How to Travel from London to the Cotswolds by Train

James Long
Apr 23, 2025
6 min read

Updated: Mar 13

Last updated: 9 February 2026

Fastest London to Cotswolds train routes, journey times, and local advice from a Cotswolds tour guide

Many visitors I guide around the Cotswolds travel from London to the Cotswolds by train. It’s one of the easiest and quickest ways to reach the region, with direct services running from London Paddington to several market towns in the north and south Cotswolds. With journey times from around 1 hour 10 minutes, it’s ideal for both day trips and long weekends.

This guide gives you everything you need to know — the fastest routes, best stations, typical journey times, a simple route finder, how to get around, where you can stay, and practical tips from a local. If you’re still deciding whether train is the right option, see our full comparison of the best way to get to the Cotswolds from London, including car and tour alternatives.

If you’re travelling to the Cotswolds by train, where you stay matters more than the route itself. Most visitors choose a hotel that’s either walkable from the station or an easy taxi ride away, depending on the part of the Cotswolds they want to explore.

If you would like more information on planning your trip to the Cotswolds, our in depth article How to Plan a Trip to the Cotswolds is the perfect place to start.

Getting to the Cotswolds is only part of the journey. Once you arrive, travelling between towns and villages is a separate challenge — our guide to Getting Around the Cotswolds Without a Car explains what actually works, where trips struggle, and how to plan realistically.

If you prefer something bespoke, you may wish to use our personalised Cotswold itinerary planning service:

Cotswolds Personalised Itinerary Planning Service

Arlington Row in Bibury on a sunny day — Arlington Row in Bibury

TL;DR – London to the Cotswolds by Train

Fastest route: London Paddington → Kemble (~1h 10m)
Most popular arrival: Paddington → Moreton-in-Marsh (~1h 25m)
Getting around: Booking a private or group tour is usually best
At the end of the day: Staying overnight means you can enjoy either another day in the Cotswolds or visit a nearby city or attraction.

Tours

If, once you arrive at the station, you would like to be collected and then explore the Cotswolds via a private tour, read our article Luxury Private Tours of the Cotswolds. This way you can then either be dropped back at the station after the tour, or taken to a hotel of your choosing. Later in this article you will find hotel options.

Quick Route Finder: Best Station for Each Area

Use this to choose the station closest to the villages you want to visit:

Town or Village	Nearest Station
Bourton-on-the-Water	Moreton-in-Marsh
Stow-on-the-Wold	Moreton-in-Marsh
Lower & Upper Slaughter	Moreton-in-Marsh
Chipping Campden	Moreton-in-Marsh
Broadway / Broadway Tower	Honeybourne or Moreton-in-Marsh
Bibury / Arlington Row	Kemble
Cirencester	Kemble
Tetbury	Kemble

To discover more about some of the towns and villages you may wish to visit, our articles unpack them in detail as well as what you need to know before visiting:

A map of the north Cotswolds showing locations of Honeybourne, Moreton-in-Marsh and Kingham train stations — Stations in the North Cotswolds

Where to Stay if You're Arriving by Train

Most visitors choose a hotel that’s either walkable from the station or a short taxi ride away. Some options are:

Moreton in Marsh Station

Many visitors stay either in town or at one of the well-known countryside hotels within a short taxi ride.

The Lygon Arms - Historic coaching inn in Broadway.
Foxhill Manor - Small luxury country house hotel.
Dormy House Hotel - Spa hotel overlooking the northern Cotswolds escarpment.

Kingham Station

Options include village inns as well as several high-end countryside hotels a short taxi ride from the station.

The Wild Rabbit - Boutique village inn.
The Feathered Nest Inn - Country inn with rooms.

Kemble Station

Most visitors stay in Cirencester or at one of the established countryside hotels nearby.

Thyme - Country estate hotel near the Coln Valley.
The Pig in the Cotswolds - Country house hotel.
Calcot & Spa - Large countryside spa hotel.

More Accommodation: For a wider overview of all types of places to stay (from hotels to camping) and links to relevant resources and accommodation options, start with our accommodation guide. If you already know you fancy a little indulgence, read our guide to Cotswolds Spa Hotels.

Fastest Train Routes from London to the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds doesn’t have a single central station, but several towns have excellent rail connections from London Paddington. Below is a clear breakdown of the quickest routes.

1. London Paddington → Kemble (Fastest overall)

Journey time: ~1 hour 10 minutes

Best for: Cirencester, Bibury, Tetbury, Coln Valley.

Kemble is the fastest route into the southern Cotswolds, especially for those heading to Bibury or Cirencester.

2. London Paddington → Moreton-in-Marsh

Journey time: ~1 hour 25 minutes

Best for: Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, the Slaughters, Chipping Campden

This is the most popular arrival point for Cotswolds visitors. Buses and taxis run from the station, and many tour companies offer pick-ups here.

3. London Paddington → Kingham

Journey time: ~1 hour 20 minutes

Best for: Daylesford Organic, Kingham village, Chipping Norton

A quieter station that works well for foodie trips or spa weekends.

4. London Paddington → Honeybourne

Journey time: ~1 hour 40 minutes.

Best for: Broadway, Broadway Tower, Snowshill

Direct services run from Paddington, and it’s the most convenient station for reaching Broadway and the northern escarpment.

5. London Marylebone → Oxford or Banbury (with transfer)

Journey time to Oxford: ~45 minutes.

Best for: Flexibility and cheaper off-peak fares

From Oxford you can connect by bus or pre-booked taxi into the surrounding Cotswold villages.

High street in Chipping Campden at sunset — Chipping Campden in the North Cotswolds

London to Cotswolds Train Routes Map & Journey Times

Map of London to Cotswolds train routes with journey times to Kemble, Moreton-in-Marsh, Kingham, Honeybourne, and Oxford. — Train routes and travel times from London to stations in and near the Cotswolds

How Long Is the Train From London to the Cotswolds?

Station	Fastest Journey Time	Best For
Kemble	~1h 10m	Cirencester, Bibury, Tetbury
Moreton-in-Marsh	~1h 25m	Bourton, Stow, Slaughters, Campden
Kingham	~1h 20m	Daylesford, Chipping Norton
Honeybourne	~1h 40m	Broadway, Broadway Tower
Oxford	~45m	Connections deeper into the Cotswolds

Recommended Towns to Visit by Train

Moreton-in-Marsh: A traditional market town with cafés, pubs, and bus connections to Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Chipping Campden. Read more about visiting Moreton-in-Marsh with our article Moreton-in-Marsh: A Practical Local Guide to the Cotswolds' Rail Gateway.
Kingham: A peaceful village with excellent pubs and close proximity to Daylesford Organic.
Kemble: Perfect for Cirencester and the postcard-perfect Bibury and Coln Valley.
Honeybourne: Ideal for reaching Broadway — one of the most photogenic villages in the Cotswolds.
For more information about the towns and villages of the Cotswolds visit Towns and Villages.

Moreton-in-Marsh railway station on a sunny day — Moreton-in-Marsh Railway Station

How much does the train cost?

Prices vary depending on how early you book and whether you travel off-peak:

Off-peak single: often £20–£35
Anytime single: often £40–£55
Advance fares: can be significantly cheaper

Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey

Book Early: Advance fares can be significantly cheaper. Explore The Trainline to compare times and prices.
Off-Peak Travel: Travelling off-peak (usually after 9:30am on weekdays) offers better value and a quieter journey.
Local Transport: While the Cotswolds is best explored by car, there are decent local bus connections from key stations to nearby villages. However, I would recommend you need to plan your route carefully in advance.
Private tour companies can collect you and drop you back at a railway station. So you may wish to consider booking a day tour of the Cotswolds. An 8 hour tour of the northern part of the Cotswolds will give you a fantastic day out. To learn more about private and group tours you can read our article: Cotswolds Guided Tours: When They're Worth It (and When They're Not) or to find local tour companies visit Luxury Private Tours of the Cotswolds.

More information for when you have arrived by train

Click on the below links for further information:

View of bridge in Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds. — You can be at Bourton-on-the-Water within 2 hours from leaving London

Frequently Asked Questions

Which station should I use for Bourton-on-the-Water?

Moreton-in-Marsh is the most practical station, but you’ll still need a bus, taxi, or pre-booked tour — there is no direct rail access to Bourton-on-the-Water.

What train goes from London to the Cotswolds?

Direct trains from London Paddington go to Moreton-in-Marsh, Kingham, and Kemble. These towns offer convenient access to different parts of the Cotswolds.

How long is the train from London to the Cotswolds?

It depends on your destination, but the journey to Moreton-in-Marsh typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Is there a direct train from London to the Cotswolds?

Yes, there are direct services from London Paddington to towns like Moreton-in-Marsh and Kemble.

What is the cheapest way to get from London to the Cotswolds?

Booking train tickets in advance and travelling during off-peak times is usually the most affordable way to reach the Cotswolds from London.

Can you do a Cotswolds day trip from London by train?

Absolutely — if you take a morning train, you can explore several villages in one day.

Final Thoughts

Travelling from London to the Cotswolds by train is one of the most convenient, scenic, and stress-free ways to reach the region. With fast journey times, direct services, and easy access to popular villages, you can be exploring the countryside in under two hours.

If you’re still planning your overall trip structure, our Cotswolds from London complete guide explains how train, car and tours compare. With your route planned and the right station chosen, you’re ready for a brilliant day out or weekend break in the Cotswolds.