- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Cheltenham
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Oct
Cheapest price on 05 Oct
£12
Average ticket price on 05 Oct
£19
Fastest journey on 05 Oct
1 h 12 m
Average journey duration on 05 Oct
1 h 15 m
Trains on 05 Oct
6
Distance
89 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train 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 £19 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £12.
Fast trains
On Mon 05 Oct, we found 6 trains from Cardiff to Cheltenham, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 89 km distance in an average of 1 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 12 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 19 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.
Y619739:101h17Cardiff Central (CDF)10:27Cheltenham Spa (CNM)£121One-way0 changes- G395988:101h16Cardiff Central (CDF)9:26Cheltenham Spa (CNM)£121One-way0 changes
G667128:451h13Cardiff Central (CDF)9:58Cheltenham Spa (CNM)£131One-way0 changes- G010679:451h12Cardiff Central (CDF)10:57Cheltenham Spa (CNM)£211One-way0 changes
W35432+G667309:191h19Cardiff Central (CDF)10:38Cheltenham Spa (CNM)£281One-way1 change
- G010679:451h12Cardiff Central (CDF)10:57Cheltenham Spa (CNM)£211One-way0 changes
- G667128:451h13Cardiff Central (CDF)9:58Cheltenham Spa (CNM)£131One-way0 changes
- G395988:101h16Cardiff Central (CDF)9:26Cheltenham Spa (CNM)£121One-way0 changes
- Y619739:101h17Cardiff Central (CDF)10:27Cheltenham Spa (CNM)£121One-way0 changes
- W35432+G667309:191h19Cardiff Central (CDF)10:38Cheltenham Spa (CNM)£281One-way1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Cheltenham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Cheltenham run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 89 km distance in 1h 0m.
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
Coach from £6
Distance 89 km |
Average train duration 1h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 0m |
First train 4:30 |
Last train 23:35 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 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
Coach from £6
Live departures
Cardiff to Cheltenham train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Cheltenham trains for tomorrow, Monday 5 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G39598 | 8:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h16 | 9:26 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15041+G00854 | 8:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h21 | 9:39 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1 change | |
| G66712 | 8:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h13 | 9:58 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Y61973 | 9:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h17 | 10:27 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W35432+G66730 | 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h19 | 10:38 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1 change | |
| G01067 | 9:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h12 | 10:57 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Cheltenham trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales or Great Western Railway offer trains services from Cardiff to Cheltenham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Cheltenham.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Cheltenham.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Cheltenham.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Cheltenham.
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, CrossCountry from Cardiff to Cheltenham trainsGreat Western Railway, Transport for Wales, CrossCountry trains will get you between Cardiff and Cheltenham from £6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
1h 0m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£18
Great Western Railway frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Transport for Wales
About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
1h 15m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£10
Transport for Wales frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
1h 6m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£9
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
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.
- 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.
- Must visit
Imperial Gardens
Formal Regency gardens beside the Promenade, popular for walks, floral displays, events and views of historic Cheltenham buildings.
- Must visit
Pittville Park
Large ornamental park with lake, playgrounds and broad paths, ideal for relaxed walks near the famous Pump Room.
- Recommended
Montpellier
Leafy district known for Regency architecture, boutiques and garden spaces, offering one of Cheltenham's most elegant walking areas.
- Gluten-free
Gloucester Old Spot Pork
Gloucester Old Spot pork from a traditional local breed, often served as roast or sausages. It is closely linked to Gloucestershire farming heritage.
- Gluten-free
Gloucester Cheese
Single or double Gloucester is a historic local cheese from Gloucestershire, prized for its rich, creamy taste and long county tradition.
- Gluten-free
Stinking Bishop Cheese
A hard-pressed cow’s milk cheese from nearby Gloucestershire, traditionally matured for a full, nutty flavour and strong regional identity.
Le Champignon Sauvage
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for polished tasting menus and carefully sourced seasonal ingredients.
Petit Coco
Long-established French bistro with a lively, relaxed feel. Known for steak frites, seafood and classic brasserie dishes.
The Ox
Stylish contemporary restaurant serving seasonal British cooking, craft drinks and brunch in a smart but informal setting.
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.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5
To the city centre
Cheltenham Spa -> Cheltenham Town Centre, Promenade
- Distance
- 3.4 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless payment is available on all Stagecoach buses in Cheltenham.
- Cheltenham local buses are operated by Stagecoach; buy tickets in the Stagecoach Bus app or on board.
FAQs: Cardiff to Cheltenham train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Cheltenham by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cheltenham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Cheltenham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £9, while the average price tends to be around £22.
The train journey from Cardiff to Cheltenham covers a distance of 89 km and takes approximately 1h 0m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Cheltenham is 89 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Cheltenham leaves at 4:30.
The last train from Cardiff to Cheltenham departs at 23:35.
Trains from Cardiff to Cheltenham run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Cheltenham.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Cheltenham. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Transport for Wales.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Cheltenham.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Cheltenham is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Cheltenham Spa (CNM).
Booking trains from Cardiff to Cheltenham in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Cheltenham offers scenic views, including the picturesque countryside of South Wales and the rolling hills of Gloucestershire. Passengers can enjoy glimpses of quaint villages and expansive green landscapes along the route.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Cheltenham.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Cheltenham
Most Cardiff to Cheltenham trains use the Cardiff Central to Cheltenham Spa station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Cheltenham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Cheltenham
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EY
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Which Cheltenham station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Cheltenham arrive at Cheltenham Spa. Cheltenham Spa is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre.
Cheltenham SpaCheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom+44 345 165 2030
City-centre transport
Getting to Cheltenham Spa from Cheltenham city centre
Cheltenham Spa is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:
BusD, E, G · 7m · £4 · every ~25 min
M1 · 8m
Cheltenham Spa train station facilities and services
Cheltenham Spa has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Railway Inn, The Coconut Tree
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham Spa. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Cheltenham Spa. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham Spa: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Queens Hotel Cheltenham, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Cheltenham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cheltenham and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Cheltenham
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