Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price, Sandra Frank
26/08/2025
Samuel Sweet, Pexels
Bourton-on-the-Water does not have its own active train station. The primary rail hubs serving the area are Moreton-in-Marsh and Kingham, requiring onward travel by bus or taxi. Cheltenham Spa also serves as a key connection point via bus.
By Train and Bus/Taxi:
From London Paddington, travelers can take a train to Moreton-in-Marsh, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and an estimated cost of £28-£60. From Moreton-in-Marsh, the Pulham's Coaches 801 bus service connects to Bourton-on-the-Water in about 20-30 minutes.
Alternatively, a train from London Paddington to Kingham takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. From Kingham, a pre-ordered taxi (approximately 20 minutes) or the Pulham's 802 bus service is needed for the final leg to Bourton-on-the-Water.
Trains from London Paddington to Cheltenham Spa take about 2.5 hours. From Cheltenham, travelers can take the 801 bus service to Bourton-on-the-Water, a journey of approximately 50 minutes. It is important to note that the train station and the main bus station in Cheltenham are about a 20-minute walk or a 10-15 minute taxi ride apart.
By Coach (Bus):
National Express operates services from London Victoria to Cheltenham's Royal Well Bus Station, with journey times ranging from 2 to 3.5 hours and costs between £21-£29. From Cheltenham, the 801 bus service continues to Bourton-on-the-Water, taking around 50 minutes.
Another National Express option from London Victoria is to Cirencester (approximately 2 to 2.5 hours). From Cirencester, board the 855 bus to Northleach, then change to the 801 bus service for Bourton-on-the-Water.
By Car:
Driving from London to Bourton-on-the-Water typically spans approximately 83 miles and takes between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Paid parking facilities are available in Bourton-on-the-Water at Station Road (GL54 2EN) and Rissington Road (GL54 2BN). Car rental services are widely accessible.
From Airports:
London Heathrow (LHR):: Travelers can take a National Express coach directly to Cheltenham or Cirencester (approximately 2-2.5 hours) and then connect to local bus services to Bourton-on-the-Water. Alternatively, the Heathrow Express train to London Paddington can be utilized, followed by the train and bus options mentioned previously.
Birmingham Airport (BHX):: A train journey to Moreton-in-Marsh is possible, potentially with a change at Oxford or Worcester, followed by a local bus to Bourton-on-the-Water.
Bristol Airport (BRS):: Trains from Bristol arrive at Cheltenham Spa, from which an onward bus can be taken to Bourton-on-the-Water.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
