Edinburgh to Cheltenham bus with National Express

Sun, Jun 21
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Edinburgh to Cheltenham

Showing times and prices for Jun 21

Cheapest price

$43

Average price

$44

Fastest journey

14 h 30 m

Average duration

14 h 30 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

456 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Cheltenham will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Edinburgh for Cheltenham on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 456 km distance in an average of 14 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h 30 m .

On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 14 h 30 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.

  • National Express
    11:45 AM14h30
    Edinburgh
    2:15 AMCheltenham
    $431One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    10:45 AM14h30
    Edinburgh
    1:15 AMCheltenham
    $461One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Edinburgh to Cheltenham

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Cheltenham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 11m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a train costs an average of $64.

Distance: 283 miles (456 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

$57

Average price

Cheapest

$162

Average price

$64

Average price

$163

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

12h 11m

Average total duration

11h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 13m

Average total duration

5h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 11m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

6h 26m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

easyJet

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Cheltenham is a bus with an average price of $57 (€46).

This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Cheltenham:

A bus is $8 (€6) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Cheltenham costing on average $64 (€53).

A bus is $106 (€87) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Cheltenham costing on average $162 (€133).

The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Cheltenham is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 11m.

Other travel options to Cheltenham take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 43m.

Bus takes on average 11h 41m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Cheltenham including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Cheltenham among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.

Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Edinburgh to Cheltenham Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:45AM
Arrival Time
09:25PM
Duration
12h40
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$55
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:35AM
Arrival Time
12:25AM
Duration
13h50
Departure days
Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:45AM
Arrival Time
01:15AM
Duration
14h30
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$46
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:45AM
Arrival Time
02:15AM
Duration
14h30
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$43
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:25PM
Arrival Time
10:10AM
Duration
12h45
Departure days
Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
$101
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:40PM
Arrival Time
12:55PM
Duration
15h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$56
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:05PM
Arrival Time
12:05PM
Duration
14h00
Departure days
Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
$85
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:40PM
Arrival Time
01:55PM
Duration
15h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$50

Live departures

Edinburgh to Cheltenham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cheltenham buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express10:45 AM Edinburgh
14h30
1:15 AM Cheltenham0 transfersDirect
National Express11:45 AM Edinburgh
14h30
2:15 AM Cheltenham0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Cheltenham by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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.

Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27

Why should you book Edinburgh to Cheltenham buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Edinburgh to Cheltenham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Cheltenham.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Cheltenham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Cheltenham.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Cheltenham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Edinburgh to Cheltenham run on average 5 times per day, taking around 11h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by flight.

The earliest bus runs at 02:05, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 283 miles (456 km) distance in 12h 40m.

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
Flight from $25 (€20)
Distance
283 miles (456 km)
Average bus duration
11h 41m
Cheapest ticket price
$42 (€34)
Buses per day
5
Fastest bus
12h 40m
First bus
2:05 AM
Last bus
11:40 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
91 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
Flight from $25 (€20)

Bus providers: National Express from Edinburgh to CheltenhamYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Cheltenham with National Express for as low as $25 (€20). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

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
12h 40m
Cheapest Price
$42 (€34)
National Express frequency
3 a day
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 bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

FAQs: Bus from Edinburgh to Cheltenham

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Edinburgh to Cheltenham can start from as little as $42 (€34) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Edinburgh to Cheltenham is $57 (€46) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Edinburgh to Cheltenham is 12h 40m to travel the 283 miles (456 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Edinburgh to Cheltenham leaves at 2:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Edinburgh to Cheltenham leaves at 11:40 PM.
There are 5 buses a day from Edinburgh to Cheltenham which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Edinburgh to Cheltenham, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Cheltenham. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Cheltenham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Edinburgh , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Edinburgh, Bus Station . When arriving in Cheltenham , you can end your journey in bus stations like Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station, Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane), Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Gloucester Road (Arle Court), Gloucester, Transport Hub .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Edinburgh, Bus Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Cheltenham from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 12h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Edinburgh to Cheltenham is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Cheltenham including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Edinburgh to Cheltenham for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Edinburgh to Cheltenham:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cheltenham are:
  • Pittville Park, a large public park featuring a lake, playgrounds, and the historic Pittville Pump Room
  • The Wilson, an art gallery and museum showcasing local history and contemporary art
  • Cheltenham Racecourse, a renowned venue for horse racing events including the Cheltenham Festival
  • Montpellier District, a vibrant area known for its Regency architecture, boutique shops, and cafes
  • Sandford Parks Lido, an outdoor swimming pool complex with heated pools and sunbathing areas.
The best things to do in Cheltenham include:
  • Cheltenham Literature Festival, an annual event attracting renowned authors and literary enthusiasts for talks and workshops
  • Enjoy a scenic walk or boat ride at Pittville Park
  • Explore diverse art collections and exhibitions at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
  • Experience the thrill of horse racing at Cheltenham Racecourse
  • Discover the vibrant cafes and boutique shops in Montpellier District.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Edinburgh to Cheltenham depends on the bus companies:
  • National Express
    • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Edinburgh to Cheltenham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Edinburgh to Cheltenham:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Edinburgh to Cheltenham:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Edinburgh to Cheltenham.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Edinburgh to Cheltenham with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Edinburgh to Cheltenham with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Edinburgh to Cheltenham with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Edinburgh nor Cheltenham are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Cheltenham among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Cheltenham, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially during busy events like the Cheltenham Festival. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers and fake charity collectors. It’s advisable to use licensed transportation and stay vigilant in crowded areas.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Edinburgh to Cheltenham

Most Edinburgh to Cheltenham buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane). Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Cheltenham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Edinburgh
Arrival bus stations in Cheltenham

Which Edinburgh station do buses to Cheltenham leave from?

Buses from Edinburgh to Cheltenham leave from Edinburgh, Bus Station. The station is from Edinburgh city centre at Elder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre

Bus10, 11 · 2m · $2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · $1 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · $5 · every ~38 min

Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services

Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.

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