A Direct Train Between Oakham and London For Just £15!
Did you know there’s a direct train from Oakham to London, which runs each weekday and takes only…
Did you know there’s a direct train from Oakham to London, which runs each weekday and takes only 1 hour 40 minutes to reach St Pancras station?
It’s great news for people living in Rutland and working in London, who previously had to change at either Peterborough or Leicester. It’s also a huge boost for anyone travelling to the capital for a day out, with the service leaving Oakham at 8.30am and returning for 8pm.
One of the biggest perks? The fares can be surprisingly affordable, with tickets starting from as little as £15 each way if booked in advance. But leave it late and it gets expensive.
This makes it one of the best-value ways to reach London, especially when compared to the cost of driving or taking alternative train routes.
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Oakham to London Direct Train
Train passengers from Oakham are used to catching CrossCountry services towards either Birmingham or Stansted Airport – these make up the majority of the daily timetable.
But there’s one exception.
At 8:27 AM, East Midlands Railway runs an express service to London St Pancras, stopping only at Corby and Kettering. The entire journey takes under 1 hour and 40 minutes, arriving at 10.06 AM.
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These trains are generally quiet, with plenty of available seating, reliable WiFi, and a strong track record for punctuality.
While the journey time is similar to taking a connection via Leicester or Peterborough, this direct service eliminates the hassle of changing trains and reduces the risk of delays.
St Pancras is also an excellent gateway to London, offering easy access to the Eurostar and superb connections via the Underground and Overground.
London to Oakham Direct Train
For the return trip, there’s an equally handy option.
At 6:35 PM, East Midlands Railway again operates a direct service from London St Pancras to Oakham, via Kettering and Corby. The journey takes just 1 hour and 30 minutes, arriving back in Oakham at 8:06 PM.
This evening train is also usually quiet, making it easy to find a seat, and offers reliable WiFi for those who want to work or relax with a movie or podcast. It’s also known for its punctuality, meaning you can count on getting home without unnecessary delays.
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Compared to taking a connection via Leicester or Peterborough, this direct route is far more convenient – no rushing between platforms (connection times at Peterborough can be very tight) or worrying about missed connections.
For anyone commuting or visiting London for the day, this service is a stress-free way to return home comfortably and efficiently.
5 Things About the Oakham to London Train
1. A fast way to London
The Oakham to London service is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to travel between Rutland and the capital. The direct service takes just 1 hour and 40 minutes in the morning and 1 hour and 30 minutes on the return journey, making it a fast, stress-free option.
Arriving at St Pancras, you’re in the heart of London, with easy access to major areas of the city. The station offers excellent connections to the Underground, Overground, and Eurostar, making it an ideal starting point for your journey.
St Pancras also has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and facilities, ensuring a smooth arrival. Whether grabbing a coffee or picking up last-minute essentials, you can get to London quickly and easily, with everything you need right at the station.
2. The morning service pauses at Kettering
The train makes a scheduled 15-minute stop at Kettering, which is a routine part of the journey.
During this stop, another train joins to form a longer service for the final stretch into St Pancras. Most of the time, the ticket inspector will inform passengers in advance, or an announcement will be made. While the stop may feel a bit long, it’s nothing to worry about.
You may notice a slight bump as the two trains connect, followed by the sound of doors opening and closing, but everything runs smoothly, and the journey continues without any further disruptions.
3. It arrives into St Pancras
St Pancras is perhaps the best train station in London, with a range of facilities and services that make travel easy and enjoyable. From high-street brands to luxury shops, you can pick up everything from a quick snack to designer clothing without leaving the station.
The food and drink options are equally impressive, with quick bites at places like Pret A Manger, sit-down meals at Carluccio’s, and even a Champagne bar – the longest in Europe. Whether you need a coffee to go or a more substantial meal, St Pancras has something for everyone.
Beyond shopping and dining, the station offers practical services, including ticket offices, currency exchange, and left-luggage facilities. With easy access to the Underground, Thameslink, and Eurostar services, St Pancras makes it simple to navigate London or travel internationally.
4. Sadly it only runs on weekdays
The direct Oakham to London service is a fast and convenient option for weekday travellers, with a journey time of just 1 hour and 30 minutes on the return leg.
However, the service’s limited schedule is a drawback. With no weekend trains and only one direct service each way on weekdays, it lacks the flexibility needed for both commuters and leisure travellers. More frequent services, especially on weekends, would make the route even more convenient for a wider range of passengers.
Could this be the start of something bigger? The success of the current service shows there’s demand for a direct route. More frequent trains or weekend services would be a game-changer, making London even more accessible for Oakham and surrounding areas.
5. It’s really quiet
One of the main advantages of the direct Oakham to London service is its quieter atmosphere compared to routes via Peterborough or Leicester.
As most Oakham passengers typically connect through these larger stations, the direct service tends to have fewer passengers, especially early in the journey. This makes it easier to find a seat and secure a table if you need space to work.
In contrast, trains via Peterborough and Leicester can be much busier, particularly during peak hours. Trains from Peterborough serve commuters from along the East Coast Main Line, while the Leicester route covers a wider area, making it harder to find available seats or tables. The Oakham direct service provides a more relaxed journey, with fewer passengers and more space to settle in.
How else to get to London from Oakham
If the direct once-daily train doesn’t work for you, there are several other ways to reach London from Oakham.
One option is to take a CrossCountry service to Leicester and then transfer to an East Midlands Trains service to St Pancras. This route is straightforward, with regular trains running throughout the day, and the total journey time is usually around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Another alternative is traveling via Peterborough, where CrossCountry trains from Oakham connect to LNER or Great Northern services to London King’s Cross.
For more flexibility, especially in the evenings or on weekends, you can travel via Corby. By changing trains at Leicester or Melton Mowbray, you can access East Midlands Trains’ services to St Pancras.
While this option may take a bit longer, it offers a useful backup if other routes are less frequent or disrupted.
FAQs
The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes in the morning and just 1 hour and 30 minutes on the return journey in the evening.
This service currently runs only on weekdays, with one train in each direction – departing Oakham in the morning and returning from London in the evening.
Yes, the direct train is generally quieter than services via Leicester or Peterborough, making it easier to find a seat, including a table if you need to work.
The train pauses at Kettering to allow another service to join, forming a longer train for the final stretch into London. You may feel a slight bump when they connect, but there’s nothing to worry about.
Currently, there are no additional direct services, but if demand grows, it’s theoretically possible that more trains – including weekend options – could be introduced in the future.
Final Thoughts
The direct Oakham to London service offers a fast, convenient, and comfortable way to travel to the capital, with minimal hassle and a smooth journey.
Whether you’re commuting for work or visiting London for the day, the ease of having just one train and no need to change is a huge benefit.
However, there’s potential for this service to be even better with more options throughout the day and on weekends. The current frequency limits its appeal, and expanding the timetable would make it even more useful for a wider range of travellers.
