Cheltenham to London train with Great Western Railway

Mon 17 Aug
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Great Western Railway (GWR)
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Great Western Railway
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to London

Showing times and prices for 17 Aug

Cheapest price

£40

Average price

£67

Fastest journey

1 h 49 m

Average duration

1 h 52 m

Trains per day

32

Distance

142 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cheltenham to London will cost around £67 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.

Fast trains

Of the 32 trains that leave Cheltenham for London every day 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 142 km distance in an average of 1 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 49 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 55 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.

  • Great Western RailwayW35241
    18:031h56
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    19:59London Paddington (PAD)
    £401One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayY41556 · W34530
    22:162h23
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    0:39London Paddington (PAD)
    £401One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayW35231
    13:031h56
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    14:59London Paddington (PAD)
    £421One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayG15054
    14:031h55
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    15:58London Paddington (PAD)
    £421One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35236
    15:031h57
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    17:00London Paddington (PAD)
    £421One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cheltenham to London

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 33m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £6, and a train costs an average of £30.

Distance: 142 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£46

Average Price

£9

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 3m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 25m

Average total duration

2h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cheltenham to London train times

The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to London trains for today, Sunday 16 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayC48969 · C00165
On time
9:28 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h01
11:29 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
CrossCountryG01136+Great Western RailwayC00123
On time
10:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
1h59
12:09 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC33106
On time
10:47 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
1h57
12:44 London Paddington (PAD)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01142+Great Western RailwayC50037
On time
11:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
1h59
13:09 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC48973 · W35438
On time
11:55 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h14
14:09 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
CrossCountryG01145+Great Western RailwayW35438
On time
12:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
1h59
14:09 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC48972 · W35439
On time
13:00 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h09
15:09 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC48964 · C32966
On time
14:00 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
1h59
15:59 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
CrossCountryW29875+Great Western RailwayW35440
On time
14:29 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h00
16:29 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC05790 · C06182
On time
15:00 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h01
17:01 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
CrossCountryW29886+Great Western RailwayC00125
On time
15:52 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h17
18:09 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC05871 · C06186
On time
17:00 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h02
19:02 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
CrossCountryW29894+Great Western RailwayV28830
On time
17:26 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h27
19:53 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC48966 · W35246
On time
18:00 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h09
20:09 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC48967 · C05990
On time
19:00 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h09
21:09 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
CrossCountryG01165+Great Western RailwayW35446
On time
19:54 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h20
22:14 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC48968 · W35250
On time
21:00 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h27
23:27 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Great Western RailwayC48970 · C00843
On time
22:00 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h15
0:15 London Paddington (PAD)
1 change
Monday 17 August
Great Western RailwayW352175:53 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h04
7:57 London Paddington (PAD)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15469 · W351666:14 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h37
8:51 London Paddington (PAD)1 change
Great Western RailwayG150536:48 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h07
8:55 London Paddington (PAD)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01130+Great Western RailwayW351697:29 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h15
9:44 London Paddington (PAD)1 change
Great Western RailwayC48907 · W352217:36 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h23
9:59 London Paddington (PAD)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cheltenham to London 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.

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16 Aug
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Why should you book Cheltenham to London trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as South Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cheltenham to London.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cheltenham to London.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham to London.
  • 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cheltenham to London.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham to London.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cheltenham to London.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cheltenham to London?

The best time to book your train from Cheltenham to London is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cheltenham to London route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cheltenham to London per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cheltenham to London.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cheltenham to London

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cheltenham to London run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:17, the last at 22:33. The fastest train covers the 142 km distance in 1h 56m.

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
142 km
Average train duration
2h 33m
Cheapest ticket price
£30
Trains per day
10
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
1h 56m
First train
3:17
Last train
22:33
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
14 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

Train companies: Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cheltenham to London trainsGreat Western Railway, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cheltenham and London 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 Duration
1h 56m
Cheapest Price
£30
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
Average Duration
3h 56m
Cheapest Price
£49
South Western Railway frequency
4 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 56m
Cheapest Price
£85
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
10 a day

Complete guide to London

Things to do in London

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

  • Must visit

The British Museum

World-class collection spanning ancient civilisations, the Rosetta Stone and global treasures with free permanent galleries.

