- Recommended
Charnwood Museum
Compact local museum in Queen's Park covering Loughborough's industries, transport and everyday life through varied displays.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Loughborough
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£174
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£176
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
4 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
5 h 23 m
Trains on 18 Sept
2
Distance
278 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Loughborough is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Loughborough will cost around £176 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £174.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Exeter to Loughborough, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 278 km distance in an average of 5 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 25 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 21 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
9:274h25Exeter13:52Loughborough£1741One-way0 changes
1:076h21Exeter7:28Loughborough£1781One-way0 changes
- 9:274h25Exeter13:52Loughborough£1741One-way0 changes
- 1:076h21Exeter7:28Loughborough£1781One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Exeter to Loughborough
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Loughborough among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £13 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 48m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, while a train costs an average of £38.
Distance: 278 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£38 Average Price | £13 Average Price Cheapest | £54 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 48m Average total duration Fastest 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 1m Average total duration 8h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Exeter to Loughborough is a coach with an average price of £13.
This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Loughborough:
A coach is £24 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Loughborough costing on average £38.
The fastest way to travel from Exeter to Loughborough is by train with an average journey time of 4h 18m.
Other travel options to Loughborough take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 31m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Exeter and Loughborough including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £38 compared to roughly £54 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £16. The journey takes 4h 18m versus 3h 41m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Exeter to Loughborough train times
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Loughborough trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G01075 · G00824+ W70892 | On time 12:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h00 | 16:27 Loughborough station (LBO) | 2 changes | |
| G01075+W70816 | On time 12:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h25 | 16:52 Loughborough station (LBO) | 1 change | |
| Y80254+G01080 · G00826+W70998 | On time 12:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h07 | 17:49 Loughborough station (LBO) | 3 changes | |
| Y80254+G01080+W70820 | On time 12:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h11 | 17:53 Loughborough station (LBO) | 2 changes | |
Y80254 · W34577+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+W70998 | On time 12:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h07 | 17:49 Loughborough station (LBO) | 3 changes | |
| G01080+W70820 | On time 13:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h26 | 17:53 Loughborough station (LBO) | 1 change | |
| G01080 · G00826+W70998 | On time 13:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h22 | 17:49 Loughborough station (LBO) | 2 changes | |
| Y80260 · G14924+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+W71004 | On time 13:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h08 | 18:50 Loughborough station (LBO) | 3 changes | |
| G14923+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+C21647 | On time 13:42 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h51 | 18:33 Loughborough station (LBO) | 2 changes | |
| G14924+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+W71004 | On time 14:15 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h35 | 18:50 Loughborough station (LBO) | 2 changes | |
| Y80266+G01083 · G00833+C21665 | On time 14:43 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h48 | 19:31 Loughborough station (LBO) | 3 changes | |
| Y80266+G01083+W70829 | On time 14:43 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h09 | 19:52 Loughborough station (LBO) | 2 changes | |
| G01083 · G00833+C21665 | On time 15:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h04 | 19:31 Loughborough station (LBO) | 2 changes | |
| G01083+W70829 | On time 15:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h25 | 19:52 Loughborough station (LBO) | 1 change | |
| G14926+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+W70908 | On time 15:42 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h48 | 20:30 Loughborough station (LBO) | 2 changes | |
| 1:07 Exeter | 6h21 | 7:28 Loughborough | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Loughborough 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Journey information
Overview: Train from Exeter to Loughborough
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Exeter to Loughborough run on average 15 times per day, taking around 4h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:42, the last at 22:55. The fastest train covers the 278 km distance in 4h 18m.
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 £13
Distance 278 km |
Average train duration 4h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £38 |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 4h 18m |
First train 0:42 |
Last train 22:55 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 5 days |
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 £13
Train companies: Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Exeter to Loughborough trainsCross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Exeter and Loughborough from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
3h 18m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£234
Cross Country frequency
16 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
6h 6m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£217
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Loughborough
Things to do in Loughborough
Discover the best of Loughborough — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Loughborough trip today.
- Recommended
The Loughborough Museum
Heritage museum at Great Central Railway with preserved locomotives, rolling stock and exhibits on the line's operation and history.
- Recommended
John Taylor Bellfoundry Museum
Small heritage display at the bell foundry site, interpreting bellmaking in a town long associated with this specialist craft.
- Must visit
Queen's Park
Central park with formal gardens, memorials, open lawns and river walks, making it the town's main green space for a relaxed visit.
- Recommended
Grand Union Canal
Waterside stretch popular for walking and cycling, with locks, wildlife and easy access to longer routes through the Soar valley.
