Is there a direct train?

No, you must change at Exeter St Davids and usually London or Birmingham.

How long is the drive?

Approximately 5 hours depending on traffic levels.

No, there are no toll roads on this specific route.

What is the best time to leave?

Depart before 06:00 to avoid M5 congestion.

National Express operates coaches, but they involve multiple changes.

Braunton

Leicester

Train Driving

Braunton to Leicester

Updated: 29 May 2026

The journey from Braunton to Leicester spans approximately 350 km. You will primarily use the A361 to reach the M5 motorway. From the M5, you transition to the M42 and M1 to reach the East Midlands. Train travel requires a bus to Barnstaple station followed by Great Western Railway and East Midlands Railway services. This route connects the North Devon coast to the heart of the Midlands.

Total Distance: 350 km driving distance; 280 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via the M5 and M42 is the fastest method, taking 5 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally cheaper for groups of two or more people.

Compare Braunton to Leicester Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	6 hours 30 mins	5 hours
Avg Price	80-150 GBP	50-70 GBP
Operator	Great Western Railway	N/A
Route	Barnstaple to Exeter St Davids, then to Leicester	A361, M5, M42, M1
Tip	Book tickets in advance via Trainline to save costs.	Avoid the M5 near Bristol during Friday evening rush hour.

Travel Tips

Advance Booking
Always book train tickets at least 12 weeks ahead for the best fares.
A361 Caution
The A361 is a single carriageway in parts; drive carefully during heavy rain.
Parking
Use the NCP car parks in Leicester city centre for secure vehicle storage.
Connectivity
Download offline maps as signal can be weak in rural North Devon.
Refreshments
Stop at Gloucester Services on the M5 for high-quality local food options.

Safety Tips

Road Safety
Ensure your vehicle is checked for long-distance travel before leaving Devon.
Emergency Numbers
Keep 999 saved for emergencies and 111 for non-urgent medical advice.
Weather Awareness
Check the Met Office website for flood warnings on the M5.
Personal Security
Keep valuables out of sight when parked in city centre locations.