- Must visit
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$126
Average price
$226
Fastest journey
3 h 43 m
Average duration
3 h 45 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
269 km
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Leicester will cost around $226 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $126.
It's difficult to get from Exeter to Leicester without transferring at least once.
G01069 · G00818
G01069 · G00818+
G15229
G01073 · G00821
G00865 · G66638
G01080 · G00826+
Y80254
G00869_G01067 · G00814
G01069 · G00818
G01073 · G00821
G01064 · G00812
G00865 · G66638Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 32m. 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 $21, and a train costs an average of $52.
Distance: 167 miles (269 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$79 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 3h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 21m Average total duration 6h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Leicester:
A bus is $52 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Leicester costing on average $79.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 51m.
You'll arrive about 11m sooner (3h 32m by train vs 3h 43m by car). Tickets start at around $79 compared to roughly $71 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Leicester trains for today, Thursday, August 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G14921+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ W70975 | On time 9:16 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h19 | 1:35 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
G00869_G01067 · G00814 | On time 9:27 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h43 | 1:10 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
W34559+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ C21653 | On time 9:43 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h23 | 2:06 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
W34559+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ C09993+ W70880 | On time 9:43 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h34 | 2:17 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 3 transfers | |
G15229+ G01069 · G00818 | On time 10:06 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h04 | 2:10 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
W34562+ W70981+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | On time 10:15 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h21 | 2:36 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
G01069 · G00818 | On time 10:27 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h43 | 2:10 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
Y80241+ G00865 · G66638 | On time 10:39 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h12 | 2:51 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
Y80241 · W34566+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ C21763 | On time 10:39 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h26 | 4:05 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 3 transfers | |
G00865 · G66638 | On time 10:56 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h55 | 2:51 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
G01073 · G00821 | On time 11:27 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h43 | 3:10 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
Y80248+ G01075 · G00824 | On time 11:42 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h28 | 4:10 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
G14922+ C21763+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | On time 11:43 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h22 | 4:05 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
G01075 · G00824 | On time 12:27 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h43 | 4:10 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
Y80254+ G01080 · G66645 | On time 12:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h26 | 5:08 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
G01080 · G66645 | On time 1:27 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h41 | 5:08 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
Y80260+ G01082 · G66663 | On time 1:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h23 | 6:05 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
G01082 · G66663 | On time 2:27 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h38 | 6:05 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
Y80266+ G01083 · G00833 | On time 2:43 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h31 | 7:14 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
W34582+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ C21758 | On time 2:43 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h26 | 7:09 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
G01083 · G00833 | On time 3:27 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h47 | 7:14 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
Y80272+ G00723 · G00837 | On time 3:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h32 | 8:14 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
Y80272 · W34589+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ W70910 | On time 3:42 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h06 | 8:48 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 3 transfers | |
Y80279+ G00730 · G00839 | On time 5:06 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h08 | 9:14 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, August 28 | |||||
Y41864+ G01064 · G00812 | 8:09 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h01 | 12:10 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
G01064 · G00812 | 8:27 AM Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h43 | 12:10 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 1 transfer | |
Y41870+ G00869_G01067 · G00814 | 9:05 AM Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h05 | 1:10 PM Leicester station (LEI) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
Trains from Exeter to Leicester run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $52 but you can travel from only $21 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:42, the last at 23:09. The fastest train covers the 167 miles (269 km) distance in 3h 43m.
Distance 167 miles (269 km) |
Average train duration 3h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $52 |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 3h 43m |
First train 12:42 AM |
Last train 11:09 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
Dedicated to the 2012 discovery of Richard III, this award-winning museum uses immersive displays to tell a remarkable royal story.
A grand Victorian pumping station with working steam heritage displays, making industrial history surprisingly engaging for all ages.
Revived historic quarter around Leicester Cathedral and the Richard III story, packed with lanes, heritage sites and independent venues.
Leicester's best-known green space, offering formal gardens, boating, sports facilities and a lively urban park atmosphere.
Main civic square framed by key institutions and events, useful as a central meeting point and starting place for exploring.
A flaky pastry pie from nearby Melton Mowbray, traditionally made with uncured pork. It is one of Leicestershire’s best-known foods and widely eaten in Leicester.
A hard, crumbly red cheese from Leicestershire with a nutty, mellow flavour. It is one of England’s oldest named cheeses and a proud regional staple.
A blue-veined Stilton-style cheese made in Leicestershire. Rich and creamy, it is strongly linked to the county’s cheesemaking tradition.
Modern British fine dining with tasting menus in an intimate setting. One of Leicester’s most acclaimed restaurants for special occasions.
Well-known modern Indian restaurant serving refined regional dishes and grills in a smart, contemporary dining room.
Long-established vegetarian Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile, known for Gujarati snacks, thalis and a lively casual atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Leicester Railway Station -> Leicester City Centre
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.

Most Exeter to Leicester trains use the Exeter St Davids to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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 Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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 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 options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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: Yes.
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