- Must visit
John Taylor Bellfoundry Museum
Unique museum inside the historic bell foundry, telling the story of bellmaking and casting. A signature Loughborough attraction with working heritage nearby.
Cheapest price on Sep 08
$68
Average ticket price on Sep 08
$80
Fastest journey on Sep 08
7 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
8 h 18 m
Buses on Sep 08
6
Distance
278 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Exeter to Loughborough is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Loughborough will cost around $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
It's difficult to get from Exeter to Loughborough without transferring at least 2 times.










Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Loughborough among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $18 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 bus costs an average of $18, while a train costs an average of $52.
Distance: 172 miles (278 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$18 Average price Cheapest | $52 Average price | $74 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 1m Average total duration 8h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 48m Average total duration Fastest 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Loughborough:
A bus is $34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Loughborough costing on average $52.
Other travel options to Loughborough take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 31m.
Tickets start at around $18 compared to roughly $74 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $55. The journey takes 8h 31m versus 3h 41m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 10:55AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:05AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:55AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 08:26PM | Duration 8h26 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 01:18AM | Duration 8h33 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $87 |
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Loughborough buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, September 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:05 AM Exeter | 8h55 | 11:00 AM Loughborough | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 3:55 AM Exeter | 8h20 | 12:15 PM Loughborough | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 7:30 AM Exeter | 7h30 | 3:00 PM Loughborough | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 9:10 AM Exeter | 8h40 | 5:50 PM Loughborough | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 12:00 PM Exeter | 8h26 | 8:26 PM Loughborough | 2 transfers |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.
Buses from Exeter to Loughborough run on average 16 times per day, taking around 8h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:05, the last at 20:20. The fastest bus covers the 172 miles (278 km) distance in 9h 50m.
Distance 172 miles (278 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 |
Buses per day 16 |
Fastest bus 9h 50m |
First bus 2:05 AM |
Last bus 8:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Loughborough — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Loughborough trip today.
Unique museum inside the historic bell foundry, telling the story of bellmaking and casting. A signature Loughborough attraction with working heritage nearby.
Museum in Queen’s Park with local history, archaeology, and the famous Carillon tower. Ideal for understanding the town’s heritage in one stop.
University arts venue presenting changing exhibitions, design, and contemporary culture. A strong choice for visitors interested in current creative work.
The town’s best-known green space with formal gardens, play areas, and the Carillon tower. Ideal for a relaxing break near the centre.
Historic shopping and civic area with market-town character, regular activity, and easy access to landmarks. A practical place to start exploring Loughborough.
Attractive university campus with open lawns, public art, and notable modern architecture. A pleasant walking area showing a different side of the town.
A Leicestershire pork pie with seasoned pork and firm jelly in a hand-raised crust. Nearby Melton Mowbray made it famous and it is a classic regional snack.
Stilton made in the traditional Leicestershire style. This rich blue cheese is one of the East Midlands’ best-known foods and is widely served locally.
A red, nutmeg-spiced Leicestershire cheese with a mild, creamy taste. It is a longstanding county speciality often eaten in sandwiches or on cheeseboards.
Contemporary Indian dining with refined presentation, regional specialities, and attentive service suited to a more upscale meal.
Established Indian restaurant known for classic curries and tandoori dishes in a smart yet relaxed setting popular with locals.
Popular casual venue for burgers, wings, loaded fries, and craft beer with an energetic modern atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels are often cheaper than London, while dining and local transport are fairly typical for an English market town.
Service is often included only at some restaurants. If not, 10-12.5% is polite for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafes is optional, usually small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to Loughborough by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Loughborough, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Exeter to Loughborough buses use the Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court to Loughborough, The Rushes station pair, with some services arriving at Loughborough, University. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Loughborough bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court. ATMs are available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court.
Available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court: Wheelchair accessible.
Exeter, Honiton Road is 3 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter, Honiton Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café in the station (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter, Honiton Road.
Available at Exeter, Honiton Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter, Honiton Road: Ramps.
Loughborough, The Rushes is 1 km from Loughborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Loughborough, The Rushes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Loughborough, The Rushes. ATMs are available at Loughborough, The Rushes.
Ticket office support is available at Loughborough, The Rushes.
Available at Loughborough, The Rushes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Loughborough, The Rushes: Basic accessibility features are available.
Loughborough, University is 1 km from Loughborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Loughborough, University has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and restaurants available on campus.
Free WiFi available for students and visitors. ATMs are aTMs available on campus.
Ticket office support is available at Loughborough, University.
Available at Loughborough, University: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Loughborough, University: Accessible buses and pathways available.
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