London to Cheltenham train with Great Western Rail

Fri 20 Feb
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London to Cheltenham

Showing times and prices for 20 Feb

Cheapest price

£53

Average price

£98

Fastest journey

1 h 50 m

Average duration

1 h 54 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

142 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from London to Cheltenham will cost around £98 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £53.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave London for Cheltenham every day 2 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 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 59 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 RailP22623+CrossCountryC75334
10:161h55
London Paddington (PAD)
12:11Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
£531One-way
1 change
Great Western RailP22756
09:321h59
London Paddington (PAD)
11:31Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
£601One-way
0 changes
Great Western RailP22621+CrossCountryC75323_C75008
09:181h52
London Paddington (PAD)
11:10Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
£741One-way
1 change
Great Western RailP22755
08:321h59
London Paddington (PAD)
10:31Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
£751One-way
0 changes
Great Western RailP22619+CrossCountryC75330
08:181h53
London Paddington (PAD)
10:11Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
£1621One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for London to Cheltenham

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from London to Cheltenham 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 31m. 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 £23.

Distance: 142 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£58

Average Price

£8

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 1m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 31m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 52m

Average total duration

3h 22m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Rail

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

London to Cheltenham train times

The table below shows live departures for London to Cheltenham trains for tomorrow, Friday 20 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 20:31
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
great_westernP22619+cross_countryC75330
On time
08:18 London Paddington (PAD)
1h53
10:11 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
1 change
great_westernP22755
On time
08:32 London Paddington (PAD)
1h59
10:31 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP22620+cross_countryC74905
On time
08:48 London Paddington (PAD)
1h50
10:38 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
1 change
great_westernP22621+cross_countryC75323_C75008
On time
09:18 London Paddington (PAD)
1h52
11:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
1 change
great_westernP22756
On time
09:32 London Paddington (PAD)
1h59
11:31 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP22623+cross_countryC75334
On time
10:16 London Paddington (PAD)
1h55
12:11 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London to Cheltenham 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.

Fri
20 Feb
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Why should you book London to Cheltenham trains with Omio?

Great Western Rail as well as National Express, South Western Railway, first_great_western and more offer trains services from London to Cheltenham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Cheltenham.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Rail?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

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

The best time to book your train from London to Cheltenham is 63 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the London to Cheltenham route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from London to Cheltenham 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 London to Cheltenham.

Journey information

Overview: Train from London to Cheltenham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from London to Cheltenham run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:34, the last at 22:33. The fastest train covers the 142 km distance in 1h 55m.

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 31m
Cheapest ticket price
£23
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
1h 55m
First train
03:34
Last train
22:33
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 Rail, National Express, South Western Railway, first_great_western from London to Cheltenham trainsGreat Western Rail, National Express, South Western Railway, first_great_western trains will get you between London and Cheltenham from £6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Rail

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
£23
Great Western Rail frequency
7 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

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 25m
Cheapest Price
£6
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 50m
Cheapest Price
£91
first_great_western frequency
25 a day

Trains from London to Cheltenham

Cheltenham is approximately 96 miles northwest of London, on the Bristol-Birmingham railway line. Trains from London to Cheltenham depart at regular intervals throughout the day, although services are slightly less frequent outside of peak times. Depending on the service, the journey will take between 1 hour 50 minutes and 2.5 hours.

London to Cheltenham train times: Daily departures

Three trains depart from London Paddington Station for Cheltenham every hour during peak times. However, services are slightly less regular during the early morning and later evening, as well as on weekends and public holidays. The first services leave London at around 5:35 a.m., and the last at approximately 11:30 p.m. 

How long is the journey by train from London to Cheltenham?

Trains from London to Cheltenham take between 1 hour 50 minutes and 2.5 hours to complete their journey. Some services are direct, while others require a change at Bristol Parkway.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from London to Cheltenham?

Departure train station: Paddington Station, about three miles from central London, is easily accessible by underground, bus, and taxi from other parts of the city. One of London's largest and best-known railway stations, Paddington offers travellers a wide range of facilities, including toilets, showers, payphones, ATMs, trolleys, and luggage storage. Other services include a ticket office, ticket machines, a visitor centre, and retail outlets.

Arrival train station: Situated about a mile from Cheltenham's town centre, Cheltenham Spa Railway Station is where trains from London arrive. Regular local buses provide a convenient service, transporting new arrivals from the station to the town centre and other areas. A taxi rank is also close to the entrance of the station. Facilities available at Cheltenham Spa station include public toilets, baby-changing facilities, trolleys, payphones, and public WiFi. There's also a ticket office, ticket machines, and refreshment facilities. 

Which train companies travel from London to Cheltenham? 

Trains from London to Cheltenham are operated by Great Western Railway. Services begin in the early morning, continuing throughout the day and into the evening. The duration of the journey varies depending on the service, and some require a change of train.

Great Western Railway London to Cheltenham 

Great Western Railway operates the only trains from London to Cheltenham. During peak times, three trains depart from Paddington every hour. There are two per hour at other times. Most trains from London to Cheltenham require a change at Bristol Parkway, although there's also a direct service that operates hourly. The length of the journey depends on the route taken and the number of stops. Most take approximately two hours, although some are slightly longer. 

