- 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
€32
Average price
€34
Fastest journey
3 h 8 m
Average duration
3 h 8 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
238 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from York to Cheltenham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from York to Cheltenham will cost around €34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €32.
Of the 2 trains that leave York for Cheltenham on Mon, Aug 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 17 the direct trains cover the 238 km distance in an average of 3 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 8 m .
On Mon, Aug 17 the slowest trains will take 3 h 8 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 York to Cheltenham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €29, and a train costs an average of €32.
Distance: 147 miles (238 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€61 Average price | €34 Average price Cheapest | €52 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 38m Average total duration Fastest 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 10m Average total duration 9h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 York to Cheltenham:
A bus is €27 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from York to Cheltenham costing on average €61.
Other travel options to Cheltenham take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 40m.
You'll arrive about 13m sooner (3h 8m by train vs 3h 21m by car). Tickets start at around €61 compared to roughly €52 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Cross Country.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for York to Cheltenham trains for tomorrow, Monday, August 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:42 AM York | 3h08 | 12:50 PM Cheltenham | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 York to Cheltenham run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €32 but you can travel from only €29 by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 21:11. The fastest train covers the 147 miles (238 km) distance in 2h 52m.
Distance 147 miles (238 km) |
Average train duration 3h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price €32 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 2h 52m |
First train 4:40 AM |
Last train 9:11 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 49 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 -> Promenade, Cheltenham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from York to Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most York to Cheltenham trains use the York to Cheltenham Spa station pair. Use this guide to compare York and Cheltenham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need