By Car

Driving is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to explore the Cotswolds, especially if you want to visit several of its picture-perfect villages and hidden gems. The area is well-connected by major roads, and scenic country lanes make for a beautiful journey.

• From London – Take the M40 or M4 west, then join the A40 or A429 towards Cheltenham, Cirencester or Stow-on-the-Wold.
• From Birmingham – Follow the M5 south and exit for Evesham or Tewkesbury for the northern Cotswolds.
• From Bristol or Bath – Head north on the M5 or A46 for easy access to Tetbury, Stroud and Painswick.
• Parking – Most towns and villages have public car parks; some smaller spots offer limited roadside parking.

By Train

Travelling by train is convenient and scenic, with several mainline stations offering access to different parts of the Cotswolds. Once there, local taxis or buses can help you reach your final destination.

• Moreton-in-Marsh – On the London Paddington to Hereford line; ideal for reaching Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway.
• Cheltenham Spa – Serves the north and central Cotswolds, with regular trains from London, Birmingham and Bristol.
• Kemble – Closest station for Cirencester and southern Cotswolds villages.
• Bath Spa – Best for exploring the southern edge of the Cotswolds and combining with a city break.

By Bus or Coach

Though less frequent than trains, buses and coaches offer affordable travel to and within the Cotswolds. National Express and local routes connect major towns and villages.

• National Express – Runs direct services from London, Birmingham and Bristol to Cheltenham, Cirencester and Stroud.
• Local services – Stagecoach and Pulhams Coaches operate routes between market towns such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh.
• Tips – Check timetables carefully, especially on weekends or in smaller villages where services may be limited.

By Air

The Cotswolds doesn’t have its own airport, but several major UK airports are within easy reach. Car hire or onward train connections make travel simple from any direction.

• Bristol Airport – Around 1 hour’s drive to the southern Cotswolds (Tetbury, Stroud, Painswick).
• Birmingham Airport – About 1 hour 15 minutes to the northern Cotswolds (Broadway, Chipping Campden).
• London Heathrow – Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car or train via Reading and Oxford.
• Car hire – Recommended for exploring rural areas and linking multiple Cotswold towns in one trip.