London to Cheltenham trains: Services on board

Three pieces of luggage can be taken on trains from London to Cheltenham, provided they measure under 30 cm × 70 cm × 90cm. Passengers can store smaller items in the train's overhead racks or beneath their seat, while larger bags can be placed in dedicated luggage areas. Those travelling with a bike are strongly recommended to reserve a bike space when purchasing a ticket. Pets are also welcome, although there are some restrictions.

Travellers with disabilities can request assistance ahead of their journey. First-class services on trains from London to Cheltenham offer a higher level of comfort, with little luxuries such as reclining seats, extra legroom, plug sockets, USB ports, and WiFi. 

How to find cheap train tickets from London to Cheltenham

Travellers considering a journey by train from London to Cheltenham will be pleasantly surprised to discover that there are plenty of ways to save money on a ticket. It's always a good idea to book in advance to take advantage of any special deals. Another tip is to be flexible with travel dates and times, as off-peak travel is always much cheaper. In many cases, slower trains or journeys that require a transfer can also offer substantial savings. 

FAQs: London to Cheltenham train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from London to Cheltenham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £23, while the average price tends to be around £58.
The train journey from London to Cheltenham covers a distance of 142 km and takes approximately 1h 55m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from London to Cheltenham is 142 km.
The first train from London to Cheltenham leaves at 3:34.
The last train from London to Cheltenham departs at 22:33.
Trains from London to Cheltenham run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from London to Cheltenham.
Yes, there is a direct train between London and Cheltenham. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, National Express, first_great_western.
To get from London to Cheltenham, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from London to Cheltenham.
The train station in London that goes to Cheltenham is London Paddington (PAD), and it arrives at Cheltenham Spa (CNM).
The cheapest way to get from London to Cheltenham is by coach, costing approximately £6.
Booking trains from London to Cheltenham in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from London to Cheltenham offers pleasant views of the English countryside, with picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and charming villages, particularly as you travel through the Cotswolds.
A day trip from London to Cheltenham is feasible, as the journey takes 1h 55m, covering a distance of 142 km. Trains run with a frequency of 6 per day.
In Cheltenham, you can attend the Cheltenham Literature Festival, enjoy a scenic walk or boat ride at Pittville Park, explore art at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, and experience horse racing at Cheltenham Racecourse. Discover vibrant cafes and boutique shops in Montpellier District. Key sights include the historic Pittville Pump Room, Sandford Parks Lido, and the Regency architecture of Montpellier District.
A stay of around two to three days in Cheltenham is ideal to enjoy its Regency architecture, explore the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty nearby, and visit attractions such as Pittville Park and the Holst Birthplace Museum.
Yes, you can take the train from London to Cheltenham.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in London and Cheltenham

London
Cheltenham
The major train station for departures in London is London Paddington. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at London Paddington for your trip from London to Cheltenham.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 24/7
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent Flower stall Shoe repairer Wide range of shops Mini supermarket Pharmacy Convenience store High street shops Off Licence Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Dining
Dining
  • Wasabi
  • The Beer House
  • Barburrito
  • Upper Crust
  • The Mad Bishop & Bear (Fullers)
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Burger King
  • Pret a Manger
  • The Savanna
  • Soboro Bakery
  • & more
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: The taxi deck is situated above Platform 12 and is accessed via the concourse and platform 12, which has escalators and lifts to the upper level to the covered marshalled taxi rank. A queuing system is in operation. There is also a separate collection point for pre-booked taxis and a drop off point
  • Accessible taxis: All London Black Cabs can accommodate wheelchair passengers without wheelchair users having to leave their wheelchair. There is also a separate collection point for prebooked taxis also further away from the lifts.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Accessible toilets are located on Platforms' 1 and 12. A Changing Places facility is located on Platform 12. There are dedicated breastfeeding rooms / Parent & Baby rooms; within the Ladies toilets on Platform 1 within the public toilets on Platform 12.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: Accessible toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 12.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hilton London Paddington
  • Mercure London Paddington Hotel
  • The Pilgrm
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Platform 12
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • 24/7
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: On platform 8/9 and 10
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near Platform 1.
Public transport options for London Paddington
  • Underground lines: Bakerloo Line, Circle Line, District Line, Hammersmith Line
  • Bus lines: N7, 23, 27, N27, 36, 205, N205, 332, 7, 46, A1, 18, N18
  • Train lines: Great Western Main Line, Heathrow Express
  • Metro: Tube Lines.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 05:00 - 23:59
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
23 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Public transport options for Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3
  • Onward travel information: National Rail trains serving London Paddington National Express coaches to Victoria Coach Station and Gatwick Airport London Underground
  • Metro: Connection available with the London Underground (Piccadilly Line)
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
AccessibilityAccessibility
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 05:00 - 23:59
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
25 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No

More options for your journey from London to Cheltenham

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HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cheltenham London to Cheltenham train

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