Baxter Gate
Historic shopping street lined with older buildings, independent businesses and a market atmosphere near the heart of town.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
A pork pie from nearby Melton Mowbray with hot-water crust pastry and seasoned chopped pork. A classic East Midlands speciality closely tied to local food heritage.
- Gluten-free
Stilton
Blue-veined cow’s milk cheese made in Leicestershire. Creamy, crumbly and tangy, it is one of the county’s best-known traditional foods.
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester
Red Leicester is a firm, nutty county cheese with a rich orange colour. It is a longstanding local staple often served in sandwiches, pies and ploughman’s lunches.
The Basin
Stylish modern restaurant known for seasonal British cooking, attentive service and a relaxed smart atmosphere in the town centre.
Fernandez Grillhouse
Well-known Indian restaurant serving classic curries and tandoori dishes in a comfortable, longstanding local setting.
Peter Pizzeria
Popular town-centre venue for burgers, grilled dishes and drinks, with a lively casual feel and broad menu.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotel, dining and local travel costs are usually lower than in London, though prices can rise on university and event dates.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Mango
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- >£3 contactless daily cap
To the city centre
Loughborough Railway Station -> Loughborough Town Centre
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Most local bus singles on Kinchbus are capped at £3, and contactless payment is accepted on eligible services.
- Loughborough town centre is about a 15-minute walk from Loughborough Railway Station; many local bus connections are available via Baxter Gate and nearby town-centre stops.
FAQs: Exeter to Loughborough train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to Loughborough 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 Loughborough, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Exeter to Loughborough can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £38, while the average price tends to be around £38.
The train journey from Exeter to Loughborough covers a distance of 278 km and takes approximately 4h 18m. Trains run 15 per day.
The train distance from Exeter to Loughborough is 278 km.
The first train from Exeter to Loughborough leaves at 0:42.
The last train from Exeter to Loughborough departs at 22:55.
Trains from Exeter to Loughborough run approximately 15 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Exeter to Loughborough.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Exeter to Loughborough.
To get from Exeter to Loughborough, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Exeter to Loughborough.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Loughborough is Exeter St Davids (EXD), and it arrives at Loughborough station (LBO).
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Loughborough is by coach, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Exeter to Loughborough 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 Loughborough offers a mix of scenic views, including stretches of picturesque countryside, charming small towns, and glimpses of the River Exe as you depart Exeter. Although it's not renowned as one of the most scenic routes in the UK, travellers can still enjoy pleasant rural landscapes along the way.
A day trip from Exeter to Loughborough is not feasible due to a journey duration of 4h 18m. However, trains are available 11 times per day for this 278 km journey.
A day or two is generally sufficient to explore Loughborough, allowing time to visit key attractions such as the Great Central Railway and the Charnwood Museum.
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter to Loughborough.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and Loughborough
Most Exeter to Loughborough trains use the Exeter St Davids to Loughborough station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Loughborough train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Exeter
Arrival train stations in Loughborough
Which Exeter station do trains to Loughborough leave from?
Trains from Exeter to Loughborough leave from Exeter St Davids. The station is 1 km from Exeter city centre at Exeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT.
Exeter St DavidsExeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus355, 6A, 5B, 4A, 4, 66 · 6m · £2 · every ~20 min
4, 4A, Uni, K · 8m · £2 · every ~19 min
Exeter St Davids train station facilities and services
Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Davids: 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.
Exeter St ThomasExeter St Thomas station, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1AJ
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainExmouth - Paignton · 21m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
BusA, B, C, E, P · 9m · £2 · every ~44 min
Exeter St Thomas train station facilities and services
Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: 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.
Exeter CentralExeter Central station, Queen Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3SB+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter Central from Exeter city centre
BusH, K, Uni, 4A, 4 · 3m · £2 · every ~27 min
Exeter Central train station facilities and services
Exeter Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter Central: 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.
Which Loughborough station do trains from Exeter arrive at?
Trains from Exeter to Loughborough arrive at Loughborough. Loughborough is 1 km from Loughborough city centre.
LoughboroughLoughborough Railway Station, Nottingham Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1EX, United Kingdom+44 345 712 5678
City-centre transport
Getting to Loughborough from Loughborough city centre
Loughborough is 1 km from Loughborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus127 · 4m · £2 · every ~11 min
Sky · 11m · £2 · every ~15 min
Loughborough train station facilities and services
Loughborough has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Basin, The Orange Tree
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Loughborough. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Loughborough. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Loughborough: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Loughborough: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Loughborough: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Premier Inn Loughborough, Travelodge Loughborough Central, Ramada Loughborough Hotel.
More options for your journey from Exeter to Loughborough
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Loughborough and Exeter
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