Travel Guide: London to Cheltenham via Bus

Traveling from London to Cheltenham with FlixBus offers a seamless and delightful journey through the picturesque landscapes of southern England. Whether you're heading to Cheltenham for its renowned festivals, historic architecture, or simply to explore the charming Cotswolds, this travel guide will help you plan a comfortable and memorable trip. With FlixBus, you'll enjoy a hassle-free experience, allowing you to sit back, relax, and take in the scenic views as you make your way to one of the UK's most charming towns.

Departing from London by Bus

FlixBus provides several convenient departure points throughout London, ensuring easy access for your journey to Cheltenham. To guarantee a smooth boarding experience, it's recommended to arrive at your FlixBus stop at least 15 minutes before departure. Here's an overview of the transportation options available to reach your FlixBus stop in London:

• The London Underground (Tube): As the most efficient way to navigate the city, the Tube is an essential mode of transport for both locals and visitors. With 11 lines and over 270 stations, it covers more than 400 kilometers of track. While most lines operate until midnight, the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines offer 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays. Staying near a Tube station is advisable for easy access to all parts of London.
• DLR (Docklands Light Railway): Serving East London, the DLR is an automated, above-ground light rail system that complements the Tube network. It connects areas such as Canary Wharf, Greenwich, and Stratford, as well as London City Airport. The DLR shares the same schedule and fare system as the Underground, providing a seamless travel experience.
• London Buses: The extensive bus network in London reaches even the city's most remote areas. While the iconic double-decker buses offer a unique perspective of London, they can be slower due to traffic. Despite this, they provide a scenic way to explore the city from above ground. Navigating the numerous routes can be complex, so it's helpful to plan your journey in advance.
• Tramlink: Primarily serving the southern suburbs, including Croydon, Tramlink offers a reliable transport option for those traveling to the outskirts of London. While not as relevant for tourists, it's useful to know if your travels take you to these areas.
• Taxis: London's iconic black cabs are available around the clock, offering a convenient option for those with heavy luggage or in need of a direct, door-to-door service. Taxis can be hailed on the street, found at designated ranks, or booked via mobile apps. Keep in mind that they can be more expensive, especially during peak hours and at night.

Arriving in Cheltenham by Bus

Upon reaching your FlixBus stop in Cheltenham, you'll find a variety of transportation options to help you reach your final destination or explore the town. Cheltenham offers a well-connected public transport system, making it easy to navigate its charming streets and visit local attractions.

• Cheltenham Buses: The town's bus network is comprehensive, covering most areas of Cheltenham and extending to nearby towns and villages. While buses provide a convenient way to explore the area, they can be subject to traffic delays. Nevertheless, they offer a scenic view of the town and are an excellent way to experience Cheltenham's local charm.
• Taxis: Available throughout Cheltenham, taxis offer a direct and convenient mode of transport, especially if you have heavy luggage or prefer a door-to-door service. Taxis can be hailed on the street, found at designated ranks, or booked via phone or mobile apps. While they provide comfort and convenience, they can be more expensive, particularly during peak hours.
• Walking and Cycling: Cheltenham is a pedestrian-friendly town, with many attractions within walking distance of each other. Exploring on foot or by bicycle is a delightful way to experience the town's picturesque streets and parks. Several bike rental services are available, offering an enjoyable way to navigate the area.

Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Cheltenham

1. Cheltenham Racecourse: Situated on the town's outskirts, this iconic racecourse is home to the famous Gold Cup festival. It also hosts a variety of events, including live music, comedy, and seasonal racing.
2. Cheltenham Theatres: Featuring venues like the Everyman Theatre, Playhouse, and Bacon Theatre, these spaces offer a diverse range of performances, from drama and comedy to live music.
3. Cheltenham Town Hall and Imperial Gardens: A stunning venue that hosts events both indoors and outdoors, complete with a Garden Bar, Orangery, and walled gardens for exploration and relaxation.
4. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway: Embark on a nostalgic journey aboard steam and heritage diesel trains, enjoying scenic views of the Cotswolds and Malvern Hills.
5. Holst Victorian House: Visit the birthplace of composer Gustav Holst, where his childhood home is preserved with period furniture and family artwork on display.
6. Montpellier District: Explore this historic shopping area known for its Regency architecture, beautiful gardens, and iconic Caryatid stone sculptures, ideal for alfresco dining or a coffee break.
7. Pittville Park and Pump Room: A delightful park featuring rare trees, a boating lake, and the iconic Pump Rooms, perfect for a picnic or a visit to the Central Cross Café.
8. The Promenade and Long Gardens: Stroll along this picturesque shopping street lined with trees, smart shopfronts, seasonal gardens, and a mix of modern cafés and independent boutiques.
9. Sandford Park and Lido: Enjoy this peaceful green space with fountains and flower beds, and take a dip in the 1930s outdoor swimming pool that adds a touch of nostalgia to the park.
10. The Wilson – Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum: Discover fine art, decorative arts, and Cheltenham’s history, including exhibits on explorer Edward A. Wilson and the Emery Walker Library.

This comprehensive travel guide ensures that your journey from London to Cheltenham is as enjoyable as the destination itself.

Bus travel from London to Cheltenham: everything you need to know

• Bus ticket price: you can travel between London and Cheltenham starting from £7.99 (average ticket cost: £8.49).
• Average duration: the bus journey from London to Cheltenham lasts approximately 2 hours 55 minutes.
• Distance covered: the distance between London and Cheltenham is 111 miles, with some variation depending on the bus route and intermediate stops.
• Bus schedules London-Cheltenham: to check departure times of coaches between London and Cheltenham, select your travel date: you’ll then see all available trip options with their schedules and prices. You can do this using the selector at the top of this page or by using our interactive map.
• Bus departure frequency: about 4 departures per day.
• Bus departure and drop off points: in London, there are 13 coach stops. As for Cheltenham, it has 2 stops.. You can locate the FlixBus stops on the map above on this page.
• Weekend trips: with FlixBus, you can depart London on Friday and return on Sunday for a perfect weekend getaway in Cheltenham.