- Must visit
The British Museum
Vast world museum with the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and global antiquities. Essential for history lovers.
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$52
Fastest journey
1 h 56 m
Average duration
1 h 56 m
Trains per day
20
Distance
142 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cheltenham to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cheltenham to London will cost around $52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 20 trains that leave Cheltenham for London on Sat, Jul 25, 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 25 the direct trains cover the 142 km distance in an average of 1 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 56 m .
On Sat, Jul 25 the slowest trains will take 1 h 56 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.
Y41561 · W34529
W35226
W35097 · C42158
W35224
Y41468 · W34461
W35226
W35238
W35232
W35240
W35243Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 33m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $33.
Distance: 88 miles (142 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$52 Average price | $10 Average price Cheapest | $64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 3m Average total duration Fastest 2h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 25m Average total duration 2h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Cheltenham to London:
A bus is $41 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cheltenham to London costing on average $52 (€52).
Other travel options to London take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 55m.
Tickets start at around $52 (€52) compared to roughly $64 (€64) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $12 (€12). The journey takes 2h 33m versus 2h 30m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to London trains for today, Friday, July 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W35237 | On time 4:03 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h56 | 5:59 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01150+ W35435 | Delayed 3:44 PM 4:31 PMCheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h28 | 6:59 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
W35239 | On time 5:03 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h58 | 7:01 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48918 · G15443 · G14910 | On time 5:25 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h12 | 7:37 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2 transfers | |
W29895+ W35198 | Delayed 4:59 PM 5:31 PMCheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h13 | 7:44 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
W35241 | On time 6:03 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h56 | 7:59 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01160+ G15050 | On time 6:31 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h30 | 9:01 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
W35242 | On time 7:02 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h03 | 9:05 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29908+ W35202 | On time 7:30 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h15 | 9:45 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
G15055 | On time 8:02 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h05 | 10:07 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35247 | On time 9:02 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h59 | 11:01 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y41556 · W34531 | On time 10:16 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h23 | 12:39 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, July 25 | |||||
Y41468 · W34461 | 5:48 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h17 | 8:05 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
C42299 | 6:49 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h10 | 8:59 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C47829 · C42299 | 6:55 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h04 | 8:59 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
C42300 | 7:57 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h03 | 10:00 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35097 · C42158 | 8:46 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h06 | 10:52 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
W35224 | 9:03 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h01 | 11:04 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35226 | 10:03 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h56 | 11:59 AM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35228 | 11:03 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h57 | 1:00 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35230 | 12:03 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h58 | 2:01 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35232 | 1:03 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h56 | 2:59 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42301 | 2:03 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h58 | 4:01 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y41553 · W34506 | 3:03 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h04 | 5:07 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cheltenham to London run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€33) but you can travel from only $7 (€7) by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:17, the last at 22:33. The fastest train covers the 88 miles (142 km) distance in 1h 56m.
Distance 88 miles (142 km) |
Average train duration 2h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€33) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 56m |
First train 3:17 AM |
Last train 10:33 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
Vast world museum with the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and global antiquities. Essential for history lovers.
Leading art museum on Trafalgar Square with masterpieces from Van Gogh, Turner and da Vinci. Free and internationally renowned.
Grand museum of art, design and performance with fashion, sculpture and decorative arts collections in South Kensington.
Lively riverside stretch linking major landmarks, markets and cultural venues. Ideal for walking, views and people-watching.
Large royal park with the Serpentine, rose gardens and broad lawns. Excellent for relaxing, boating and central green space.
Historic Greenwich riverside district with maritime heritage, market streets and hilltop views near major cultural landmarks.
Classic English fish fried in batter with chips. A London staple tied to the city’s working-class food culture and best eaten fresh with salt and vinegar.
Slow-cooked beef, carrots, onions and herbs under a suet pastry lid. A comforting British pie long associated with London pubs and Sunday meals.
A full cooked breakfast with eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms and toast. A traditional morning meal served across London cafes and hotels.
Celebrated fine dining restaurant by Heston Blumenthal showcasing historic British dishes in an elegant, high-end Knightsbridge room.
Well-known pub serving excellent pies, ales and British mains in a relaxed, polished gastropub setting near Victoria Park.
Historic Covent Garden restaurant famous for classic British pies in a lively, traditional setting popular with locals and visitors.
Very costly by European standards. Hotels, dining, and transit are pricier than in most UK and EU city breaks, especially in central areas.
Restaurants often add 12.5% service; if not, tip 10-12%. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafes: optional small change or none.
Official public transport app
London Waterloo -> Westminster Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham to London by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cheltenham to London trains use the Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington station pair, with some services arriving at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and London train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cheltenham Spa is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:
Cheltenham Spa has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Railway Inn, The Coconut Tree
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham Spa. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage storage is available at Cheltenham Spa. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham Spa: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Queens Hotel Cheltenham, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham.
London Paddington has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Wasabi, The Beer House, Barburrito, Upper Crust, The Mad Bishop & Bear (Fullers), The Pasty Shop, Burger King, Pret a Manger, The Savanna, Soboro Bakery, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located next to the ticket office.
The ticket office is open 24/7. Information desks are located near Platform 1.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Paddington: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London Paddington: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Paddington: Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
Nearby hotels include Hilton London Paddington, Mercure London Paddington Hotel, The Pilgrm.
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 is 23 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. ATMs are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Heathrow Terminal 5 is 25 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminal 5 has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, and Ticket Office.
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminal 5.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heathrow Terminal 5: Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminal 5: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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