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Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington train ticket prices
£22.00
On Tue 26 May
Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington train timetable
Travelling from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington, the fastest train takes 1h 49m with an average travel time of 2h 7m. With 41 daily trains, the first departs at 05:53 and the last at 23:04. Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 on weekdays, and all-day Off-Peak on weekends and bank holidays. Keep informed of live train status, times, delays, and cancellations with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
17:25 Cheltenham Spa | 2h 12m, 2 change | 19:37 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
17:25 Cheltenham Spa | 2h 19m, 1 change | 19:44 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
17:52 Cheltenham Spa | 1h 52m, 1 change | 19:44 London Paddington | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
18:03 Cheltenham Spa | 1h 56m, Direct | 19:59 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
19:02 Cheltenham Spa | 1h 59m, Direct | 21:01 London Paddington | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Great Western Railway trains from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington
The only operator to run direct trains between Cheltenham Spa and London Paddington, Great Western Railway connects these two cities in around two hours on its fastest services.
What amenities are there in the Great Western Railway Second Class?
In Great Western Railway’s Standard Class, travellers can enjoy comfortable seating, Wi-Fi on most trains and tables with power sockets on many services. Overhead racks and luggage areas provide additional space for bags.
Is Great Western Railway First Class worth it?
Great Western Railway’s First Class offers extra comfort with fast Wi-Fi and wider seats with more legroom. Complimentary snacks and drinks are often included, making it a worthwhile upgrade for a quieter, more relaxing journey.
How much Great Western Railway luggage space is there?
There is plenty of luggage space on board, with overhead racks, room beneath seats and dedicated luggage areas within the carriage.
Is there food and drink on Great Western Railway trains?
Many Great Western Railway trains feature onboard catering, with drinks, hot beverages and light snacks available to purchase during the journey, usually served from the restaurant car or an onboard trolley service.
Train travel from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington
Cheltenham Spa: Getting to the Platform
Located on Queens Road and around a mile west of Cheltenham’s Regency town centre, Cheltenham Spa railway station is the busiest rail hub in Gloucestershire, and is well connected by local buses and taxis from across the town.
- The Platform Tip: Cheltenham Spa has two main island platforms accessed via a subway from the ticket hall. Trains towards London Paddington typically depart from the southbound platforms via Gloucester and Swindon. Platform numbers are usually announced shortly before departure, so keep an eye on the departure boards in the station concourse.
- Pre-Departure: If you have time before boarding, there are a couple of cafés near the entrance where you can grab a coffee or snack. Seating and waiting areas are available on the platforms, and the station’s compact layout makes it easy to reach your train once the platform is announced.
Onboard trains from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington
- The View Alert: For the best scenery, try to sit on the left-hand side of the train as the railway runs through the valleys and wooded hills between Stroud and Kemble.
- Key Landmarks: Soon after leaving Cheltenham, your train will pass through Gloucester, where the tower of Gloucester Cathedral dominates the skyline. The route then crosses the rolling hills and stone villages of the Cotswolds, including Stroud and Kemble, before passing through Swindon, home of the famously quirky Magic Roundabout, on the final run towards London.
Arriving at London Paddington
- The Praed Street Exit: Exit via Praed Street for the station’s main forecourt, where you’ll find taxi ranks, bus stops and the Underground station. From here you can connect to the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines, as well as the Elizabeth line for fast journeys across London.
- The Bishop’s Bridge Road Exit: Head towards Bishop’s Bridge Road at the rear of the station if you’re travelling to Paddington Basin or the Paddington Waterside development, with its canal-side offices, restaurants and hotels.
- Onward Travel: Paddington offers excellent onward connections via the London Underground and bus network, as well as fast links to Heathrow Airport on the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line. If you’re staying nearby, Hyde Park, Lancaster Gate and the Grand Union Canal area are all within easy walking distance of the station.
Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington train travel guide
The train journey from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Cheltenham Spa, you can get to London Paddington in just 1h 49m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington?
The average fare from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington is approximately £22.00, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
What is the best way to travel from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington by train?
What is the fastest train from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington?
The quickest train journey from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington takes 1h 49m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
Are there direct trains from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington?
Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington train timetables?
Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington route?
The train from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington is operated by CrossCountry. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
How to buy cheap Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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