- 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
$28
Average price
$47
Fastest journey
5 h
Average duration
6 h 29 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
157 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cheltenham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cheltenham will cost around $47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
Of the 4 buses that leave Stansted Mountfitchet for Cheltenham on Sat, Aug 22, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 22 the direct buses cover the 157 km distance in an average of 6 h 29 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h .
On Sat, Aug 22 the slowest buses will take 10 h 20 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cheltenham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a train costs an average of $36.
Distance: 97 miles (157 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$49 Average price Cheapest | $74 Average price | $43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 49m Average total duration 4h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 36m Average total duration Fastest 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cheltenham:
A bus is $25 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stansted Mountfitchet to Cheltenham costing on average $74 (€60).
Other travel options to Cheltenham take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 19m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Stephensons of Essex | Departure Time 09:37AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 4h23 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Stephensons of Essex | Departure Time 12:03PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 5h02 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Stephensons of Essex | Departure Time 02:03PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 6h22 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Stephensons of Essex | Departure Time 04:27PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 6h03 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Stephensons of Essex | Departure Time 06:48PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 5h07 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:35PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $52 |
The table below shows live departures for Stansted Mountfitchet to Cheltenham buses for today, Friday, August 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:15 PM Stansted Mountfitchet | 5h20 | 11:35 PM Cheltenham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:25 PM Stansted Mountfitchet | 5h00 | 12:25 AM 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 Stansted Mountfitchet to Cheltenham run on average 12 times per day, taking around 4h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:35, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 97 miles (157 km) distance in 5h 0m.
Distance 97 miles (157 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 5h 0m |
First bus 2:35 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 28 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 Stansted Mountfitchet 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 Stansted Mountfitchet to Cheltenham buses use the Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach 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 Stansted Mountfitchet 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