Trains to Cheltenham

Trains to Cheltenham

The picturesque Cotswolds town of Cheltenham may be synonymous with its racecourse, but the tourist hotspot offers far more, from a natural spa and beautiful Regency architecture through to designer shopping and fantastic food. It's also easy to travel to and from the town with regular services from London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Bristol, Bath, Edinburgh and the Lake District.

Which is the main train station in Cheltenham?

There is one train station which is Cheltenham Spa train station itself, and it is located on the Bristol to Birmingham Line. First Great Western manages the station, which dates back to 1840 and has just two platforms. It is located about a mile away from Cheltenham town centre and takes around 10 minutes to take a bus from the train station to the town centre, and here it is possible to find a number of onward buses for local connections.

Which train companies offer trains to Cheltenham?

Services are operated by primarily by First Great Western and Cross Country Trains. Although it is managed by First Great Western, a large number of services are run by Cross Country Trains. There are also infrequent services from West Midlands Trains and Transport for Wales. Around ten scheduled services depart every hour from this busy little station and it takes just an hour or so to travel to and from London with the direct service.

Why travel by train to Cheltenham?

Cheltenham is a busy tourist destination and also home to a large number of commuters who work in accessible big cities such as London, Birmingham and Bristol. This means that its roads can become extremely congested, especially when the Cheltenham Races are on. Parking is limited and can be expensive. Trains to Cheltenham offer a quick, convenient and affordable travel option, especially when you book in advance and look for flexible fares.

Before you travel to Cheltenham by train - good to know!

This beautiful and bustling town is a day-tripper's delight. Visit the 1930s outdoor Lido, one of the many beautifully landscaped and historic gardens or parks and indulge in designer shopping and the best gastropubs in the pretty town centre. Cheltenham is ideal for pedestrians, but there are also taxi ranks dotted around, as well as the Royal Well Bus and Coach Station, which offers bus services to the station and other local areas.

How to get to Cheltenham by Train

Trains to Cheltenham from London depart around once an hour at peak times. These trains depart from London's Paddington train station, home of the famous Paddington Bear children's stories. Paddington train station is located to the north of the city centre and can be reached from central London via the District, Circle, Bakerloo, and Hammersmith and City underground lines, as well as by buses that depart several times an hour. The train journey from London to Cheltenham takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, and is a direct service with no changes needed. The train company that handles the vast majority of journeys passing through Cheltenham train station is First Great Western. There are also trains to Cheltenham from various other stations in the UK, such as Edinburgh, Cardiff, Bath, Bristol, and various stations in the desirable Lake District region. Cheltenham train station is located a short bus journey (of around 15-20 minutes) from bus stops in Cheltenham town centre.

Cheltenham

With its elegant Regency buildings and wide shopping streets, Cheltenham is one of the jewels of the Cotswolds. Make sure to go and see the famous fairytale clock in the Grand Arcade, which features a snake, a goose laying a golden egg on the hour, and a mouse. Each hour, the clock releases bubbles, to the delight of children waiting below. Concerts of classical music (as well as many other genres of music) are regularly held in the Pittvile Pump Rooms and the Town Hall. The Pump Rooms are also an excellent place to come if you want to engage in the centuries-old practice of 'taking the waters' from the natural spa there: these hot and minerally waters are said to be excellent for the health.