How to travel from Manchester to Cotswolds, United Kingdom

The distance between Manchester and Cotswolds is around 220km (137 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 25m.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Manchester to Cotswolds by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out CotswoldsManchester if you're planning a return trip.

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train
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train
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Train

Take the train to Birmingham New Street and then to Cheltenham Spa.

  • Duration2h 35m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    £120($140)
💰 Cheapest
2
bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Cheltenham Arle Court Gloucester Rd.

  • Duration4h 45m
  • Departs5 times a week
  • Typical cost
    £24($28)
🚀 Fastest
3
car
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Drive

Drive to Cotswolds.

  • Duration2h 25m
  • Distance227km (141 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Manchester and Cotswolds

There are several options for getting from Manchester to Cotswolds by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around £24 ($28) and will take around 4h 45m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £26 ($31).

The distance between Manchester and Cotswolds is around 220km (137 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 135km (84 miles)

It takes around 2h 35m to get from Manchester and Cotswolds by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 25m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Manchester to Cotswolds is to drive which takes around 2h 25m and will set you back approx £26 ($31).

The cheapest way to travel between Manchester and Cotswolds, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around £24 ($28) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Manchester and Cotswolds. It typically takes around 2h 35m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Manchester to Cotswolds. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Birmingham New Street and Cheltenham Spa. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 2h 35m.

CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast run train services between Manchester and Cotswolds. Trains depart hourly and will take around 2h 35m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Manchester and Cotswolds. It typically takes around 4h 45m and departs every 20 mins.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Manchester to Cotswolds. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Cheltenham Arle Court Gloucester Rd, Gloucester Transport Hub and Elkstone Combend Farm. These services run every 20 mins and will take a minimum of 4h 45m.

Megabus UK run regular bus services between Manchester and Cotswolds. Buses run every 20 mins and take around 4h 45m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Manchester to Cotswolds. We recommend that you take the train to Birmingham New Street and then to Cheltenham Spa. instead which will take 2h 35m.

The closest major airport to Cotswolds is Humberside Airport (HUY) (HUY) which is approximately 21km (13 miles) from Cotswolds. Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) (DSA) and Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) (LBA) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Manchester and Cotswolds. The distance is around 227km (141 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 25m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Manchester to Cotswolds is to take the train which takes, on average, 2h 35m and will usually cost around £120 ($140).

How do I get from Manchester to Cotswolds

Compare travel optionsbetween Manchester and Cotswolds

Transport options from Manchester to Cotswolds
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
2h 35m
£120($140)
hourly220km (137 miles)
Bus
4h 45m
£24($28)
5 times a week253km (157 miles)
Drive
2h 25m
£26($31)
on demand227km (141 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Manchester and Cotswolds

Train operators

Bus companies

Airports near Cotswolds

The following major airports near Cotswolds offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.

HUY
Humberside Airport (HUY)
International Airport
Distance
21km (13 miles) from Cotswolds
DSA
Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA)
International Airport
Distance
59km (36 miles) from Cotswolds
LBA
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
International Airport
Distance
93km (58 miles) from Cotswolds