- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Portsmouth to Cheltenham
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$67
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$67
Fastest journey on Sep 19
4 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
5 h 10 m
Buses on Sep 19
6
Distance
140 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Portsmouth to Cheltenham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Cheltenham will cost around $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Portsmouth to Cheltenham without transferring at least once.
6:05 AM4h05Portsmouth10:10 AMCheltenham$671One-way1 transfer- 8:30 AM5h05Portsmouth1:35 PMCheltenham$671One-way1 transfer
- 10:50 AM5h15Portsmouth4:05 PMCheltenham$671One-way1 transfer
- 1:50 PM6h20Portsmouth8:10 PMCheltenham$671One-way1 transfer
- 4:55 PM5h05Portsmouth10:00 PMCheltenham$671One-way1 transfer
- 6:05 AM4h05Portsmouth10:10 AMCheltenham$671One-way1 transfer
- 8:30 AM5h05Portsmouth1:35 PMCheltenham$671One-way1 transfer
- 4:55 PM5h05Portsmouth10:00 PMCheltenham$671One-way1 transfer
- 10:50 AM5h15Portsmouth4:05 PMCheltenham$671One-way1 transfer
- 1:50 PM6h20Portsmouth8:10 PMCheltenham$671One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Portsmouth to Cheltenham
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Cheltenham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $60 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 33m. 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 $60, while a train costs an average of $106.
Distance: 86 miles (140 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$60 Average price Cheapest | $106 Average price | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 5m Average total duration 4h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 33m Average total duration Fastest 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Portsmouth to Cheltenham is a bus with an average price of $60.
This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to Cheltenham:
A bus is $46 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Cheltenham costing on average $106.
The fastest way to travel from Portsmouth to Cheltenham is by train with an average journey time of 3h 3m.
Other travel options to Cheltenham take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Cheltenham including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Portsmouth to Cheltenham among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $60 compared to roughly $38 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-21.92. The journey takes 4h 35m versus 2h 14m 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.
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.
Portsmouth to Cheltenham Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:29AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 6h31 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:49AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 6h16 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:39PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 6h06 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:29PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 5h56 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:29PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 5h56 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 02:35AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Live departures
Portsmouth to Cheltenham bus times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Cheltenham buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:29 PM Portsmouth | 5h56 | 11:25 PM Cheltenham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:29 PM Portsmouth | 5h56 | 12:25 AM Cheltenham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
| 6:05 AM Portsmouth | 4h05 | 10:10 AM Cheltenham | 1 transfer | |
| 8:30 AM Portsmouth | 5h05 | 1:35 PM Cheltenham | 1 transfer | |
| 10:50 AM Portsmouth | 5h15 | 4:05 PM Cheltenham | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth to Cheltenham by bus or train
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.
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
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Why should you book Portsmouth to Cheltenham buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Portsmouth to Cheltenham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Portsmouth 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Portsmouth to Cheltenham.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Portsmouth to Cheltenham.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Portsmouth to Cheltenham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Portsmouth to Cheltenham run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:35, the last at 21:00. The fastest bus covers the 86 miles (140 km) distance in 4h 11m.
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
Distance 86 miles (140 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 4h 11m |
First bus 2:35 AM |
Last bus 9:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Bus providers: National Express from Portsmouth to CheltenhamYou can travel by bus between Portsmouth to Cheltenham with National Express for as low as $25. 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 National Express Duration
4h 11m
Cheapest National Express Price
$25
National Express frequency
7 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.
Complete guide to Cheltenham
Things to do in Cheltenham
Discover the best of Cheltenham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cheltenham trip today.
- Recommended
The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
Specialist military museum in the former county jail, telling the story of the Gloucestershire Regiment through medals, uniforms, and campaigns.
Railway Museum at Cheltenham Racecourse
Volunteer-run railway museum at Cheltenham Racecourse, featuring locomotives, heritage carriages, and displays on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.
