Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Darlington among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £61 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 31m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £61, while a train costs an average of £245.
Distance: 294 km
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£61 Average Price Cheapest | £245 Average Price | £59 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
29h 47m Average total duration 29h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration Fastest 4h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cheltenham to Darlington:
A coach is £183 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cheltenham to Darlington costing on average £245.
Other travel options to Darlington take longer:
Coach takes on average 29h 17m.
Tickets start at around £61 compared to roughly £59 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-2.74. The journey takes 29h 17m versus 3h 56m 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.
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 Cheltenham to Darlington coaches for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 18:57 Cheltenham | 19h58 | 14:55 Darlington | 2 changes | |
![]() | 18:57 Cheltenham | 24h18 | 19:15 Darlington | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 Cheltenham to Darlington run on average 2 times per day, taking around 29h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £56 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 19:12. The fastest coach covers the 294 km distance in 19h 58m.
Distance 294 km |
Average bus duration 29h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price £56 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 19h 58m |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 19:12 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Best time to book 42 days |
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
Railway museum celebrating the Stockton and Darlington Railway with locomotives, carriages and stories of early rail travel.
Historic country house with art, furnishings and estate collections, offering a museum-style visit alongside parkland walks.
Local arts centre with changing exhibitions, performances and creative events in a restored Victorian building.
Large public park with bandstand, aviary, café-free green space, sports areas and pleasant paths close to the town centre.
Historic market square surrounded by civic buildings and shops, useful for seeing the town centre's layout and daily life.
Popular woodland and lakeside park on the edge of Darlington with walking trails, sculpture and open green views.
A classic North-East pease pudding spread in a bread bun, often with ham. It is a long-standing local lunch tied to Teesside and County Durham.
Slow-cooked split peas seasoned into a thick savoury paste. It is a regional staple traditionally served with ham or pork pies.
A large round flat loaf with a soft crumb, common across North-East England. It is traditionally used for hearty sandwiches and local fillings.
Refined dining in a country house setting, known for modern British cooking and polished service. Best for a special meal near Darlington.
Stylish restaurant serving Indian small plates and grilled dishes in an upbeat modern setting. A popular choice for groups and evening meals.
Smart casual steakhouse focused on quality beef, burgers and hearty mains. Relaxed atmosphere suited to an easy dinner in town.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs are fairly reasonable for visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) -> Market Square, Darlington
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham to Darlington 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 Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cheltenham to Darlington buses use the Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and Darlington bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
Cheltenham has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Free WiFi available in the waiting area. ATMs are available at Cheltenham.
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham.
Available at Cheltenham: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available nearby.
Available at the station. ATMs are available within walking distance.
Ticket office support is available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre).
Available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Wheelchair accessible.
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