Edinburgh to Cheltenham bus with National Express

Wed 07 Oct
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest coaches from Edinburgh to Cheltenham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 07 Oct

Cheapest price on 07 Oct

£36

Average ticket price on 07 Oct

£48

Fastest journey on 07 Oct

12 h 40 m

Average journey duration on 07 Oct

13 h 54 m

Buses on 07 Oct

4

Distance

456 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Edinburgh to Cheltenham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Cheltenham will cost around £48 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £36.

Fast coaches

To travel from Edinburgh to Cheltenham you need to make at least one change.

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    22:4012h45
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    11:25Cheltenham
    £361One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX591 · NX444
    10:3515h25
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    2:00Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station
    £461One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX598 · NX444
    21:4514h45
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    12:30Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station
    £521One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX594 · NX444
    21:2512h40
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    10:05Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station
    £601One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Cheltenham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Edinburgh to Cheltenham run on average 4 times per day, taking around 12h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £25 by flight.

The earliest coach runs at 02:05, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 456 km distance in 10h 40m.

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
Flight from £25
Distance
456 km
Average bus duration
12h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
£31
Buses per day
4
Fastest bus
10h 40m
First bus
2:05
Last bus
23:40
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
91 days
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
Flight from £25

Live departures

Edinburgh to Cheltenham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cheltenham coaches for today, Tuesday 6 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National Express10:45 Edinburgh
14h30
1:15 Cheltenham0 changesdirect
National Express11:45 Edinburgh
14h30
2:15 Cheltenham0 changesdirect
FlixBus21:40 Edinburgh
15h15
12:55 Cheltenham0 changesdirect
FlixBus22:40 Edinburgh
15h15
13:55 Cheltenham0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Edinburgh to Cheltenham coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Edinburgh to Cheltenham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Cheltenham.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Cheltenham.
  • 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Cheltenham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Cheltenham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Cheltenham.

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Edinburgh to CheltenhamYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Cheltenham with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £25. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
11h 25m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£31
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
10h 40m
Cheapest National Express Price
£31
National Express frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Complete guide to Cheltenham

Things to do in Cheltenham

Discover the best of Cheltenham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cheltenham trip today.

  • 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.

  • Recommended

Holst Victorian House Spa Museum

Museum in Pittville Pump Room exploring Cheltenham's spa history, with displays on mineral waters, visitors and Regency society.

  • Recommended

Holst Victorian House

Composer Gustav Holst's birthplace, furnished with period rooms and musical displays that bring Victorian Cheltenham to life.

Pound sterling (£)

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.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is fine. Taxis: round up or tip about 10% for good service.

Best day trips from Cheltenham by bus

The most popular day trips by bus from Cheltenham are Gloucester, Stroud, Cirencester, Oxford and Bristol. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Cheltenham on Omio.

A view of Gloucester

Day trip from Cheltenham to Gloucester by bus

Why visit Gloucester for the day?

Gloucester is known for its great cathedral and restored Victorian docks on the River Severn. Medieval streets, rugby culture and waterside museums give the city a practical West Country character.

How to get from Cheltenham to Gloucester by bus?

There are 10 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:07, the last at 23:47. The fastest coach covers the 12 km distance in 20m.

A view of Stroud

Day trip from Cheltenham to Stroud by bus

Why visit Stroud for the day?

Stroud is a Gloucestershire market town known for its creative community and steep Cotswold valleys. Its wool heritage, lively farmers’ market and nearby walking country shape a character that is both rural and contemporary.

How to get from Cheltenham to Stroud by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 00:42, the last at 22:56.

A view of Cirencester

Day trip from Cheltenham to Cirencester by bus

Why visit Cirencester for the day?

Cirencester is a historic market town in the Cotswolds known for its Roman past and honey-coloured stone buildings. It combines ancient heritage with a lively centre of shops, cafés and green spaces.

How to get from Cheltenham to Cirencester by bus?

There are 7 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 02:35, the last at 23:20. The fastest coach covers the 22 km distance in 30m.

A view of Oxford

Day trip from Cheltenham to Oxford by bus

Why visit Oxford for the day?

Oxford is known for its historic university, elegant colleges and long academic tradition. Its medieval streets, museums and riverside setting give the city a thoughtful but lively character.

How to get from Cheltenham to Oxford by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 04:30, the last at 22:24.

A view of Bristol

Day trip from Cheltenham to Bristol by bus

Why visit Bristol for the day?

Bristol is known for its maritime past, inventive culture and distinctive street art. Around the harbourside and Clifton, historic landmarks and a strong independent scene give the city an energetic but relaxed feel.

How to get from Cheltenham to Bristol by bus?

There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 61 km distance in 50m.

FAQs: Edinburgh to Cheltenham coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Edinburgh to Cheltenham can start from as little as £31 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Edinburgh to Cheltenham is £65; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Edinburgh to Cheltenham is 10h 40m to travel the 456 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Edinburgh to Cheltenham leaves at 2:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Edinburgh to Cheltenham leaves at 23:40.
There are 4 coaches a day from Edinburgh to Cheltenham which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Edinburgh to Cheltenham, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Cheltenham. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Cheltenham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Edinburgh , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Edinburgh, Bus Station . When arriving in Cheltenham , you can end your route in coach stations like Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station, Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane), Cheltenham.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Edinburgh, Bus Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Cheltenham including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Edinburgh to Cheltenham:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cheltenham for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Edinburgh to Cheltenham depends on the coach companies:
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cheltenham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Edinburgh to Cheltenham:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Edinburgh to Cheltenham:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Edinburgh to Cheltenham. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Edinburgh to Cheltenham with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cheltenham with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cheltenham with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Cheltenham

Most Edinburgh to Cheltenham buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane). Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Cheltenham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Edinburgh
Arrival bus stations in Cheltenham

Which Edinburgh station do buses to Cheltenham leave from?

Buses from Edinburgh to Cheltenham leave from Edinburgh, Bus Station. The station is from Edinburgh city centre at Elder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre

Bus10, 11 · 2m · £2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · £0.89 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · £4 · every ~38 min

Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services

Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone