Bristol Airport runs a direct National Express coach to both Gloucester and Cheltenham (route 100, which continues on to Birmingham), with up to 7 services a day. A fixed-price taxi is the faster option, taking roughly an hour to Gloucester or Cheltenham for around £110 to £160, while the coach is the cheaper choice if you're not in a hurry.
Direct coach: Bristol Airport to Gloucester and Cheltenham
National Express route 100 connects Birmingham with Bristol Airport, calling at Cheltenham's Arle Court Park & Ride and Gloucester along the way, with up to 7 services a day. It picks up and drops off at the airport's Transport Interchange, so there's no need to travel into Bristol first.
- Stops served: Gloucester and Cheltenham Arle Court Park & Ride, on the Birmingham–Bristol Airport route
- Frequency: up to 7 services a day
- Fares: the route launched with one-way fares from £5.70; current prices vary by how far ahead you book, so check nationalexpress.com for today's fare
- Booking: online at nationalexpress.com for the best price; fares rise closer to departure
Taxi from Bristol Airport to Gloucester or Cheltenham
A pre-booked taxi is the quickest way to either town and suits early flights, late arrivals, or anyone with luggage who doesn't want to build a coach connection into their journey.
| Destination | Distance | Typical journey time | Typical taxi fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gloucester | around 50 miles | 60 to 75 minutes | £110 to £150 |
| Cheltenham | around 55 miles | 65 to 80 minutes | £120 to £160 |
Fares are higher at peak times and lower for a fixed, pre-booked fare than a metered rank fare picked up on spec, so book ahead if cost matters. For how fixed and metered fares compare more generally, see our guide to fixed-price versus metered taxis at Bristol Airport.
Train: expect a change in Bristol
There's no railway station at Bristol Airport, so a rail journey to Gloucester or Cheltenham means getting into Bristol first, by taxi or the A1 Airport Flyer bus, then picking up a Great Western Railway or CrossCountry service from Bristol Temple Meads or Bristol Parkway. This usually takes longer overall than the direct coach once you add the connection, so it only tends to make sense if you already hold a railcard or need to break your journey in Bristol anyway. Check exact times and prices on the National Rail journey planner before you travel.
Which should you choose?
- Cost-conscious and flexible on time: the direct National Express 100 coach, booked in advance for the lowest fare
- Need speed, arriving very early or very late, or travelling as a group: a pre-booked fixed-price taxi
- Already have a rail journey planned, or hold a railcard: train via Bristol Temple Meads or Bristol Parkway, accepting the extra connection
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct bus from Bristol Airport to Gloucester and Cheltenham?
Yes. National Express route 100 runs between Birmingham and Bristol Airport, calling at Gloucester and Cheltenham's Arle Court Park & Ride, with up to 7 services a day.
How much does the coach from Bristol Airport to Gloucester or Cheltenham cost?
The route launched with one-way fares from £5.70. Current prices vary by demand and how far ahead you book, so check nationalexpress.com for today's fare before you travel.
How long does a taxi take from Bristol Airport to Gloucester?
Around 60 to 75 minutes, typically £110 to £150 for a pre-booked fixed fare.
How long does a taxi take from Bristol Airport to Cheltenham?
Around 65 to 80 minutes, typically £120 to £160 for a pre-booked fixed fare.
Is there a direct train from Bristol Airport to Gloucester or Cheltenham?
No. You'll need to reach Bristol Temple Meads or Bristol Parkway first, by taxi or the airport bus, then change onto a Great Western Railway or CrossCountry service.
Which is cheaper, the coach or a taxi?
The coach, by a large margin, especially if you book in advance. A taxi is faster and more convenient for groups, heavy luggage, or unsociable hours.
Checked 2026. Coach route and taxi fare figures are as published by Bristol Airport; always confirm current fares before you travel, since both coach and taxi pricing change with demand.