- Must visit
The Promenade
Cheltenham's best-known shopping and strolling street, lined with Regency buildings, gardens, and landmarks. Ideal for first-time visitors.
- Must visit
Montpellier
Stylish district famed for Regency architecture, boutiques, and gardens. It captures Cheltenham's classic spa-town elegance and atmosphere.
- Must visit
Pittville Park
Large Victorian park with lakes, play areas, and broad lawns, anchored by the Pump Room. A popular place for walks and relaxed sightseeing.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Single Gloucester Cheese
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.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Double Gloucester Cheese
Double Gloucester is a rich, full-bodied regional cheese from Gloucestershire, prized for its smooth texture and role in local food culture.
- Gluten-free
Gloucestershire Old Spot Pork
Old Spot pork comes from Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs, a historic local breed known for tender, flavorful meat linked to county farming traditions.
Le Champignon Sauvage
Refined fine dining in a historic regency setting, known for modern British tasting menus and polished service.
The Daffodil
A celebrated contemporary British restaurant with seasonal menus, elegant rooms, and a strong local reputation.
The Vine
A long-established Cheltenham pub known for classic British fare, local drinks, and a traditional atmosphere.
British Pound Sterling (£)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city center
Cheltenham Spa railway station -> The Promenade, Cheltenham
- Distance
- 1.9 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless payment is accepted on Stagecoach buses in Cheltenham. Buy before boarding is not usually required on local buses.
- Cheltenham has no tram or metro. Most local public transport is by bus, with fares and live tracking in the Stagecoach Bus app.
FAQs: Bus from Portsmouth to Cheltenham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Portsmouth to Cheltenham can start from as little as $25 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Portsmouth to Cheltenham is $60 ; 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 Portsmouth to Cheltenham is 4h 11m to travel the 86 miles (140 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 Portsmouth to Cheltenham leaves at 2:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Portsmouth to Cheltenham leaves at 9:00 PM.
There are 7 buses a day from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth and Cheltenham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Cheltenham from Portsmouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 11m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Portsmouth to Cheltenham is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Cheltenham including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Portsmouth to Cheltenham:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Portsmouth to Cheltenham for bus company National Express.
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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Cheltenham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Cheltenham:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Portsmouth to Cheltenham.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Portsmouth to Cheltenham with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Portsmouth to Cheltenham with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Portsmouth to Cheltenham with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Cheltenham
Most Portsmouth to Cheltenham buses use the Portsmouth, University to Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Cheltenham. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Cheltenham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Portsmouth
Arrival bus stations in Cheltenham
Portsmouth, University
Portsmouth, The Hard InterchangeThe Hard Interchange, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange from Portsmouth city centre
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLondon Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour, Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour, Littlehampton - Portsmouth Harbour, Three Bridges - Portsmouth Harbour, Barnham - Portsmouth Harbour, Gatwick Airport - Portsmouth Harbour, Havant - Portsmouth Harbour, Bognor Regis - Portsmouth Harbour · 3m · $1 · every ~4 min
Bus1, 2, 8, 3, 7, X4, H1, X5, Pr1 · 6m · $2 · every ~214 min
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange bus station facilities and services
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange 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 Hard (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Which Cheltenham station do buses from Portsmouth arrive at?
Buses from Portsmouth to Cheltenham most often arrive at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station. Some services arrive at Cheltenham, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cheltenham arrival station.
Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus StationRoyal Well Road, Cheltenham, GL50 3PD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station from Cheltenham city centre
Bus94, 94U, 97, 98
Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station 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 and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria Royal Well (in the station), The Coffee House (0.2 km), The Brewery Quarter (0.5 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
CheltenhamCheltenham, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cheltenham from Cheltenham city centre
TRUE
Cheltenham bus station facilities and services
Cheltenham has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi available in the waiting area. ATMs are available at Cheltenham.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cheltenham: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Cheltenham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cheltenham and Portsmouth
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