- Must visit
Hopetown Darlington
Railway museum celebrating the Stockton and Darlington Railway with locomotives, carriages and stories of early rail travel.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to Darlington
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Sept
Cheapest price on 08 Sept
£243
Average ticket price on 08 Sept
£243
Fastest journey on 08 Sept
3 h 13 m
Average journey duration on 08 Sept
3 h 42 m
Trains on 08 Sept
6
Distance
294 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cheltenham to Darlington is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cheltenham to Darlington will cost around £243 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £243.
Fast trains
On Tue 08 Sept, we found 6 trains from Cheltenham to Darlington, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 294 km distance in an average of 3 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 13 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 53 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.
7:143h51Cheltenham11:05Darlington£2431One-way0 changes- 7:403h13Cheltenham10:53Darlington£2431One-way1 change
- 8:123h53Cheltenham12:05Darlington£2431One-way1 change
- 8:123h53Cheltenham12:05Darlington£2431One-way0 changes
- 9:123h41Cheltenham12:53Darlington£2431One-way1 change
- 7:403h13Cheltenham10:53Darlington£2431One-way1 change
- 9:123h41Cheltenham12:53Darlington£2431One-way1 change
- 7:143h51Cheltenham11:05Darlington£2431One-way0 changes
- 8:123h53Cheltenham12:05Darlington£2431One-way1 change
- 8:123h53Cheltenham12:05Darlington£2431One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cheltenham to Darlington
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
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£245 Average Price | £61 Average Price Cheapest | £59 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 31m Average total duration Fastest 4h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 29h 47m Average total duration 29h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cheltenham to Darlington is a coach with an average price of £61.
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.
The fastest way to travel from Cheltenham to Darlington is by train with an average journey time of 4h 1m.
Other travel options to Darlington take longer:
Coach takes on average 29h 17m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cheltenham and Darlington including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £245 compared to roughly £59 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-186.10. The journey takes 4h 1m versus 3h 56m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cheltenham to Darlington train times
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Darlington trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 8 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:14 Cheltenham | 3h51 | 11:05 Darlington | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:40 Cheltenham | 3h13 | 10:53 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 8:12 Cheltenham | 3h53 | 12:05 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 8:12 Cheltenham | 3h53 | 12:05 Darlington | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:12 Cheltenham | 3h41 | 12:53 Darlington | 1 change | |
| 9:12 Cheltenham | 3h53 | 13:05 Darlington | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cheltenham to Darlington by train or coach
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.
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
14 Sept
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cheltenham to Darlington
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cheltenham to Darlington run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £226 but you can travel from only £56 by coach.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:08, the last at 20:12. The fastest train covers the 294 km distance in 3h 13m.
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 £56
Distance 294 km |
Average train duration 4h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £226 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 3h 13m |
First train 5:08 |
Last train 20:12 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Best time to book 28 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 £56
Train companies: Cross Country from Cheltenham to Darlington trainsCross Country trains will get you between Cheltenham and Darlington from £56. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
3h 13m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£226
Cross Country frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Darlington
Things to do in Darlington
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
- Recommended
Raby Castle
Historic country house with art, furnishings and estate collections, offering a museum-style visit alongside parkland walks.
Hullabaloo Gallery
Local arts centre with changing exhibitions, performances and creative events in a restored Victorian building.
- Recommended
South Park
Large public park with bandstand, aviary, café-free green space, sports areas and pleasant paths close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Market Place
Historic market square surrounded by civic buildings and shops, useful for seeing the town centre's layout and daily life.
- Recommended
West Park
Popular woodland and lakeside park on the edge of Darlington with walking trails, sculpture and open green views.
Pease pudding stottie
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.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pease pudding
Slow-cooked split peas seasoned into a thick savoury paste. It is a regional staple traditionally served with ham or pork pies.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Stottie cake
A large round flat loaf with a soft crumb, common across North-East England. It is traditionally used for hearty sandwiches and local fillings.
The Orangery at Rockliffe Hall
Refined dining in a country house setting, known for modern British cooking and polished service. Best for a special meal near Darlington.
Spice Village
Stylish restaurant serving Indian small plates and grilled dishes in an upbeat modern setting. A popular choice for groups and evening meals.
Estabulo Darlington
Smart casual steakhouse focused on quality beef, burgers and hearty mains. Relaxed atmosphere suited to an easy dinner in town.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs are fairly reasonable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Arriva UK Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £7.50
To the city centre
Darlington Railway Station -> Darlington Town Centre
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Adult single bus fares are capped at £2.50 in the North East; if you will make several trips, the £7.50 all-day ticket can be better value.
- Under-22 fares shown on official sites are cheaper, but the standard adult fare is the correct reference for visitors. Contactless payment may vary by operator, so check before boarding.
FAQs: Cheltenham to Darlington train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham to Darlington 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 Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cheltenham to Darlington can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £226, while the average price tends to be around £245.
The train journey from Cheltenham to Darlington covers a distance of 294 km and takes approximately 3h 13m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Cheltenham to Darlington is 294 km.
The first train from Cheltenham to Darlington leaves at 5:08.
The last train from Cheltenham to Darlington departs at 20:12.
Trains from Cheltenham to Darlington run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cheltenham to Darlington.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cheltenham and Darlington. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
To get from Cheltenham to Darlington, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cheltenham to Darlington.
The train station in Cheltenham that goes to Darlington is Cheltenham Spa (CNM), and it arrives at Darlington station (DAR).
The cheapest way to get from Cheltenham to Darlington is by coach, costing approximately £56.
Booking trains from Cheltenham to Darlington in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cheltenham to Darlington offers varied scenery, including the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, picturesque countryside, and glimpses of historic towns, making it quite a pleasant trip.
A day trip from Cheltenham to Darlington is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 13m. However, there are 8 trains per day covering the 294 km.
Two to three days in Darlington should be sufficient to explore its key attractions, including the Head of Steam Railway Museum, South Park, and the Darlington Hippodrome, while also enjoying the local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Cheltenham to Darlington.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cheltenham and Darlington
Most Cheltenham to Darlington trains use the Cheltenham Spa to Darlington station pair. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and Darlington train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cheltenham
Arrival train stations in Darlington
Which Cheltenham station do trains to Darlington leave from?
Trains from Cheltenham to Darlington leave from Cheltenham Spa. The station is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre at Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom.
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.
Which Darlington station do trains from Cheltenham arrive at?
Trains from Cheltenham to Darlington arrive at Darlington. Darlington is from Darlington city centre.
DarlingtonDarlington station, Bank Top, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4AA
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington from Darlington city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement coach services depart from the station entrance
Darlington train station facilities and services
Darlington has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Darlington.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Darlington.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darlington.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darlington: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Darlington: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: text phones are available and staff are on hand to assist as required due to no low level phones, Accessible taxis: Generally available but advance booking recommended, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Cheltenham to Darlington
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Darlington and Cheltenham
Most popular train connections to Darlington
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