Exeter to Leicester train with CrossCountry

Thu 02 Apr
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CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
first_great_western
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
first_great_western
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Leicester

Showing times and prices for 02 Apr

Cheapest price

£172

Average price

£176

Fastest journey

3 h 43 m

Average duration

3 h 45 m

Trains per day

17

Distance

269 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Exeter to Leicester will cost around £176 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £172.

Fast trains

To travel from Exeter to Leicester you need to make at least one change.

  • Great Western RailwayP33341+CrossCountryC75334 · C74811
    9:494h21
    St James' Park (SJP)
    14:10Leicester station (LEI)
    £1721One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayP23033+CrossCountryC75339 · C74817
    11:424h28
    Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
    16:10Leicester station (LEI)
    £1721One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayP33348+CrossCountryC75336 · C74814
    10:504h20
    St James' Park (SJP)
    15:10Leicester station (LEI)
    £1721One-way
    2 changes
  • CrossCountryC75336 · C74814
    11:273h43
    Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    15:10Leicester station (LEI)
    £1721One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryC75334 · C74811
    10:273h43
    Exeter St Davids (EXD)
    14:10Leicester station (LEI)
    £1721One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Exeter to Leicester

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 33m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, and a train costs an average of £49.

Distance: 269 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£76

Average Price

£22

Average Price

Cheapest

4h 3m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 31m

Average total duration

7h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Exeter to Leicester train times

The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Leicester trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 1 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
great_westernP31584+cross_countryC75330 · C748057:09 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
4h01
11:10 Leicester station (LEI)2 changes
cross_countryC75330 · C748057:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
3h43
11:10 Leicester station (LEI)1 change
great_westernP33333+cross_countryC75323_C75008 · C748087:50 St James' Park (SJP)
4h20
12:10 Leicester station (LEI)2 changes
great_westernP31590+cross_countryC75323_C75008 · C748088:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
4h05
12:10 Leicester station (LEI)2 changes
cross_countryC75323_C75008 · C748088:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
3h43
12:10 Leicester station (LEI)1 change
great_westernP22601+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+east_midlands_railwayY12278
On time
8:43 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
4h23
13:06 Leicester station (LEI)
2 changes
great_westernP33341+cross_countryC75334 · C748118:49 St James' Park (SJP)
4h21
13:10 Leicester station (LEI)2 changes
great_westernP31597+cross_countryC75334 · C748119:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
4h04
13:10 Leicester station (LEI)2 changes
cross_countryC75334 · C748119:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
3h43
13:10 Leicester station (LEI)1 change
great_westernP31601+cross_countryC75304 · C72217
On time
9:39 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
4h12
13:51 Leicester station (LEI)
2 changes
great_westernP33348+cross_countryC75336 · C748149:50 St James' Park (SJP)
4h20
14:10 Leicester station (LEI)2 changes
cross_countryC75304 · C72217
On time
9:56 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
3h55
13:51 Leicester station (LEI)
1 change
cross_countryC75336 · C74814
On time
10:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
3h43
14:10 Leicester station (LEI)
1 change
great_westernP23033+cross_countryC75339 · C7481710:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
4h28
15:10 Leicester station (LEI)2 changes
great_westernP33355+cross_countryC75339 · C7481710:48 St James' Park (SJP)
4h22
15:10 Leicester station (LEI)2 changes
great_westernP31615+cross_countryC75343 · C7479311:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
4h26
16:08 Leicester station (LEI)2 changes
great_westernP33363+cross_countryC75343 · C7479311:48 St James' Park (SJP)
4h20
16:08 Leicester station (LEI)2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Leicester by train or coach

Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Thu
02 Apr
Fri
03 Apr
Sat
04 Apr
Sun
05 Apr
Mon
06 Apr
Tue
07 Apr
Wed
08 Apr

Why should you book Exeter to Leicester trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Great Western Railway, Cross Country, first_great_western and more offer trains services from Exeter to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Exeter to Leicester.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway, Cross Country or first_great_western to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to Leicester.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Exeter to Leicester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway, Cross Country or first_great_western to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to Leicester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to Leicester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Exeter to Leicester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Exeter to Leicester run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:10, the last at 22:55. The fastest train covers the 269 km distance in 3h 43m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £14
Distance
269 km
Average train duration
3h 33m
Cheapest ticket price
£49
Trains per day
14
Fastest train
3h 43m
First train
5:10
Last train
22:55
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £14

Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, first_great_western from Exeter to Leicester trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Exeter and Leicester from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 43m
Cheapest Price
£52
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 19m
Cheapest Price
£49
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 16m
Cheapest Price
£229
Cross Country frequency
16 a day

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 30m
Cheapest Price
£203
first_great_western frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Exeter to Leicester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to Leicester by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Exeter to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £49, while the average price tends to be around £76.
The train journey from Exeter to Leicester covers a distance of 269 km and takes approximately 3h 43m. Trains run 14 per day.
The train distance from Exeter to Leicester is 269 km.
The first train from Exeter to Leicester leaves at 5:10.
The last train from Exeter to Leicester departs at 22:55.
Trains from Exeter to Leicester run approximately 14 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Exeter to Leicester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Exeter to Leicester.
To get from Exeter to Leicester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Exeter to Leicester.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Leicester is Exeter St Davids (EXD), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Leicester is by coach, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Exeter to Leicester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Exeter to Leicester offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the rolling countryside and picturesque landscapes of the West Country and the Midlands, although much of the route is through urban and industrial areas.
A day trip from Exeter to Leicester is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 43m, and the frequency is 13 trains per day.
Two to three days is typically enough to explore Leicester's key attractions, including the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral, and the National Space Centre, while also enjoying the local culture and dining.
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter to Leicester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and Leicester

Exeter
Leicester
The major train station for departures in Exeter is Exeter St Davids. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Exeter St Davids for your trip from Exeter to Leicester.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:40 Saturday 06:15 - 20:00 Sunday 07:30 - 20:40 Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Weekdays (Mon-Fri) 08:45 - 19:40, Saturday 08:45 - 18:30 Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: WHSmith
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Step free Category A station - All platforms can be accessed via Lifts from the sole main station entrance. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station.
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
  • Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office.
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 5. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Platform 1 and adjacent entrance
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Exeter St Davids
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station.
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Bottom of stairs leading to platform 1.
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Exeter St Thomas
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Exeter St Davids: Cowick Street bus stop by shopping precint. To Newton Abbot: Cowick Street bus stop outside the station
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:50 - 18:15 Saturday 07:50 - 18:15 Sunday 09:30 - 16:30
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Yes
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Step free Category A station - Both platforms can be accessed via lifts from the main station entrance
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 2. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Both platforms
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Exeter Central
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop at the front of the station on Queens Street
HomeTrainsTrain Times to Leicester Exeter to Leicester train

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