Getting Around the Cotswolds Without a Car: What Actually Works
- James Long
- Jan 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 14
Visiting the Cotswolds without a car is one of the most common questions people ask — and one of the most misunderstood.
It can work, but only when you plan around the region’s limits rather than trying to overcome them. This guide focuses specifically on what works in practice without a car, where people run into trouble, and how to design a trip that feels relaxed rather than restrictive.
Start with the right expectation
The Cotswolds is rural, spread out, and lightly connected by public transport. Without a car, your trip will naturally be more contained — fewer places, longer stays, and more deliberate choices.
That isn’t a downside if you plan for it. Many car-free trips fail not because transport is impossible, but because expectations are wrong from the start.
For a broader overview of all transport options and how they shape a trip, see our Getting Around the Cotswolds guide.
What actually works for getting around the Cotswolds without a car
Trains as anchors, not connectors
Trains are excellent for getting into the Cotswolds and for travelling between a small number of larger towns. They work best when you:
base yourself near a station
choose one main location
avoid daily long-distance hops
They are far less effective for moving between villages.
If you’re arriving from London, our guide to How to Travel from London to the Cotswolds by Train explains the best routes and arrival points.
Taxis as connectors, not a strategy
Taxis are essential for car-free trips — but they work best when used sparingly and deliberately.
They’re most useful for:
station → accommodation
accommodation → nearby village
evening returns when buses aren’t running
They become problematic when used:
multiple times a day
without advance booking
across long distances
Availability varies widely by area and time of day.
Walking — only in specific clusters
Walking between villages is realistic only in certain parts of the Cotswolds, where villages naturally sit close together and footpaths are well established.
It works best when:
you stay locally
walking is part of the experience
you’re not trying to cover large distances
Outside these clusters, walking often involves long stretches of road or impractical distances.
Where car-free trips usually struggle
Getting around the Cotswolds without a car becomes difficult when:
you try to visit several distant villages in one day
you rely on buses for full itineraries
you plan tightly timed schedules
you expect to change plans spontaneously
The most relaxed car-free trips tend to do less, more slowly.
Private tours and drivers (when they make sense)
For some visitors, especially on short stays, group tours, private tours or pre-booked drivers can be a practical way to work around the Cotswolds’ transport limits.
They tend to work best when:
time is limited
multiple villages are on the wish list
driving rural roads isn’t appealing
the goal is to see more without constant transport planning
For many people, this isn’t about luxury — it’s about reducing friction and wasted time.
Whether that trade-off feels worthwhile depends entirely on how you like to travel.
To read more about private and group tours you can read our article: Cotswolds Guided Tours: When They're Worth It (and When They're Not).
Choosing the right base without a car
Your accommodation choice matters more without a car than with one.
Look for places that:
sit on a direct train line
have walkable pubs, shops, and restaurants
allow day trips without repeated transport changes
Our Sleep in the Cotswolds guide breaks down which towns and villages work best depending on how you’re travelling.
How this fits into wider trip planning
Transport decisions quietly shape:
where you stay
how many places you see
how rushed your days feel
For timing, trip length, and pacing, How to Plan a Trip to the Cotswolds covers how transport choices affect the overall experience.
Insider notes from the Cotswolds
Winter travel without a car is less forgiving
Evening transport is more limited than daytime travel
Visitors often enjoy their trip more once they stop trying to “see everything”
Common mistakes to avoid
Planning village-hopping days without checking return options
Assuming taxis are always available on demand
Treating buses as a reliable backbone rather than a supplement
Choosing accommodation without considering transport at all
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Cotswolds without a car?
Yes, but it works best when you limit how many places you visit and base yourself in a well-connected town.
Are buses reliable in the Cotswolds?
They exist, but services are limited and seasonal. Buses work best for specific routes rather than full itineraries.
Is walking between villages realistic?
Only in certain clusters. Many villages are too far apart or connected by narrow rural roads.
Are taxis easy to get in the Cotswolds?
In larger towns they can be, but availability drops sharply in villages. Booking ahead is often essential.
Is a car-free trip more expensive?
It can be. Multiple taxis and last-minute transport changes often cost more than expected.