- 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 on Sep 17
€14
Average ticket price on Sep 17
€22
Fastest journey on Sep 17
5 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
6 h 40 m
Buses on Sep 17
2
Distance
165 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Exeter to Cheltenham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Cheltenham will cost around €22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €14.
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 2 buses from Exeter to Cheltenham, including 2 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct buses cover the 165 km distance in an average of 6 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest buses will take 7 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Cheltenham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 19m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €20, while a train costs an average of €54.
Distance: 102 miles (165 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€20 Average price Cheapest | €54 Average price | €35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 59m Average total duration 4h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg 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 Exeter to Cheltenham:
A bus is €34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Cheltenham costing on average €54.
Other travel options to Cheltenham take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 29m.
Tickets start at around €20 compared to roughly €35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €15. The journey takes 4h 29m versus 2h 5m 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 National Express.
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 12:10AM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €14 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €11 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €11 |
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Cheltenham buses for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:10 AM Exeter | 7h35 | 8:45 AM Cheltenham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:55 PM Exeter | 5h45 | 10:40 PM Cheltenham | 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 Exeter to Cheltenham run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €12 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:10, the last at 22:52. The fastest bus covers the 102 miles (165 km) distance in 2h 45m.
Distance 102 miles (165 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price €12 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 45m |
First bus 1:10 AM |
Last bus 10:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 Exeter 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 Exeter to Cheltenham buses use the Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court to Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub station pair, with some services arriving at Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane). Use this guide to compare Exeter and Cheltenham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court. ATMs are available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court.
Available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court: Wheelchair accessible.
Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub is 3 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:
Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free WiFi is available throughout the station. ATMs are available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub.
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub.
Available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub: Facilities are accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.
Cheltenham has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free WiFi available in the waiting area. ATMs are available at Cheltenham.
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham.
Available at Cheltenham: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need