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Bourton-on-the-Water, on the 855 bus route from Cirencester. Photo from Pexels.
You can visit the Cotswolds without a car by taking the train to Kemble and basing yourself in Cirencester, about 4 miles away. Cirencester is walkable, and the Pulhams 855 bus runs from Cirencester to Bibury, Northleach and Bourton-on-the-Water. Esho Stays has six homes in Cirencester from £100 a night.
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How do you get to the Cotswolds by train?
The easiest way to reach the south Cotswolds by train is to Kemble station. Great Western Railway runs direct trains from London Paddington in around 1 hour 10 minutes, roughly hourly.
| Station | Direct trains from | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Kemble | London Paddington, Swindon, Gloucester | Cirencester and the south Cotswolds |
| Moreton-in-Marsh | London Paddington, Oxford | Stow-on-the-Wold and the north Cotswolds |
| Stroud | London Paddington, Gloucester, Swindon | Painswick and the western valleys |
| Cheltenham Spa | Birmingham, Bristol, London | The northern escarpment and Cleeve Hill |
Check times on National Rail before you travel.
From Kemble, a taxi to Cirencester takes about 10 minutes. Book one ahead for evening arrivals.
Which buses run from Cirencester to the villages?
The main bus for visitors is the Pulhams 855, which runs from Cirencester to Bibury, Northleach and Bourton-on-the-Water. Since September 2025 it runs up to hourly on weekdays, funded by Gloucestershire County Council.
- Cirencester to Bibury: about 20 minutes, for Arlington Row and the River Coln
- Cirencester to Northleach: for the wool church and quiet market square
- Cirencester to Bourton-on-the-Water: for the river, the model village and the walk to the Slaughters
- At Bourton, change for buses north towards Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh
Sunday and bank holiday services are limited or do not run on some routes. Check the current timetable with Pulhams before you plan your weekend.
A Cotswold river walk, reachable by bus. Photo from Pexels.
What does a car-free Cotswolds weekend look like?
A car-free weekend works well with Cirencester as a base: one day in town on foot, one day on the bus.
| When | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Train to Kemble, taxi to Cirencester | Walk Cirencester Park and the Broad Ride |
| Midday | Bus 855 to Bibury | Corinium Museum in town |
| Afternoon | Bus on to Bourton-on-the-Water, walk to Lower Slaughter | Lunch, then taxi to Kemble |
| Evening | Last bus back to Cirencester, dinner in town | Train home |
Swap the days if Saturday bus times suit you better.
Can you walk or cycle around the Cotswolds?
Yes. Cirencester has walks straight from the town centre, and the flat lanes of the Cotswold Water Park, about 4 miles south, suit cycling.
For longer walks, the Thames Path starts at the source of the Thames in Trewsbury Mead, near Kemble, and runs 185 miles to London. A short section from the source makes a good half-day walk. Read our guide to a walking weekend in the Cotswolds for more routes.
Tips for the Cotswolds without a car
Note the last busRural buses finish early in the evening. Note the last departure back to Cirencester before you set off.
Pre-book the Kemble taxiThere are few taxis waiting at Kemble, especially in the evening. Book one before you board the train.
Stay centralOur Cirencester homes are a short walk from the Market Place and the bus stops, so you never need a car in town.
Where to stay in the Cotswolds without a car
£120 / nightFirst-floor flat, 18th-century building
- 2 bedrooms
- Walk-in shower room
- Dining nook
- Very central
A first-floor flat in an 18th-century building, close to the Market Place, shops and buses.
See the first-floor flat
£120 / nightHistoric flat with walk-in shower, Cirencester
- 2 double bedrooms
- Walk-in shower
- Exposed brickwork
- Free on-street parking nearby
Two double bedrooms in a converted 18th-century building near the Market Place and Abbey Grounds.
See the historic flatSee all the ideas in our guide to a weekend away in the Cotswolds.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cotswolds town is best without a car?
Cirencester is one of the best Cotswolds towns without a car. It is walkable, has shops, restaurants and a museum, and is about 4 miles from Kemble station with direct trains to London. The 855 bus links it with Bibury, Northleach and Bourton-on-the-Water.
Can you get from Cirencester to Bibury by bus?
Yes. The Pulhams 855 bus runs from Cirencester to Bibury and on to Northleach and Bourton-on-the-Water. Since September 2025 it runs up to hourly on weekdays. Weekend and bank holiday times differ, so check the latest timetable with Pulhams before you travel.
Is there a bus from Kemble station to Cirencester?
Bus links between Kemble station and Cirencester are limited, so most visitors take a taxi, which takes about 10 minutes. Book one before you travel, especially for evening arrivals. If you are staying with us, we can share local taxi numbers before your stay.
Can I visit Castle Combe without a car?
Castle Combe is hard to reach without a car, as it is a small village with very limited bus links. If you want to see it, consider a taxi or a guided tour for that day. Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water are much easier by public transport from Cirencester.
Next step
Coming by train?
Tell us your arrival time at Kemble and your dates, and we will suggest a home in central Cirencester.
