- 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.
Cheapest price
£49
Average price
£49
Fastest journey
3 h 18 m
Average duration
3 h 18 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
114 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Luton to Cheltenham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Luton to Cheltenham will cost around £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £49.
Of the 1 trains that leave Luton for Cheltenham every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 114 km distance in an average of 3 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 18 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 18 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.


Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Luton to Cheltenham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 48m. 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 £11, and a train costs an average of £27.
Distance: 114 km
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£49 Average Price | £14 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 18m Average total duration Fastest 2h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration 3h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Luton to Cheltenham trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W35065+ W45524+ C37160 | Delayed 8:32 8:13Luton station (LUT) | 3h18 | 11:31 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2 changes | |
W34617+ W32951+ C38305+ G01069 | 8:59 Luton station (LUT) | 3h12 | 12:11 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 3 changes | |
W34618+ C38356+ W32966+ G00865 | 9:29 Luton station (LUT) | 3h09 | 12:38 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 3 changes | |
C38422+ W35069+ W45545 | On time 10:13 Luton station (LUT) | 3h18 | 13:31 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2 changes | |
W35417+ W45384+ C38436+ G00872 | 10:29 Luton station (LUT) | 3h09 | 13:38 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 3 changes | |
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+ W34622+ G01074+ C04229 | On time 10:56 Luton station (LUT) | 3h14 | 14:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 3 changes | |
W32976+ C38505+ W35071 | On time 11:13 Luton station (LUT) | 3h18 | 14:31 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2 changes | |
G14940+ C04235+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+ G01080 | On time 11:56 Luton station (LUT) | 3h14 | 15:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 3 changes | |
W45551+ C38581+ W35073 | On time 12:13 Luton station (LUT) | 3h18 | 15:31 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2 changes | |
W45382+ C38203+ W35418+ G00883 | On time 12:29 Luton station (LUT) | 3h09 | 15:38 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 3 changes | |
W32974+ C38243+ W34629+ G01082 | On time 12:59 Luton station (LUT) | 3h11 | 16:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 3 changes | |
C38264+ W35075+ W45561 | 13:13 Luton station (LUT) | 3h18 | 16:31 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2 changes | |
W32942+ C38286+ W34630+ G00888 | 13:29 Luton station (LUT) | 3h09 | 16:38 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 3 changes | |
W32971+ C38325+ W34632+ G01083 | On time 13:59 Luton station (LUT) | 3h11 | 17:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 3 changes | |
G15031+ W45556+ C38349 | 14:13 Luton station (LUT) | 3h18 | 17:31 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2 changes | |
W45527+ C38367+ W34634+ G00894 | On time 14:29 Luton station (LUT) | 3h09 | 17:38 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 3 changes | |
W45383+ C38409+ W35419+ G00723 | On time 14:59 Luton station (LUT) | 3h12 | 18:11 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 3 changes | |
W45574+ C38429+ G15032 | 15:13 Luton station (LUT) | 3h18 | 18:31 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2 changes | |
W45379+ C38448+ W34637+ G66779 | On time 15:29 Luton station (LUT) | 3h09 | 18:38 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 3 changes | |
X90952+ C38490+ G14941+ G00730 | On time 15:59 Luton station (LUT) | 3h11 | 19:10 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 3 changes | |
W45576+ C38514+ G15033 | 16:13 Luton station (LUT) | 3h21 | 19:34 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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.
Trains from Luton to Cheltenham run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:40, the last at 22:27. The fastest train covers the 114 km distance in 3h 18m.
Distance 114 km |
Average train duration 2h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 18m |
First train 5:40 |
Last train 22:27 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Cheltenham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cheltenham trip today.
Cheltenham's main museum and art gallery, covering local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in a central Regency building.
Museum in Pittville Pump Room exploring Cheltenham's spa history, with displays on mineral waters, visitors and Regency society.
Composer Gustav Holst's birthplace, furnished with period rooms and musical displays that bring Victorian Cheltenham to life.
Formal Regency gardens beside the Promenade, popular for walks, floral displays, events and views of historic Cheltenham buildings.
Large ornamental park with lake, playgrounds and broad paths, ideal for relaxed walks near the famous Pump Room.
Leafy district known for Regency architecture, boutiques and garden spaces, offering one of Cheltenham's most elegant walking areas.
Gloucester Old Spot pork from a traditional local breed, often served as roast or sausages. It is closely linked to Gloucestershire farming heritage.
Single or double Gloucester is a historic local cheese from Gloucestershire, prized for its rich, creamy taste and long county tradition.
A hard-pressed cow’s milk cheese from nearby Gloucestershire, traditionally matured for a full, nutty flavour and strong regional identity.
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for polished tasting menus and carefully sourced seasonal ingredients.
Long-established French bistro with a lively, relaxed feel. Known for steak frites, seafood and classic brasserie dishes.
Stylish contemporary restaurant serving seasonal British cooking, craft drinks and brunch in a smart but informal setting.
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.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is fine. Taxis: round up or tip about 10% for good service.
Official public transport app
Cheltenham Spa -> Cheltenham Town Centre, Promenade
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton 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.

Most Luton to Cheltenham trains use the Luton to Cheltenham Spa station pair. Use this guide to compare Luton and Cheltenham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.
Ticket office support is available at Luton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton DART Parkway has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton DART Parkway: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Cheltenham Spa is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: The Railway Inn, The Coconut Tree
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham Spa. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage storage is available at Cheltenham Spa. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham Spa: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Queens Hotel Cheltenham, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need