- Must visit
The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
Cheltenham's main museum and art gallery, with local history, archaeology, and decorative arts. A top place to understand the town and region.
Cheapest price
$13
Average price
$13
Fastest journey
2 h 35 m
Average duration
2 h 35 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
89 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Cheltenham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Cheltenham will cost around $13 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $13.
Of the 1 buses that leave Cardiff for Cheltenham on Fri, Jul 31, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct buses cover the 89 km distance in an average of 2 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 35 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest buses will take 2 h 35 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.
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Cheltenham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 11m. 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 bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $12.
Distance: 55 miles (89 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$11 Average price Cheapest | $20 Average price | $26 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 48m Average total duration 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Cheltenham:
A bus is $8 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Cheltenham costing on average $20 (€16).
Other travel options to Cheltenham take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 18m.
Tickets start at around $11 (€9) compared to roughly $26 (€21) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $14 (€12). The journey takes 2h 18m versus 1h 24m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Megabus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $19 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Cheltenham buses for tomorrow, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 6:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 2h35 | 8:45 AM Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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.
Buses from Cardiff to Cheltenham run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $7 (€6) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:15, the last at 23:47. The fastest bus covers the 55 miles (89 km) distance in 2h 35m.
Distance 55 miles (89 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€6) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 35m |
First bus 2:15 AM |
Last bus 11:47 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 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, with local history, archaeology, and decorative arts. A top place to understand the town and region.
Specialist military museum in the former county jail, telling the story of the Gloucestershire Regiment through medals, uniforms, and campaigns.
Volunteer-run railway museum at Cheltenham Racecourse, featuring locomotives, heritage carriages, and displays on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.
Cheltenham's best-known shopping and strolling street, lined with Regency buildings, gardens, and landmarks. Ideal for first-time visitors.
Stylish district famed for Regency architecture, boutiques, and gardens. It captures Cheltenham's classic spa-town elegance and atmosphere.
Large Victorian park with lakes, play areas, and broad lawns, anchored by the Pump Room. A popular place for walks and relaxed sightseeing.
Single Gloucester cheese is a traditional Gloucestershire cow’s milk cheese with a creamy, nutty taste, long tied to the county’s dairy farms and markets.
Double Gloucester is a rich, full-bodied regional cheese from Gloucestershire, prized for its smooth texture and role in local food culture.
Old Spot pork comes from Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs, a historic local breed known for tender, flavorful meat linked to county farming traditions.
Refined fine dining in a historic regency setting, known for modern British tasting menus and polished service.
A celebrated contemporary British restaurant with seasonal menus, elegant rooms, and a strong local reputation.
A long-established Cheltenham pub known for classic British fare, local drinks, and a traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are mid-priced, buses are reasonable, and costs are usually lower than London but higher than smaller towns.
Service may be included. If not, tip 10-12.5% at restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Cafes usually do not require tipping.
Official public transport app
Cheltenham Spa railway station -> The Promenade, Cheltenham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Cheltenham by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cheltenham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Cheltenham buses use the Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) to Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane) station pair, with some services arriving at Gloucester, Transport Hub. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Cheltenham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Royal Well (in the station), The Coffee House (0.2 km), The Brewery Quarter (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station.
Available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need