- Recommended
Ely Museum
Ely’s main museum tells the city’s story from archaeology to local life. Expect well-presented displays in a former gaol near the cathedral.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Ely
Showing times and prices for 25 Aug
Cheapest price
£70
Average price
£70
Fastest journey
3 h 33 m
Average duration
3 h 33 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
222 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Ely is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Ely will cost around £70 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £70.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Bristol for Ely every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 222 km distance in an average of 3 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 33 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 33 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
9:303h33Bristol13:03Ely£701One-way0 changes
- 9:303h33Bristol13:03Ely£701One-way0 changes
Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Ely by train
Compare train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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25 Aug
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Why should you book Bristol to Ely trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Cross Country offer trains services from Bristol to Ely.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Ely.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Ely.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bristol to Ely
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bristol to Ely run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £180 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:53, the last at 21:21. The fastest train covers the 222 km distance in 4h 22m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 222 km |
Average train duration 3h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £180 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 22m |
First train 4:53 |
Last train 21:21 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Cross Country from Bristol to Ely trainsGreat Western Railway, Cross Country trains will get you between Bristol and Ely from £180. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 33m
Cheapest Price
£42
Great Western Railway frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 22m
Cheapest Price
£180
Cross Country frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Ely
Things to do in Ely
Discover the best of Ely — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ely trip today.
- Recommended
The Stained Glass Museum
Displays historic stained glass from Britain and Europe inside Ely Cathedral. It is an unusual collection that adds depth to a cathedral visit.
- Recommended
Oliver Cromwell's House
A focused museum on Oliver Cromwell’s life in Ely, set in his former family home. Good for Civil War context and period interiors.
- Recommended
Ely Riverside
A pleasant riverfront area with boats, open views and paths. It is ideal for a relaxed walk, photography and watching life on the Great Ouse.
- Recommended
Cathedral Green
The green around the cathedral offers classic views of Ely’s skyline. It is a peaceful place to walk, rest and appreciate the setting of the church.
- Recommended
Market Square
The central square hosts the regular market and many civic events. It is a useful starting point for exploring the compact historic centre.
- Gluten-free
Eel Stew
Eel stew is tied to the Fens and Ely’s marsh history. Freshwater eel was long a staple food here, slowly cooked into a rich, traditional dish.
- Gluten-free
Jellied Eels
Jellied eels are a classic East Anglian and London-area eel dish. They reflect the region’s historic eel trade and wetland fishing culture.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Eel
Smoked eel is a prized Fenland speciality. Oily local eel is cured and smoked, giving a rich flavour linked to Ely’s waterside heritage.
Poets House
Established city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking and seasonal menus in a smart but welcoming setting.
The Fountain
Popular traditional pub known for hearty British food, cask ales and a friendly atmosphere close to Ely Cathedral.
Riverside Bar and Kitchen
Well-known waterside venue for British pub meals, drinks and outdoor seating overlooking the river and marina.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a small UK city. Accommodation and dining cost more than many towns, but local transport needs are low and day-to-day spending is manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for a budget meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafés usually just small change.
FAQs: Bristol to Ely train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Ely by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ely, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Bristol to Ely can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £180, while the average price tends to be around £180.
The train journey from Bristol to Ely covers a distance of 222 km and takes approximately 4h 22m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Bristol to Ely is 222 km.
The first train from Bristol to Ely leaves at 4:53.
The last train from Bristol to Ely departs at 21:21.
Trains from Bristol to Ely run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bristol to Ely.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bristol and Ely. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
To travel from Bristol to Ely, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Bristol to Ely.
The train station in Bristol that goes to Ely is Bristol Temple Meads (BRI), and it arrives at Ely station (ELY).
The cheapest way to get from Bristol to Ely is by train, costing approximately £180.
Booking trains from Bristol to Ely in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Bristol to Ely offers a blend of urban and countryside views, including glimpses of the Cotswolds and the rolling landscapes of Cambridgeshire, making it a moderately scenic route.
A day trip from Bristol to Ely is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 22m one way. Trains run 6 times per day.
To fully explore Ely, a visit of 1 to 2 days is typically sufficient. This allows time to visit key attractions such as Ely Cathedral, the Oliver Cromwell's House, and the Ely Museum, as well as enjoying the scenic riverside walks.
Yes, you can take the train from Bristol to Ely.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Ely
Most Bristol to Ely trains use the Bristol Temple Meads to Ely station pair. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Ely train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Bristol
Arrival train stations in Ely
Bristol Temple MeadsStation Approach, Bristol, BS1 6QF, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol Temple Meads from Bristol city centre
Bus16 · 7m · £4 · every ~12 min
X39, 16, 39, 522 · 8m · £4 · every ~49 min
512 · 14m
9 · 15m · £4 · every ~22 min
Bristol Temple Meads train station facilities and services
Bristol Temple Meads has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.
Which Ely station do trains from Bristol arrive at?
Trains from Bristol to Ely arrive at Ely. Ely is 1 km from Ely city centre.
ElyEly station, Station Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4BS+44 3450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Ely from Ely city centre
Bus112 · 9m · £4 · every ~3 min
Ely train station facilities and services
Ely has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ely.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ely.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ely. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ely: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ely: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ely: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Bristol to Ely
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Ely and Bristol
Most popular train connections to Ely
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