Cheap train tickets from Exeter to Leicester
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Exeter to Leicester Train Timetable
Trip Summary
There are usually 8 daily train trips available from Exeter to Leicester. Traveling by train from Exeter to Leicester usually takes 5 hours, but the fastest CrossCountry train can make the trip in 3 hours and 44 minutes.
| Distance | 168 mi (270 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 44m |
| Lowest price | £63.36 |
| Most frequent service | CrossCountry |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Exeter to Leicester?
2 train services operate from Exeter to Leicester. CrossCountry usually has more trains scheduled, with 7 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry | 7 | 3h 48m | £65.50 |
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 1 | 13h 23m | £48.35 |
CrossCountry operates an extensive rail network in the U.K., centered in Birmingham. In standard class, passengers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Trains also contain a small café or a trolley that passes through the carriages. An upgrade to first-class gives passengers more legroom and complimentary food. The journey from Exeter to Leicester usually takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 7 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
Great Western Railway + Connections train tickets from Exeter to Leicester start from £48, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to Leicester. Great Western Railway + Connections in Exeter leaves from Exeter St David's . And in Leicester trains arrive at Leicester Train Station .
From Exeter to Leicester train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 13 hours and 23 minutes. If you are looking to get to Leicester faster, Great Western Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 44 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Exeter to Leicester
The distance between Exeter and Leicester is approximately 168 miles, or 270 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 44 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Exeter to Leicester on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Exeter at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 20:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 8 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Leicester to Exeter.
City Information
Exeter
Located on the River Exe in the southwest of England, Exeter is one of England's most historically-varied towns. It's easy to forget what year it is while walking down the cobbled streets surrounded by Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and Georgian facades interspersed with modern glass buildings and contemporary bars.
One of the greatest examples of this town's historical architecture is Exeter Cathedral. The 12th-century building took around 300 years to complete, but every moment was worth it for the exterior's extremely detailed stonework. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is another unmissable building, housing a wide range of attractions from antiquities to zoology.
Take a walk along Exeter's historic quayside for some of the most spectacular scenery in the city, as well as some of Exeter's best bars and restaurants. If you're looking for something to entertain the children, Crealy Great Adventure Park is the place to be. The park contains over 60 rides and an Animal Barn showcasing farm and exotic animals.
Exeter can be easily reached from London via the Great Western Railway, with trains leaving roughly every hour from the city. Trains arrive at Exeter St. David's station, only a short walk away from the city center. In addition, National Express and Megabus provide coach services to the town from various locations across the country.
Leicester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Leicester, located in the county of Leicestershire in the East Midlands, is a city with much to explore. Leicester's cultural diversity and large student population mean the city is filled with a wide variety of experiences.
Leicester Cathedral and Belvoir Castle are a must-visit for those looking to discover the past. Leicester is also famous for being the final resting place of King Richard III, with a visitor centre built around the location to tell the story of one of the most famous monarchs in English history. For a broader look at history, try the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the Mesozoic era as well as Ancient Egypt.
If your interests lie more in futuristic endeavours, visit the National Space Centre to take a trip through time and space. Leicester is also home to many traditional English pubs and quaint cafes, making it a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy the moment.
Leicester is easily accessible by train, with Leicester Rail Station serving East Midlands and Thameslink trains. St Margaret's Bus Station is located centrally and serves National Express coaches. If you're travelling from further afield, East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport are both close to Leicester.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Exeter?
Image credit: dksesh
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Exeter St David's
St David's Train Station is the principal railway station that serves Exeter. Great Western Railway and CrossCountry operate several routes through this station, the most popular being the line to London Paddington. The station is a 15-minute walk from the city centre, but frequent local bus services also connect to the rest of Exeter. Inside the station, you'll find a bookshop and cafe along with amenities like restrooms and notice boards with train information. Several local shops, a Premier Inn Hotel, and a car hire agency all await right outside of the station.
All train stations in Exeter:
Exeter St David's
Where is the train station in Leicester?
Image credit: Steve Knight
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Leicester Train Station
Opened in 1840, Leicester Train Station is recognizable by its corner clocktower on London Road above the main entrance. As the city's primary rail station, it receives regular CrossCountry trains to Birmingham and East Midlands Railway services to Sheffield and London. Passengers access platforms via over-track footbridges from the main concourse, which has amenities including several restaurants and public restrooms. Passengers can await their train's arrival in the large waiting room. Local buses stop at stands outside the main entrance to connect with the rest of Leicester.
Train stations in Leicester:
Leicester Train Station
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Need a return trip from Leicester to Exeter?
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