Getting to and around the Cotswolds
Whilst it might initially seem a bit daunting, getting to and getting around the Cotswolds is actually quite straightforward.
The Cotswolds is served by a comprehensive network of road and rail links making it an easy area to get to from London, the Midlands and the South West.
The area is also an excellent base for touring, as it’s ringed by Bath, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Explore the Cotswolds by Public Transport Guide is an invaluable information resource to travelling around the Cotswolds by bus and train. Produced by the Cotswolds Conservation Board, the guide includes taster walks and cycle rides, attractions and places to visit.
You can pick one of these guides up at one of the many visitor information centres in the and around the Cotswolds. Please check times and details with individual bus operators before travelling.
The Cotswolds Conservation Board does not accept liability for inaccuracies, changes to services or timetables, or omissions arising from the information contained within this publication.
To view the online timetables please visit Traveline.com
Cotswolds Discoverer One Day Pass
The Cotswolds Discoverer is a one day combined ticket that provides access to the Cotswolds by public transport (train and bus) and is a great way to get around without needing a car.
For more information visit https://www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/visiting-and-exploring/cotswolds-train-station/discoverer-one-day-pass/
By Rail
The Cotswolds are at the heart of the British Rail network with main line trains to the Cotswolds from London, the Midlands and the North and the South West of England.
There are main line railway stations at Bath, Cam and Dursley, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Kemble (serving Cirencester railway station), Moreton-in-Marsh, Stroud, Charlbury, Kingham and Oxford.
There are regular rail services through the area:
- Between London Paddington and Cheltenham via Swindon, Kemble, Stroud, Stonehouse and Gloucester
- Between London Paddington and Moreton in Marsh via Kingham, Charlbury and Oxford – read about things to do near Moreton in Marsh
- Between Cardiff and Cheltenham via Gloucester
- Between Birmingham and Bristol via Cheltenham, Gloucester and Dursley
For detailed rail information and prices of train tickets to the Cotswolds, please visit the following sites:
www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.thetrainline.com
Live Train Information
Click on the links below to give you live train information for stations in the Cotswolds:
The Cotswolds and Malverns rail line runs between Oxford and Hereford and takes in northern parts of the AONB along its route.
To find and book train connections to the Cotswolds from across Europe and the UK, follow Omio.
By Bus
The Cotswolds is easy to get around by bus with many local bus services linking main towns throughout the area, including the RailBus services linking to the Cotswolds & Malverns Line trains.
For further information:
- www.pulhamscoaches.com
- www.traveline.info
- Gloucestershire County Council – transport and travel pages
- Oxfordshire County Council – transport and travel pages
- Visit Worcestershire – travel information for visitors to and from the Worcestershire area.
By Road
The Cotswolds is served by excellent links to the M4, M5 and M40, providing easy access to and from London, Birmingham and the national motorway network.
So if you are visiting the Cotswolds villages, like Bourton on the Water, Broadway, Bibury, etc this guide will help you choose the best way to get here and get around once you have arrived.