Trains to Cheltenham

Thu 20 Aug
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Train tickets to Cheltenham

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Showing the fastest and cheapest results for 20 Aug

Results include alternative arrival locations to Cheltenham
  • Great Western RailwayG14974 · Y80574
    22:282h15
    London Paddington (PAD)
    0:43Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    £421One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayW34648 · Y80571
    19:482h18
    London Paddington (PAD)
    22:06Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    £451One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayW35071
    12:321h59
    London Paddington (PAD)
    14:31Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    £461One-way
    0 changes

Best day trips from Cheltenham by train

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

A view of Gloucester

Day trip from Cheltenham to Gloucester by train

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 train?

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:23. The fastest train covers the 12 km distance in 9m.

A view of Bristol

Day trip from Cheltenham to Bristol by train

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 train?

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:33, the last at 23:14. The fastest train covers the 61 km distance in 38m.

A view of Bath

Day trip from Cheltenham to Bath by train

Why visit Bath for the day?

Bath is known for its Roman Baths, graceful Georgian architecture and links to Jane Austen. Its compact centre feels elegant yet lively, with historic streets, independent shops and a long-standing spa culture.

How to get from Cheltenham to Bath by train?

The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 61 km distance in 1h 9m.

A view of Birmingham

Day trip from Cheltenham to Birmingham by train

Why visit Birmingham for the day?

Birmingham is known for its industrial past, canal network and diverse food scene. It combines major shopping and cultural landmarks with lively neighbourhoods shaped by manufacturing, music and modern city life.

How to get from Cheltenham to Birmingham by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:17. The fastest train covers the 66 km distance in 38m.

A view of Oxford

Day trip from Cheltenham to Oxford by train

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 train?

The earliest train runs at 01:06, the last at 22:27. The fastest train covers the 59 km distance in 1h 28m.

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.

Popular trains to and from Cheltenham

Popular trains to Cheltenham

Birmingham to Cheltenham train

from £6
Direct trains available
0h38 average duration
10trains per day
Served by
  • West Midlands Trains
  • CrossCountry

Birmingham International Airport to Cheltenham train

from £9
Direct trains available
1h09 average duration
10trains per day
Served by
  • CrossCountry
  • West Midlands Trains
  • Avanti West Coast

Oxford to Cheltenham train

from £17
Direct trains available
1h28 average duration
6trains per day
Served by
  • Great Western Railway
  • CrossCountry

London to Cheltenham train

from £24
Direct trains available
1h52 average duration
12trains per day
Served by
  • Great Western Railway
  • South Western Railway

Edinburgh to Cheltenham train

from £32
Direct trains available
5h22 average duration
7trains per day
Served by
  • Avanti West Coast
  • London North Eastern Railway
  • CrossCountry
  • Caledonian Sleeper

Popular trains from Cheltenham

Cheltenham to Cardiff train

from £6
Direct trains available
1h10 average duration
8trains per day
Served by
  • Great Western Railway
  • CrossCountry
  • Transport for Wales

Cheltenham to Birmingham train

from £6
Direct trains available
0h38 average duration
9trains per day
Served by
  • West Midlands Trains
  • CrossCountry

Cheltenham to Bath train

from £7
Direct trains available
1h09 average duration
7trains per day
Served by
  • Great Western Railway
  • CrossCountry
  • Transport for Wales

Cheltenham to Manchester train

from £15
Direct trains available
2h18 average duration
7trains per day
Served by
  • Avanti West Coast
  • CrossCountry

Cheltenham to London train

from £30
Direct trains available
1h56 average duration
10trains per day
Served by
  • South Western Railway
  • Great Western Railway

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.

Train companies: Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) to Cheltenham trainsTravel to Cheltenham on Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains with Omio. When comparing schedules and tickets, we will also show you other options with multiple connections or other travel modes if they’re available.

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 Duration
1h 55m
Cheapest Price
£24
Great Western Railway frequency
17 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

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
South Western Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 49m
Cheapest Price
£90
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day

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.

station information and facilities

Train stations in Cheltenham

Check where to Cheltenham trains depart and arrive, plus the main train station details for this route.

Cheltenham SpaCheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom+44 345 165 2030WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
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.

Trains to Cheltenham: related information

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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