Leicester to Exeter bus with National Express

Wed, Aug 26
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Leicester to Exeter

Showing times and prices for Aug 26

Cheapest price

$34

Average price

$37

Fastest journey

7 h 50 m

Average duration

9 h 37 m

Buses per day

3

Distance

269 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Leicester to Exeter will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.

Fast buses

Of the 3 buses that leave Leicester for Exeter on Wed, Aug 26, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Aug 26 the direct buses cover the 269 km distance in an average of 9 h 37 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 50 m .

On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest buses will take 11 h 40 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.

  • FlixBus
    5:25 PM11h40
    Leicester
    5:05 AMExeter
    $341One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    7:45 PM9h20
    Leicester
    5:05 AMExeter
    $381One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    6:05 PM7h50
    Leicester
    1:55 AMExeter
    $401One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Leicester to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 29m. 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 bus costs an average of $26, and a train costs an average of $64.

Distance: 167 miles (269 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Driving

$51

Average price

Cheapest

$205

Average price

$70

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

7h 43m

Average total duration

7h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 59m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 37m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

The cheapest way to travel from Leicester to Exeter is a bus with an average price of $51 (€41).

This is compared to other travel options from Leicester to Exeter:

A bus is $154 (€124) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to Exeter costing on average $205 (€165).

The fastest way to travel from Leicester to Exeter is by train with an average journey time of 3h 29m.

Other travel options to Exeter take longer:

Bus takes on average 7h 13m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Exeter including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester to Exeter among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around $51 (€41) compared to roughly $70 (€56) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $18 (€15). The journey takes 7h 13m versus 3h 37m 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.

Direct services are operated by FlixBus.

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.

Leicester to Exeter Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:20AM
Arrival Time
01:10PM
Duration
9h50
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$30
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:55AM
Arrival Time
12:20PM
Duration
8h25
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:10AM
Arrival Time
12:10PM
Duration
8h00
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$71
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:40AM
Arrival Time
01:20PM
Duration
8h40
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:25AM
Arrival Time
12:40PM
Duration
7h15
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$56
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:15AM
Arrival Time
03:30PM
Duration
9h15
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:25AM
Arrival Time
03:30PM
Duration
9h05
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:50AM
Arrival Time
03:00PM
Duration
8h10
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:50AM
Arrival Time
01:10PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
03:10PM
Duration
8h10
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:30AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
9h00
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$38
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:35AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
8h55
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:50AM
Arrival Time
03:30PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:30AM
Arrival Time
08:00PM
Duration
10h30
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$45
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:50AM
Arrival Time
04:35PM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:00PM
Arrival Time
09:20PM
Duration
9h20
Departure days
Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:45PM
Arrival Time
07:15PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:20PM
Arrival Time
09:10PM
Duration
7h50
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$45
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:30PM
Arrival Time
09:20PM
Duration
7h50
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$45
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:30PM
Arrival Time
10:50PM
Duration
8h20
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:20PM
Arrival Time
09:40PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$45
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:45PM
Arrival Time
12:20AM
Duration
8h35
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:55PM
Arrival Time
12:30AM
Duration
8h35
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:35PM
Arrival Time
10:45PM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$24
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:25PM
Arrival Time
05:05AM
Duration
11h40
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:55PM
Arrival Time
03:00AM
Duration
9h05
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:05PM
Arrival Time
01:55AM
Duration
7h50
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$40
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00PM
Arrival Time
02:50AM
Duration
7h50
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:45PM
Arrival Time
05:05AM
Duration
9h20
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$38
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:00PM
Arrival Time
05:05AM
Duration
9h05
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$37
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:15PM
Arrival Time
05:10AM
Duration
8h55
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:35PM
Arrival Time
05:10AM
Duration
8h35
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$76

Live departures

Leicester to Exeter bus times

The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Exeter buses for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBus7:45 PM Leicester
9h20
5:05 AM Exeter0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Exeter by train or bus

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.

