- Must visit
The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
Cheltenham's main museum and art gallery, covering local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in a central Regency building.
Cheapest price on 10 Sept
£10
Average ticket price on 10 Sept
£10
Fastest journey on 10 Sept
2 h 35 m
Average journey duration on 10 Sept
2 h 35 m
Buses on 10 Sept
1
Distance
89 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Cheltenham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Cheltenham will cost around £10 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £10.
On Thu 10 Sept, we found 1 buses from Cardiff to Cheltenham, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 89 km distance in an average of 2 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 35 m .
The slowest buses will take 2 h 35 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.
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Cheltenham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £9 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 41m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £9, while a train costs an average of £16.
Distance: 89 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£9 Average Price Cheapest | £16 Average Price | £19 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 48m Average total duration 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train 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 Cardiff to Cheltenham:
A coach is £7 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Cheltenham costing on average £16.
Other travel options to Cheltenham take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 18m.
Tickets start at around £9 compared to roughly £19 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £10. The journey takes 2h 18m versus 1h 24m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Megabus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Cheltenham coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 10 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 6:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 2h35 | 8:45 Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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.
Buses from Cardiff to Cheltenham run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £7 but you can travel from only £6 by train.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 02:15, the last at 23:47. The fastest coach covers the 89 km distance in 2h 35m.
Distance 89 km |
Average bus duration 2h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 35m |
First bus 2:15 |
Last bus 23:47 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Cheltenham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cheltenham trip today.
Cheltenham's main museum and art gallery, covering local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in a central Regency building.
Museum in Pittville Pump Room exploring Cheltenham's spa history, with displays on mineral waters, visitors and Regency society.
Composer Gustav Holst's birthplace, furnished with period rooms and musical displays that bring Victorian Cheltenham to life.
Formal Regency gardens beside the Promenade, popular for walks, floral displays, events and views of historic Cheltenham buildings.
Large ornamental park with lake, playgrounds and broad paths, ideal for relaxed walks near the famous Pump Room.
Leafy district known for Regency architecture, boutiques and garden spaces, offering one of Cheltenham's most elegant walking areas.
Gloucester Old Spot pork from a traditional local breed, often served as roast or sausages. It is closely linked to Gloucestershire farming heritage.
Single or double Gloucester is a historic local cheese from Gloucestershire, prized for its rich, creamy taste and long county tradition.
A hard-pressed cow’s milk cheese from nearby Gloucestershire, traditionally matured for a full, nutty flavour and strong regional identity.
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for polished tasting menus and carefully sourced seasonal ingredients.
Long-established French bistro with a lively, relaxed feel. Known for steak frites, seafood and classic brasserie dishes.
Stylish contemporary restaurant serving seasonal British cooking, craft drinks and brunch in a smart but informal setting.
Moderate by UK standards. Hotels and dining are pricier than smaller towns, but cheaper than London; local buses and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is fine. Taxis: round up or tip about 10% for good service.
Official public transport app
Cheltenham Spa station -> Cheltenham Promenade, Cheltenham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Cheltenham by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cheltenham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Cheltenham buses use the Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) to Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub station pair, with some services arriving at Gloucester, Transport Hub. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Cheltenham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub is 3 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:
Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Free WiFi is available throughout the station. ATMs are available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub.
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub.
Available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub: Facilities are accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.
Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Royal Well (in the station), The Coffee House (0.2 km), The Brewery Quarter (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station.
Available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need