Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington Trains From £22.00*

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.

The 94-mile journey from Cheltenham to London is quick and straightforward once you know how the stations work. Here’s how to make the most of your journey 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

Once onboard, the journey from Cheltenham to London follows one of the most scenic stretches of railway in southern England, winding through the Cotswolds before joining the fast intercity main line towards the capital.

• 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

London Paddington is one of the UK’s busiest railway terminals and the London gateway for trains arriving from South Wales, the West of England and the Thames Valley. Located on Praed Street, it offers quick connections across the capital via the London Underground, as well as Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express services.

• 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.