How to Travel from London to the Cotswolds by Train
- cotswoldinsideruk
- Apr 23
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Fastest 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, and practical tips from a local.
Quick Route Finder: Best Station for Each Area
Use this to choose the station closest to the villages you want to visit:
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
Bibury / Arlington Row → Kemble
Cirencester → Kemble
Tetbury → Kemble
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:Â ~1 hour 10 minutes
Best for:Â Cirencester, Bibury, Tetbury, Coln ValleyOperator:Â Great Western Railway (GWR)
Kemble is the fastest route into the southern Cotswolds, especially for those heading to Bibury or Cirencester.
You can view train times and prices and make a reservation at The Trainline, linked below.
2. London Paddington → Moreton-in-Marsh
Journey time:Â ~1 hour 25 minutes
Best for:Â 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:Â ~1 hour 20 minutes
Best for:Â Daylesford Organic, Kingham village, Chipping Norton
A quieter station that works well for foodie trips or spa weekends.
4. London Paddington → Honeybourne
Journey time:Â ~1 hour 40 minutes.
Best for:Â 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:Â ~45 minutes.
Best for:Â Flexibility and cheaper off-peak fares
From Oxford you can connect by bus or pre-booked taxi into the surrounding Cotswold villages.
You can view train times and prices and make a reservation at The Trainline, linked below.
London to Cotswolds Train Routes Map & Journey Times
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, and Chipping Campden.
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.
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:Â 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. See our one day north Cotswolds itinerary for an example day trip. You can also explore a number of local private tour companies here.
More information for when you have arrived by train
Click on the below links for further information (opens in a new window):
Coming Soon: Free AI Cotswolds Itinerary Builder
Create a personalised route based on your arrival station, how long you have, and what you want to see.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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.
With your route planned and the right station chosen, you’re ready for a brilliant day out or weekend break in the Cotswolds.