  • Must visit

The National Gallery

National collection of European painting from Van Gogh to Turner in a landmark Trafalgar Square setting.

  • Must visit

Victoria and Albert Museum

Vast museum of art, design and performance, loved for fashion, sculpture and major temporary exhibitions.

Pound sterling (£)

Very costly by European standards; hotels, dining and transport are notably pricier than in most UK and EU city breaks.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or street food.
Mid-range
£20-40 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
£80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-5 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants often add a 12.5% service charge; if not, tip 10-12%. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafés: no obligation, small change optional.

Trains from Cheltenham to London: Journey Details

There are two sensible ways to travel between Cheltenham and London by train. The first is a direct stopping service operated by First Great Western, the second is a fast service with one change at Swindon aboard London Midland. Each route operates hourly and the journey time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes for both (depending on connections). On weekday mornings, the first train departs Cheltenham Spa just before 06.00 a.m. arriving in London Paddington after just 08.00. Last trains are more complicated and will often involve waiting for connecting trains. One should anticipate departing Cheltenham before 09.00 p.m. if hoping to reach London on the same day. Weekend services are fewer but use the same routes and franchises. Advance tickets are available on trains from Cheltenham to London at a favourable price.

Taking the Train from Cheltenham

Cheltenham Spa station is just outside the town centre with good local transport links. It is within a short bus or taxi ride from the main attractions of town including the racecourse, ladies college and the famous literary festival.

Getting into London by Train

When arriving at Paddington, day trippers or business travellers can quickly and easily transfer onto the District, Circle or Hammersmith & City lines of the London underground to reach any final destination in London. As a guide, it will take a further 25 minutes from the station to reach Theatre Land, and an hour for the Olympic Park in Stratford. There are also frequent buses serving Oxford Street, other London rail termini and the West End of London with its theatres, restaurants and shopping opportunities. These services operate throughout the night, albeit with reduced frequency. A black taxi rank is also situated above Paddington's platform 12 with lift and escalator access.

FAQs: Cheltenham to London train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham to London 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 London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cheltenham to London can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £30, while the average price tends to be around £46.
The train journey from Cheltenham to London covers a distance of 142 km and takes approximately 1h 56m. Trains run 10 per day.
The train distance from Cheltenham to London is 142 km.
The first train from Cheltenham to London leaves at 3:17.
The last train from Cheltenham to London departs at 22:33.
Trains from Cheltenham to London run approximately 10 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cheltenham to London.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cheltenham and London. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
To get from Cheltenham to London, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cheltenham to London.
The train station in Cheltenham that goes to London is Cheltenham Spa (CNM), and it arrives at London Paddington (PAD).
The cheapest way to get from Cheltenham to London is by coach, costing approximately £6.
Booking trains from Cheltenham to London 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 London offers some scenic views, especially as it passes through the picturesque Cotswolds with its rolling hills and charming villages, before transitioning into more urban landscapes as you approach London.
Yes, a day trip from Cheltenham to London is feasible, with a travel time of 1h 56m and a distance of 142 km. Trains run 6 times per day.
In London, you can enjoy panoramic views from The London Eye, catch a theatrical production in the vibrant West End Theatre District, and explore the eclectic Camden Market. Take a leisurely walk through Hyde Park or visit the Tate Modern for contemporary art. Don't miss the British Museum's vast collection, the historic Tower of London, iconic Buckingham Palace, and the political landmarks of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. St. Paul's Cathedral offers architectural beauty and rich history.
For a first-time visitor to London, 3 to 4 days is usually sufficient to explore major attractions such as the British Museum, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the West End.
Yes, you can take the train from Cheltenham to London.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cheltenham and London

Most Cheltenham to London trains use the Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington station pair, with some services arriving at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and London 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 London

Which Cheltenham station do trains to London leave from?

Trains from Cheltenham to London 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 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.

More options for your journey from Cheltenham to London

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to London Cheltenham to London train

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