Gloucester Travel Guide - Roman Heritage, Docks and City Breaks
Set on the banks of the River Severn, Gloucester is a city where Roman history meets a thriving modern waterfront. Known in ancient times as Glevum, it grew into a powerful centre of trade, with Gloucester Docks becoming the most inland port in Britain during the Victorian age.
Today, the city makes an excellent base for exploring the county. Visitors can enjoy waterside walks, shopping and heritage attractions before heading out to the Cotswolds, the Forest of Dean and historic market towns such as Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Stroud and Cirencester.
Map of Gloucester City Centre
> View the map of Gloucester and explore other Gloucestershire maps to help plan your visit.
Travelling to Gloucester
Travelling to Gloucester by Car
Gloucester is easy to reach by car and sits just off the M5 motorway, with clear road signs to follow once you are close.
If you are coming from the Midlands, leave the M5 at Junction 11 or 11a and follow signs for the city.
If you are travelling from the South West, exit at Junction 12 or 11a, then follow the signs towards Gloucester and the city centre.
The A40 also passes the city, providing a direct link from London, the South East and Wales.
There is plenty of car parking available across Gloucester - see below for options.
To help plan your route, download the map of Gloucester.
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Travelling to Gloucester by Train
Gloucester Railway Station is just a short 5-minute walk from the city centre, making arrival by rail quick and convenient.
Regular services operate to and from London, Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff and destinations across Wales.
Gloucester Train Station address: Bruton Way, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL1 1DE - Map.
Car park: Approximately 200 parking spaces are available at the station.
Enquiries: National Rail Enquiries.
Book tickets: My Train Ticket.
Travelling to Gloucester by Coach
National Express coaches run frequently to Gloucester from many UK destinations, offering a comfortable and affordable way to travel.
Megabus also operates services, although routes are more limited.
Main bus station address: Station Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL1 1DF - Map.
Car park: An NCP car park sits adjacent to the station with 416 spaces.
Enquiries: Stagecoach Buses.
Book your coach tickets: National Express or Megabus.
Travelling to Gloucester by Air
Gloucestershire is fortunate to have its own airport, making travel by air a convenient option for visitors.
Daily scheduled services operate to the Isle of Man, with additional flights available to Belfast and Jersey.
Gloucestershire Airport address: Staverton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 6SR.
Telephone: 01452 857700.
Further information: Gloucestershire Airport.
Travelling Around Gloucester
Travelling around Gloucester with Stagecoach West Buses
Stagecoach West operates local bus services in Gloucester and across Gloucestershire, with frequent routes linking the city centre, suburbs and surrounding towns.
Gloucester Bus Station: Station Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL1 1DF.
Customer service: Tel: 01452 41863 or Stagecoach customer information.
Timetables and route maps: Find your bus route.
Students: UniRider.
Travelling around Gloucester by Taxi
Taxi services operate throughout the city, with ranks conveniently located near both the bus and railway stations.
