Exeter to Luton train with Great Western Railway

Sat, Sep 19
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Luton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

€54

Average ticket price on Sep 19

€65

Fastest journey on Sep 19

4 h 28 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

5 h 4 m

Trains on Sep 19

6

Distance

252 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Exeter to Luton will cost around €65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €54.

Fast trains

On Sat, Sep 19, we found 6 trains from Exeter to Luton, including 6 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 252 km distance in an average of 5 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 28 m .

On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 5 h 45 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.

  • South Western Railway
    10:25 AM5h45
    Exeter
    4:10 PMLuton
    541One-way
    0 transfers
  • South Western Railway
    9:44 AM5h26
    Exeter
    3:10 PMLuton
    591One-way
    0 transfers
  • South Western Railway
    12:13 PM4h57
    Exeter
    5:10 PMLuton
    671One-way
    0 transfers
  • South Western Railway
    10:43 AM5h57
    Exeter
    4:40 PMLuton
    671One-way
    0 transfers
  • South Western Railway
    7:24 AM4h46
    Exeter
    12:10 PMLuton
    711One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Exeter to Luton

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €69 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 5m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €69, while a flight costs an average of €452.

Distance: 156 miles (252 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

€83

Average price

€69

Average price

Cheapest

€452

Average price

€57

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 5m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 25m

Average total duration

4h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 58m

Average total duration

2h 58m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

3h 50m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Loganair

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

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 Exeter to Luton is a bus with an average price of €69.

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

A bus is €14 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Luton costing on average €83.

A bus is €383 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Exeter to Luton costing on average €452.

The fastest way to travel from Exeter to Luton is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 58m.

Other travel options to Luton take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 35m.

Bus takes on average 4h 55m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Exeter and Luton including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Exeter to Luton among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 15m sooner (3h 35m by train vs 3h 50m by car). Tickets start at around €83 compared to roughly €57 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.

Live departures

Exeter to Luton train times

The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Luton trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
South Western Railway7:24 AM Exeter
4h46
12:10 PM Luton0 transfersDirect
South Western Railway9:44 AM Exeter
5h26
3:10 PM Luton0 transfersDirect
South Western Railway10:25 AM Exeter
5h45
4:10 PM Luton0 transfersDirect
South Western Railway10:43 AM Exeter
5h57
4:40 PM Luton0 transfersDirect
South Western Railway12:13 PM Exeter
4h57
5:10 PM Luton0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway1:42 PM Exeter
4h28
6:10 PM Luton0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Luton by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Exeter to Luton trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as South Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Exeter to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Exeter to Luton.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to Luton.
  • 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Exeter to Luton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to Luton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to Luton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Exeter to Luton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Exeter to Luton run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €39 but you can travel from only €19 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 156 miles (252 km) distance in 2h 49m.

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
Bus from €19
Distance
156 miles (252 km)
Average train duration
3h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
€39
Trains per day
15
Fastest train
2h 49m
First train
12:02 AM
Last train
11:36 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sun
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €19

Train companies: Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, CrossCountry from Exeter to Luton trainsGreat Western Railway, South Western Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Exeter and Luton from €19. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
2h 49m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
€53
Great Western Railway frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
3h 54m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
€39
South Western Railway frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
3h 50m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
€159
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Luton

Things to do in Luton

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

  • Must visit

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

Luton's main museum in a Victorian mansion, covering local history, hats, lace, and changing exhibitions in a well-kept park setting.

  • Must visit

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Museum complex with rural life displays, carriages, gardens, and archaeology, making it one of Luton's strongest family-friendly heritage sites.

  • Recommended

The Hat Factory at Stockwood Discovery Centre

Working hat factory museum explaining Luton's famous hat-making trade through machinery, displays, and guided tours in an authentic setting.

British Pound Sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local transit are usually cheaper than central London.

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
£2.80-4 for coffee.

Tipping culture

Service may be included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.

FAQs: Trains from Exeter to Luton

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Exeter to Luton can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €39, while the average price is around €83.
The train from Exeter to Luton takes 2h 49m and runs 15 per day.
The first train from Exeter to Luton leaves at 12:02 AM.
The distance by train from Exeter to Luton is 156 miles (252 km).
The last train from Exeter to Luton leaves at 11:36 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Exeter to Luton.
There is no direct train service currently available from Exeter to Luton.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Exeter to Luton.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Luton is Exeter St Davids (EXD), which connects to Luton station (LUT).
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Luton is by bus, with a cost of around €19.
The train journey from Exeter to Luton offers a mix of scenic and urban views. Passengers can enjoy glimpses of the picturesque English countryside, including rolling hills and quaint villages, particularly in the initial stages of the journey. As the train approaches Luton, the scenery transitions to more urban landscapes.
A day trip from Exeter to Luton is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 49m. However, there are 16 train trips available per day covering a distance of 156 miles (252 km).
In Luton, visitors can explore The Mall Luton for shopping and dining, enjoy family-friendly activities at Woodside Animal Farm, and shop for fresh produce and crafts at Luton Indoor Market. For outdoor activities, Stockwood Park offers a space for picnics and sports. For entertainment, The Galaxy provides a cinema and bowling alley. Key sights include the Stockwood Discovery Centre with its local history exhibits and gardens, Wardown House Museum and Gallery, Luton Hoo Estate with its gardens and golf course, Whipsnade Zoo, and The Hat Factory Arts Centre, which hosts performances and art exhibitions.
Visitors typically find that spending one to two days in Luton is sufficient to explore its main attractions, such as the Stockwood Discovery Centre, Wardown House, and the charming local parks.
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter to Luton.
Since neither Exeter nor Luton 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.
Popular day trips by train from Luton include London, Bedford, St Albans, Wellingborough, Harpenden.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Exeter to Luton among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
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 Luton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as Luton Airport and the town center. Taxi scams can occur, so using licensed cabs or pre-booked transportation is advised. Be wary of unofficial currency exchange services offering poor rates or counterfeit notes. Staying vigilant in busy spots and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
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 train stations

Popular train stations from Exeter to Luton

Most Exeter to Luton trains use the Exeter St Davids to Luton station pair, with some services arriving at London Luton Airport. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Luton 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 Luton

Which Exeter station do trains to Luton leave from?

Trains from Exeter to Luton leave from Exeter St Davids. The station is 0 miles (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 3451652030WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
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 1AJWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
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 · €1 · 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 3451652030WifiShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
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.

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