Getting to and around the Oxfordshire Cotswolds

Situated in the heart of England, the Oxfordshire Cotswolds is easily accessible for a day trip from many locations, including London. However, we strongly recommend that you plan to stay for a night or two, so that you can relax and truly experience this stunning area. You’ll be able to witness glorious sunsets, hear beautiful early morning birdsong, have a chance to meet the locals in the ‘local’ and visit popular villages at quieter times of the day.

The area is an excellent base for touring, located close to Bath, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Cheltenham.

Public Transport Information

Getting around the Oxfordshire Cotswolds by public transport is straightforward.

By Rail

The Oxfordshire Cotswolds are served by Great Western Railway with trains to the Oxfordshire Cotswolds from London, the Midlands and the North and the South West of England. There are railway stations at Ascott-under-Wychood, Charlbury, Combe, Finstock, Hanborough, Kingham and Shipton.

There are also train services provided by Chiltern Railways from London and Birmingham to Oxford, which lies to the east of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.

For detailed rail information and prices for rail travel please look at the following sites: National Rail, Great Western Railway, Trainline or Chiltern Railways 

By Bus

The National Express network runs bus travel throughout England. It offers a range of discount fares and travel passes. The bus stations closest to the Oxfordshire Cotswolds are at Oxford and Cheltenham. 

The Oxford Tube coach service runs between London Victoria and Oxford bus station and is a reliable, regular service for visitors to the area.

The Oxfordshire Cotswolds is easy to get around by bus with many local bus services linking main towns throughout the area, and the West Oxfordshire Community Transport providing bus links between some of the villages in the area.

For further information:

Visit Traveline, Oxford Bus Company, Stagecoach or West Oxfordshire Community Transport

By Road

The Oxfordshire Cotswolds is served by excellent links to the M4, M5 and M40, providing easy access to and from London, Birmingham and the national motorway network. Visit AA Route Planner to plan your journey

Travelling by electric vehicle? Visit Zap-Map or Car Wow to search for EV chargers in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds to help plan your stay and journey.

By Air

Travelling via flight to the Oxfordshire Cotswolds couldn't be easier, with five airports within a two-hour drive time.

Birmingham 1hr 15min

Bristol 1hr 50min

Gloucester 1hr

London Gatwick 1 hr 50min

London Heathrow 1hr 15min

(Travelling times are approximate)

For visitors arriving at London Gatwick and London Heathrow airports, the Airline bus service, operated by Oxford Bus Company, runs a 24/7 service to Oxford, which lies to the east of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.