Getting to and around the Cotswolds

Last updated: 15 December 2025

What you'll get from this article

By the end of this article, you’ll know the most practical way to reach the Cotswolds, how to get around once you’re here, and which part of the region makes the best base for your trip — whether you’re arriving by train, car, or a mix of both.

I’m a local guide based in the Cotswolds, and this advice is based on what works in reality, not just what looks convenient on a map.

TL;DR - the quick answer

• Best overall: Arrive by car or with a pre-booked private or small-group tour

• By train: Only works well if you’ve arranged collection in advance

• Buses: Possible but awkward and time-consuming

• Taxis: Available, but expensive and limited in rural areas

• North vs South: North is easier for first-time visitors; South is quieter but less connected

You may also wish to read our main website article on getting around the Cotswolds which has links to many other helpful articles on this topic.

Rolling hills are an iconic aspect of the Cotswolds

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Getting to the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds covers nearly 800 square miles across several counties. How easy your trip feels depends far more on how you arrive than most people realise.

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Arriving by Car (the most practical option)

For most visitors, this is the simplest and most flexible way to explore.

Typical routes:

• From London: M40 (North Cotswolds) or M4 then A419 (South Cotswolds)

• From Birmingham: M5 or A46

• From Bristol: M4 or A46

What to expect:

• Main roads are straightforward

• Village roads are narrow and slow

• Driving times are longer than distances suggest

Insider note: Ten miles in the Cotswolds can easily take 20–30 minutes, especially late morning to mid-afternoon.

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Arriving with a private or small-group tour

If you don’t want to drive, this is often the best alternative.

• Door-to-door logistics handled for you

• No parking stress

• Far more efficient than piecing together taxis and buses

Insider note: Many visitors who arrive by train and then rely on taxis later realise they would have spent a similar amount — with far more friction — than booking a tour in the first place.

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Arriving by train (works as an entry point only)

The Cotswolds is reachable by train, but most villages do not have stations.

Key stations:

North Cotswolds

• Moreton-in-Marsh (direct from London Paddington, ~90 minutes)

• Kingham

• Cheltenham Spa

South Cotswolds

• Kemble (for Cirencester)

• Stroud

• Bath Spa (just outside the region)

Insider note: If you arrive by train, arrange collection in advance — through accommodation, a tour company, or a pre-booked driver. Turning up and hoping to “figure it out” usually leads to delays and high taxi costs.

If travelling from London, you may wish to read out article on how to travel from London to the Cotswolds by train.

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Arriving by bus or coach

There are limited public bus services, but they are not designed for visitor sightseeing.

Useful routes include:

• Pulhams Coaches between Cheltenham and Moreton-in-Marsh

• Stagecoach West around Stroud and Cirencester

• Local services from Oxford to Burford

Reality check: Buses can work for one specific journey, but they are impractical for multi-village days.

Almshouses and church in Chipping Campden

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Getting around the Cotswolds once you arrive

By car (most flexible)

• Hire cars are available in Cheltenham, Oxford, and Bath

• Parking is limited in popular villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury

• Early arrival makes a big difference

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By taxi (possible, but expensive)

• Available in larger towns

• Must be pre-booked for rural areas

• Costs add up quickly for multiple stops

Insider note: Once you’re booking several taxi legs in a day, you’re often spending close to the cost of a guided tour — without the local knowledge.

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By train + taxi (works with planning)

• Trains link larger towns

• Taxis handle the final stretches

This works best if:

• You base yourself in one location

• You’re visiting one or two villages per day

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Walking and cycling

• The Cotswold Way runs 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath

• Villages can be linked by footpaths, but distances are long

• Cycling is popular but hilly in places

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Guided Tours

If you prefer a hassle-free experience, a guided tour is a great way of getting around the Cotswolds to see the highlights.

Options include:

• Small-group minibus tours: Companies like Go Cotswolds run day trips from various locations, including Stratford-upon-Avon and Moreton-in-Marsh.

• Private tours: Tailored experiences with local guides, often including hidden gems, such as Rosehill Travel.

• Self-drive audio tours: Downloadable apps offer GPS-led routes with historical commentary.

'Venice of the Cotswolds' - Bourton-on-the-Water

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North vs South Cotswolds: what’s the difference?

The Cotswolds is a vast region, and its northern and southern areas offer different experiences.

North Cotswolds

(Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden, Broadway)

Best for:

• First-time visitors

• Classic stone villages

• Better transport links

Nearby: Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon

Highlights: Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway Tower, Hidcote Gardens

South Cotswolds

(Cirencester, Tetbury, Painswick, Castle Combe)

Best for:

• Quieter stays

• Estates and gardens

• Slower pace

Nearby: Bath

Highlights: Westonbirt Arboretum, Berkeley Castle, Cotswold Water Park

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Where is the Best Base?

• First visit: Stow-on-the-Wold or Broadway

• Without a car: Moreton-in-Marsh, Cheltenham, or Stroud

• Quieter retreat: Tetbury or Painswick

Road leading down into the heart of Castle Combe

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Mistakes to avoid

• Arriving by train without arranging onward transport

• Assuming buses make village-hopping easy

• Underestimating rural driving times

• Visiting Bourton-on-the-Water late morning on weekends

• Booking accommodation without parking or taxi access

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Final thoughts

Getting the most out of the Cotswolds comes down to choosing a transport plan that matches how the region actually works. For most visitors, that means arriving by car or with a pre-arranged tour, and avoiding the temptation to rely on rural public transport.

With a bit of planning, the Cotswolds is an easy and rewarding place to explore — especially when you build your itinerary around realistic travel times and a sensible base.

James

Local guide and founder of Cotswold Insider

Have you read our guides:

What and Where is the Cotswolds?

How to Travel from London to the Cotswolds by Train

Explore the Best Things to Do in Cotswolds

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get to the Cotswolds?

For most visitors, arriving by car or with a pre-booked private or small-group tour is the easiest and most efficient option. It gives you flexibility and avoids the complexity of rural public transport.

Is it realistic to visit the Cotswolds without a car?

Yes, but only with planning. Arriving by train works best if you’ve arranged collection or are basing yourself in one well-connected town rather than trying to visit multiple villages independently.

Which train station is best for first-time visitors?

Moreton-in-Marsh is usually the most convenient. It has direct trains from London and good access to popular villages when paired with pre-arranged transport.

Are buses a good way to get around the Cotswolds?

Not really for sightseeing. Buses are limited, infrequent, and stop early, making them impractical for visiting several villages in a day.

How long does it take to travel between villages?

Driving times are often longer than expected. Even short distances can take 30–40 minutes due to narrow roads, traffic, and slow-moving vehicles.