Luton to Exeter train with Great Western Railway

Sat, Sep 05
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
South Western Railway
Thameslink
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
South Western Railway
Thameslink
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Luton to Exeter

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 05

Cheapest price on Sep 05

$78

Average ticket price on Sep 05

$87

Fastest journey on Sep 05

3 h 29 m

Average journey duration on Sep 05

3 h 39 m

Trains on Sep 05

12

Distance

252 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Luton to Exeter will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Luton to Exeter without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Great Western RailwayC42238 · V25804+ThameslinkC02571+Elizabeth lineC37169
    9:29 AM4h43
    Luton station (LUT)
    2:12 PMSt James' Park (SJP)
    $781One-way
    3 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC42238 · C48022+ThameslinkC02571+Elizabeth lineC37169
    9:29 AM5h02
    Luton station (LUT)
    2:31 PMExeter St Thomas (EXT)
    $781One-way
    3 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC42215 · V25805+ThameslinkC02648+Elizabeth lineC38201
    9:13 AM3h58
    Luton station (LUT)
    1:11 PMSt James' Park (SJP)
    $781One-way
    3 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC42238+ThameslinkC02664+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington
    9:43 AM4h10
    Luton station (LUT)
    1:53 PMExeter St Davids (EXD)
    $781One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC42215+ThameslinkC02648+Elizabeth lineC38201
    9:13 AM3h46
    Luton station (LUT)
    12:59 PMExeter St Davids (EXD)
    $781One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Luton to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Luton to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $82 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 59m. 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 $82, while a flight costs an average of $477.

Distance: 156 miles (252 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

$118

Average price

$82

Average price

Cheapest

$477

Average price

$70

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 59m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 41m

Average total duration

5h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 38m

Average total duration

2h 38m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

3h 38m

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 Luton to Exeter is a bus with an average price of $82 (€66).

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

A bus is $36 (€29) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Luton to Exeter costing on average $118 (€95).

A bus is $395 (€319) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Luton to Exeter costing on average $477 (€385).

The fastest way to travel from Luton to Exeter is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 38m.

Other travel options to Exeter take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 29m.

Bus takes on average 5h 11m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Luton and Exeter including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Luton to Exeter 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 9m sooner (3h 29m by train vs 3h 38m by car). Tickets start at around $118 (€95) compared to roughly $70 (€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

Luton to Exeter train times

The table below shows live departures for Luton to Exeter trains for today, Friday, September 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western Railway9:27 PM Luton
4h41
2:08 AM Exeter0 transfersDirect
Saturday, September 5
Great Western RailwayC42213 · Y80252+ThameslinkC02626+Elizabeth lineC385548:43 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h41
12:24 PM St James' Park (SJP)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42213 · C48011+ThameslinkC02626+Elizabeth lineC385548:43 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h49
12:32 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42213+Elizabeth lineC38554+ThameslinkC026268:43 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h29
12:12 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42215 · C42479+ThameslinkC02648+Elizabeth lineC382019:13 AM Luton station (LUT)
4h17
1:30 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42215 · V25805+ThameslinkC02648+Elizabeth lineC382019:13 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h58
1:11 PM St James' Park (SJP)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42215+Elizabeth lineC38201+ThameslinkC026489:13 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h46
12:59 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42238 · V25804+ThameslinkC02571+Elizabeth lineC371699:29 AM Luton station (LUT)
4h43
2:12 PM St James' Park (SJP)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42238 · C48022+Elizabeth lineC37169+ThameslinkC025719:29 AM Luton station (LUT)
5h02
2:31 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42217 · V25801+ThameslinkC02571+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington9:29 AM Luton station (LUT)
4h19
1:48 PM St James' Park (SJP)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42217 · C48016+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+ThameslinkC025719:29 AM Luton station (LUT)
4h08
1:37 PM Exeter St Thomas (EXT)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42217+ThameslinkC02664+Elizabeth lineC382419:43 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h30
1:13 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42238+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+ThameslinkC026649:43 AM Luton station (LUT)
4h10
1:53 PM Exeter St Davids (EXD)2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Compare bus, train, 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 05
Sun
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11

Why should you book Luton to Exeter trains with Omio?

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

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 Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Luton 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Luton to Exeter.

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 Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Luton to Exeter.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Luton to Exeter.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Luton to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Luton to Exeter run on average 16 times per day, taking around 3h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) but you can travel from only $27 (€21) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:57. 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 $27 (€21)
Distance
156 miles (252 km)
Average train duration
3h 29m
Cheapest ticket price
$37 (€30)
Trains per day
16
Fastest train
2h 49m
First train
12:02 AM
Last train
11:57 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Fri
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 $27 (€21)

Train companies: Great Western Railway, South Western Railway from Luton to Exeter trainsGreat Western Railway, South Western Railway trains will get you between Luton and Exeter from $27 (€21). 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
$70 (€57)
Great Western Railway frequency
10 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 57m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
$37 (€30)
South Western Railway frequency
4 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

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: Trains from Luton to Exeter

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Luton to Exeter can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $37 (€30), while the average price is around $118 (€95).
The train from Luton to Exeter takes 2h 49m and runs 16 per day.
The first train from Luton to Exeter leaves at 12:02 AM.
The distance by train from Luton to Exeter is 156 miles (252 km).
The last train from Luton to Exeter leaves at 11:57 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Luton to Exeter.
There is no direct train service currently available from Luton to Exeter.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Luton to Exeter.
The train station in Luton that goes to Exeter is Luton station (LUT), which connects to Exeter St Davids (EXD).
The cheapest way to get from Luton to Exeter is by bus, with a cost of around $27 (€21).
The train journey from Luton to Exeter offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with scenic views becoming more prominent as the train travels through the countryside, showcasing rolling hills, picturesque villages, and glimpses of the River Exe.
A day trip from Luton to Exeter is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 49m. However, there are 16 trains per day covering the distance of 156 miles (252 km).
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Exeter allows visitors to explore the city's historic sites, such as Exeter Cathedral, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, and the Quayside, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Luton to Exeter.
Since neither Luton 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.
Popular day trips by train from Exeter include Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstaple, Exmouth, Bath.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Luton to Exeter 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 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 train stations

Popular train stations from Luton to Exeter

Most Luton to Exeter trains use the Luton to Exeter St Davids station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter St Thomas. Use this guide to compare Luton and Exeter train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Luton
Arrival train stations in Exeter

Which Luton station do trains to Exeter leave from?

Trains from Luton to Exeter leave from Luton. The station is from Luton city centre at Luton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LT.
LutonLuton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LTWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Luton from Luton city centre

Bus17 · 7m · $2 · every ~2 min

Luton train station facilities and services

Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Luton.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Luton.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Luton Airport ParkwayLuton Airport Parkway station, Parkway Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JWWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Luton Airport Parkway from Luton city centre

Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainCorby - London St Pancras International, Sheffield - London St Pancras International, Nottingham - London St Pancras International, Kettering - London St Pancras International, Wellingborough - London St Pancras International, East Midlands Parkway - London St Pancras International · 2m · $1 · every ~4 min
BusX4, X1, X2, Z, A, X3 · 5m · $5 · every ~41 min
612, X10 · 5m · $1 · every ~2 min
44, 45, 366 · 6m · $2 · every ~2 min
101, 100 · 10m · $5 · every ~7 min

Luton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services

Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Luton DART ParkwayLuton LU2 0HB, UKAccessibility

Luton DART Parkway train station facilities and services

Luton DART Parkway has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Luton DART Parkway: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.

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