Starting from Exmouth Bus Station, the 357 takes you through:
- Exmouth – Popular seaside resort with golden sandy beaches, water sports, and bustling seafront
- Littleham – Peaceful residential area with Tesco Superstore stop
- Budleigh Salterton – Elegant Georgian pebble beach town with distinctive red cliffs
The journey takes approximately 25 minutes and serves 20 stops, making it a comfortable and convenient way to travel between these two coastal gems.
Two towns, two experiences
Exmouth is Devon’s gateway to the Jurassic Coast – a lively seaside resort with a two-mile stretch of golden sand, perfect for families. The town offers excellent water sports, a busy harbour, and all the amenities you’d expect from a popular holiday destination.
The seafront is lined with cafes, restaurants, and traditional seaside attractions.
Budleigh Salterton, by contrast, is a more refined affair. This elegant Georgian town is famous for its distinctive pebble beach made of quartzite stones that have travelled from Brittany over thousands of years.
The town has maintained its Victorian and Edwardian charm, with no amusement arcades or kiss-me-quick hats in sight – just peaceful clifftop walks, independent shops, and a genuine sense of stepping back in time.
Perfect connections and frequency
The 357 operates with hourly frequency, and importantly, evenings & Sundays hourly service on 357 means you get reliable connections throughout the week. This makes it particularly useful alongside the longer 157.
From Budleigh Salterton, you can easily connect with the Stagecoach 157 which heads east further still to Sidmouth, making it possible to visit all three coastal towns in one day with excellent public transport connections.
Unbeatable value
Travel on this route for just £3 per journey, until December 2025, making it incredibly affordable to explore both destinations.
Concessionary passes are accepted on this route, so if you’re eligible for free bus travel, this beautiful coastal journey costs nothing extra.
The short journey time and frequent service make it perfect for multiple trips in one day – perhaps catching the morning sun on Exmouth’s sandy beach, then enjoying a leisurely afternoon exploring Budleigh Salterton’s pebble shore and clifftop walks.
Top tips for your coastal shuttle
- Beach gear planning:
Exmouth’s sandy beach is perfect for traditional beach activities, while Budleigh Salterton’s pebbles are better for fossil hunting and peaceful walks. - Photography heaven:
The contrast between the two beaches offers fantastic photo opportunities – golden sand versus multicoloured pebbles. - Fossil hunting:
Budleigh Salterton’s beach is great for finding Triassic fossils, especially after storms. - Tide times:
Both beaches look completely different at high and low tide – each equally beautiful in their own way. - Evening returns:
With hourly evening services, you can enjoy sunset drinks in either location without worrying about getting back.
Year-round coastal access
Unlike some seasonal coastal services, the 357 provides year-round connections with consistent evening and Sunday services.
This reliability makes it perfect for discovering these two coastal towns in all seasons, from summer beach days to dramatic winter storm watching.
The perfect coastal contrast
What makes route 357 so special is how it showcases two completely different coastal experiences within a short 25-minute journey.
Exmouth represents the lively, family-friendly side of the Devon coast with its sandy beaches and holiday atmosphere.
Budleigh Salterton offers a more contemplative experience with its unique pebble beach, fossil hunting opportunities, and elegant Georgian architecture.
The frequent service means you can easily spend a morning in one location and afternoon in the other, or use it as transport for coastal path walks – taking the bus one way and walking back along the stunning clifftop paths.
Gateway to the wider Jurassic Coast
While the 357 focuses on just these two destinations, it’s also your gateway to exploring the wider Jurassic Coast.
From Budleigh Salterton, you can connect with the 157 to continue to Sidmouth, or use it as a base for exploring the many coastal walking routes that make this area a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At just £3 per journey with hourly frequency including evenings and Sundays, route 357 offers some of the best value coastal travel in Devon.
Whether you’re staying locally and want to explore different beaches, or you’re visiting the area and want to maximize your coastal experiences, this reliable shuttle service is your key to discovering two of East Devon’s most beautiful seaside destinations.