Wed
Aug 26
Thu
Aug 27
Fri
Aug 28
Sat
Aug 29
Sun
Aug 30
Mon
Aug 31
Tue
Sep 01

Why should you book Leicester to Exeter buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus or Megabus offer buses services from Leicester to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Exeter.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Exeter.
  • 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Exeter.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Leicester to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Leicester to Exeter run on average 30 times per day, taking around 7h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) if you book in advance.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:29, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 167 miles (269 km) distance in 5h 35m.

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
Distance
167 miles (269 km)
Average bus duration
7h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
$26 (€21)
Buses per day
30
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
5h 35m
First bus
12:29 AM
Last bus
11:45 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
1 day
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

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Leicester to ExeterYou can travel by bus between Leicester to Exeter with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $26 (€21). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 10m
Cheapest Price
$26 (€21)
FlixBus frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 35m
Cheapest Price
$33 (€26)
National Express frequency
24 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Complete guide to Exeter

Things to do in Exeter

Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.

  • Must visit

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

Excellent city museum and gallery with archaeology, natural history, and world cultures; the best all-round museum in Exeter.

  • Recommended

Topsham Museum and Paper Mill

Interactive museum inside a working paper mill where visitors learn traditional papermaking and local industrial heritage.

  • Recommended

Topsham Museum

Small independent museum in a Tudor merchant’s house, showing Topsham’s river trade, local stories, and period interiors.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are mid-priced, buses are reasonable, and attractions are often low-cost versus larger UK tourist cities.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, small change appreciated.

FAQs: Bus from Leicester to Exeter

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester to Exeter 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 Exeter, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Leicester to Exeter can start from as little as $26 (€21) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Leicester to Exeter is $51 (€41) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Leicester to Exeter is 5h 35m to travel the 167 miles (269 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Leicester to Exeter leaves at 12:29 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Leicester to Exeter leaves at 11:45 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Leicester to Exeter with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Leicester to Exeter, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for the best way to get you to Exeter. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Leicester and Exeter and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Exeter from Leicester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Leicester to Exeter is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Exeter including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Leicester to Exeter:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Leicester to Exeter for bus company National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Leicester to Exeter depends on the bus companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Leicester to Exeter.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Leicester to Exeter:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Leicester to Exeter:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Leicester to Exeter. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Leicester to Exeter with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Leicester to Exeter with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Leicester to Exeter with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Since neither Leicester nor Exeter are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester to Exeter among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Exeter, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and near popular attractions. Be wary of unofficial taxi services and always use licensed providers to avoid scams. Additionally, travelers should protect personal belongings on public transport and stay alert to common fraud attempts such as overcharging or counterfeit tickets.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Leicester to Exeter

Most Leicester to Exeter buses use the Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station to Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter, Honiton Road. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Exeter bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Leicester
Arrival bus stations in Exeter
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport

Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre

BusHop · 0m · $2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Leicester, BraunstoneBraunstone Town, Leicester, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Leicester, Braunstone from Leicester city centre

Leicester, Braunstone is 3 km from Leicester city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus153, 158 · 7m · $2 · every ~9 min
153, 158 · 11m · $2 · every ~9 min
Nd · 20m · every ~9 min
20 · 26m · $2 · every ~4 min

Leicester, Braunstone bus station facilities and services

Leicester, Braunstone has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Snack outlets in the nearby vicinity.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Leicester, Braunstone. ATMs are available at Leicester, Braunstone.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Leicester, Braunstone.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Leicester, Braunstone: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester, Braunstone: Basic wheelchair accessibility.

Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)Leicester Fosse Park, Fosse Park Ave, LE19 1HQ
City-centre transport

Getting to Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) from Leicester city centre

BusX6 · 21m · $2 · every ~4 min
50 · 23m · $2 · every ~10 min
104 · 32m · $1 · every ~10 min
18 · 44m · every ~8 min

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