Bristol to Cheltenham bus with National Express

Tue, Sep 08
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bristol to Cheltenham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 08

Cheapest price on Sep 08

$6

Average ticket price on Sep 08

$14

Fastest journey on Sep 08

1 h

Average journey duration on Sep 08

1 h 38 m

Buses on Sep 08

7

Distance

61 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Bristol to Cheltenham will cost around $14 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $6.

Fast buses

On Tue, Sep 08, we found 7 buses from Bristol to Cheltenham, including 3 direct services.

On Tue, Sep 08 the direct buses cover the 61 km distance in an average of 1 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h .

On Tue, Sep 08 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    7:35 PM1h25
    Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
    9:00 PMCheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub
    $61One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    9:35 AM1h25
    Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
    11:00 AMCheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub
    $61One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    7:45 AM1h00
    Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
    8:45 AMCheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub
    $71One-way
    0 transfers
  • National ExpressNX100 · NX445
    8:50 AM1h45
    Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
    10:35 AMCheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station
    $201One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX105 · NX444
    1:20 PM3h05
    Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
    4:25 PMCheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station
    $201One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Bristol to Cheltenham

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Cheltenham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 18m. 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 $16, while a train costs an average of $17.

Distance: 37 miles (61 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$16

Average price

Cheapest

$17

Average price

$29

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 44m

Average total duration

1h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 18m

Average total duration

Fastest

48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

52m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

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 Bristol to Cheltenham is a bus with an average price of $16.

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

A bus is $1 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Cheltenham costing on average $17.

The fastest way to travel from Bristol to Cheltenham is by train with an average journey time of 48m.

Other travel options to Cheltenham take longer:

Bus takes on average 1h 14m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Cheltenham including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol 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 $16 compared to roughly $29 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $13. The journey takes 1h 14m versus 52m 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, Megabus, FlixBus.

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.

Bristol to Cheltenham Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
09:25AM
Duration
2h25
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15AM
Arrival Time
09:25AM
Duration
2h10
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:45AM
Arrival Time
08:45AM
Duration
1h00
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$6
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:35AM
Arrival Time
09:25AM
Duration
0h50
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$6
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:50AM
Arrival Time
10:35AM
Duration
1h45
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:35AM
Arrival Time
11:00AM
Duration
1h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$6
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:50AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
2h35
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:50AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
1h35
Departure days
Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:50AM
Arrival Time
02:35PM
Duration
2h45
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:20PM
Arrival Time
04:25PM
Duration
3h05
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:15PM
Arrival Time
07:05PM
Duration
0h50
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$6
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:35PM
Arrival Time
09:00PM
Duration
1h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$6
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:20PM
Arrival Time
09:40PM
Duration
1h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$17
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:20PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
1h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$17

Live departures

Bristol to Cheltenham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Cheltenham buses for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX105 · NX4441:20 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
2h05
3:25 PM Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus7:35 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h25
9:00 PM Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, September 8
FlixBusFlixBus7:45 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h00
8:45 AM Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX100 · NX4458:50 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h45
10:35 AM Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus9:35 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h25
11:00 AM Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX100 · NX4449:50 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
2h35
12:25 PM Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX101 · NX44411:50 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
2h45
2:35 PM Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Cheltenham by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Tue
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sat
Sep 12
Sun
Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14

Why should you book Bristol to Cheltenham buses with Omio?

National Express as well as Megabus or FlixBus offer buses services from Bristol to Cheltenham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Cheltenham.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Cheltenham.
  • 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol to Cheltenham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Cheltenham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Cheltenham.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bristol to Cheltenham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Bristol to Cheltenham run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $5 if you book in advance.

There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 37 miles (61 km) distance in 50m.

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
37 miles (61 km)
Average bus duration
1h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
$5
Buses per day
6
Direct buses
3
Fastest bus
50m
First bus
12:25 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
14 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

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Bristol to CheltenhamYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Cheltenham with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $5. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
50m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$5
FlixBus frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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
50m
Cheapest National Express Price
$17
National Express frequency
5 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Bus from Bristol to Cheltenham

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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 Bristol to Cheltenham can start from as little as $5 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bristol to Cheltenham is $16 ; 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 Bristol to Cheltenham is 50m to travel the 37 miles (61 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 Bristol to Cheltenham leaves at 12:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Bristol to Cheltenham leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Bristol to Cheltenham with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Bristol to Cheltenham, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Cheltenham. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Bristol and Cheltenham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Bristol , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), Bristol, Airport (Public Transport Interchange), Bristol, Airport Bus Station . When arriving in Cheltenham , you can end your journey in bus stations like Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub, Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station, Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane), Gloucester, Transport Hub, Cheltenham .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub, located 3 away from the city centre.
A day trip to Cheltenham from Bristol is worth doing with a journey time of 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bristol to Cheltenham is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Cheltenham including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bristol to Cheltenham:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bristol to Cheltenham for bus company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
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 Bristol to Cheltenham depends on the bus companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • 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.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Bristol to Cheltenham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bristol to Cheltenham:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Bristol to Cheltenham:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Bristol to Cheltenham. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Bristol to Cheltenham with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bristol to Cheltenham with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bristol to Cheltenham with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Since neither Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol to Cheltenham

Most Bristol to Cheltenham buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub station pair, with some services arriving at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Cheltenham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Bristol
Arrival bus stations in Cheltenham
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)Bristol Bus Station (Bay 19), Marlborough Street 15, BS1 3ES
City-centre transport

Getting to Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) from Bristol city centre

Bus76, X6, X1, 39, 75, X9, X4, 73, X39, 522, X6a, X1a · 4m · $2 · every ~156 min
Bristol, Airport Bus Station
City-centre transport

Getting to Bristol, Airport Bus Station from Bristol city centre

BusFal · 19m · $14 · every ~4 min
A1 · 29m · $5 · every ~30 min
A1 · 32m · $5 · every ~30 min
A1 · 39m · $5 · every ~30 min

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