Cheltenham to London train with Great Western Rail

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.