Bristol to London train with Great Western Rail

Trains from Bristol to London

There are multiple trains an hour from Bristol to London on most days of the week, and two rail providers run routes to London from Bristol; these include Great Western Railway and South Western Railway. Trains from Bristol to London have direct and indirect routes, and when departing from Bristol, you will leave from Bristol Temple Meads train station. When you arrive in London, you will come into either London Paddington train station or London Waterloo train station. The journey time for trains from Bristol to London roughly takes between 1h 28min and 3h 40min.

Bristol to London Train Time: Daily Departures

On average, trains leave to London from Bristol three to four times an hour, between roughly 04:00 and 18:00. The first train of the day departs at around 04:53 from Bristol Temple Meads train station and arrives in London at London Paddington train station at about 06:26. The last train of the day leaves at roughly 22:00 from Bristol Temple Meads and gets into London at London Paddington train station at around 23:56. The first and last trains may differ on bank holidays and weekends.

How long is the journey by train from Bristol to London?

The journey time for trains departing from Bristol to London range between 1h 28min and 3h 40min. On average, direct trains to London from Bristol take around 1h 40min, while indirect trains to London from Bristol take around 3h 27min. The quickest train departs at around 08:00 from Bristol Temple Meads train station and arrives in London via London Paddington train station at approximately 09:28. This train takes a total travel time of about 1h 28min and travels directly to London from Bristol.

Cliffton bridge in Bristol. Source: Shutterstock

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Bristol to London?

Departure train station: Bristol Temple Meads train station is your departure train station for train journeys from Bristol to London. Bristol Temple Meads train station is located around 0.6 miles (1 km) from the city centre of Bristol. To get to the train station from the city centre, you can walk or take the bus; you can catch bus 8, the Temple Meads Connection, from Temple Way. You will need to disembark at the stop Temple Meads. Services and amenities found at Bristol Temple Meads train station include bathrooms, ticket offices, waiting rooms, cash points and a cafe.

Arrival train station: London Paddington or London Waterloo train station will be the arrival train station in London for trains arriving from Bristol. You can reach London’s city centre from London Paddington or London Waterloo train station by taking the bus, train or a taxi. The amenities and services available at London Paddington train station include bathrooms, convenience shops, waiting rooms, a first-class lounge, cafes, ticket offices, cash points and disability assistance. At London Waterloo train station, you can find similar amenities and services, like bathrooms, ticket machines, cafes, convenience shops, car hire facilities and waiting areas.

Which train companies travel from Bristol to London?

Two train providers have routes from Bristol to London. These are Great Western Railway and South Western Railway. Great Western Railway provides the fastest routes, which travel directly to London from Bristol. South Western Railway does not have any direct routes to London from Bristol; all its trains have one changeover, in Salisbury or Westbury. Some trains include two changeovers, in both cities.

Night trains London

There are no late-night trains from Bristol to London. The earliest train departs from Bristol at around 04:53 from Bristol Temple Meads train station and arrives in London at London Paddington train station at about 06:26. The last train leaves at approximately 22:00 from Bristol Temple Meads and gets into London at London Paddington train station at around 23:56. It is good to note that trains that travel at night and in the early morning are often slower than trains during the day.

Great Western Railway trains from Bristol to London

Great Western Railway has multiple trains an hour to London from Bristol. The first Great Western Railway train leaves at around 04:53 from Bristol Temple Meads train station and arrives in London at London Paddington train station at roughly 06:26. The latest train leaves at loosely 22:00 from Bristol Temple Meads and gets into London at London Waterloo train station at around 23:56. Both direct and indirect trains are available with Great Western Railway, and all its trains arrive at London Paddington train station.

South Western Railway trains from Bristol to London

South Western Railway has, on average, one train per hour from Bristol to London. The first South Western Railway train departs at about 05:00 from Bristol Temple Meads train station and arrives in London at London Waterloo train station at about 08:14. The last train from South Western Railway leaves at around 20:24 from Bristol and arrives in London at approximately 23:56. All trains from South Western Railway arrive at London Waterloo train station, and there are both indirect and direct trains to London from Bristol with this company.

Trains from Bristol to London: Sustainability travel

Making travel sustainable is easily done when taking a train. Train travel is much more environmentally friendly than taking a plane or a car. Great Western Railway is a rail provider committed to helping the environment and achieving the goal of zero net emissions within the coming years.

Trains Bristol to London: Services on Board

There are many services you can enjoy while on board Great Western Railway and South Western Railway trains. Both railway companies have the option of standard or first class. If you decide to book a first-class ticket, you will get the added benefits of extra legroom, onboard food, power points and lounge access. Standard luggage allowance includes three items; you can have one large-sized bag, a medium-sized bag and one personal item. You are allowed to bring your pet on board as long as it is properly secured. It is possible to bring your bicycle on board too; however, you will need to book a spot for it with your ticket. The trains have ramps for you to use if you carry heavy luggage or use a wheelchair. While on board, you should check out our online magazine The Window Seat, where you can find travel tips and interesting information.

How to find cheap train tickets from Bristol to London

There are many ways to get cheap train tickets if you know what to look for. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, pick the cheapest date to travel on. Another thing you can do is book a train with changeovers or a longer duration, while one of the best options for affordable travel is to book your train ticket in advance. Train tickets tend to become pricier closer to the departure date.

Trains from Bristol to London: tourist checking a map in London. Source: Shutterstock

To London by train—travel tips

London is a fabulous city to enjoy a holiday in. This city is known for its historical attractions. Some of the most popular include a tour of The Tower of London, a trip to Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament and walking across Tower Bridge. London also has many family activities which the whole family will enjoy. Why not talk a walk through Hyde Park and end the morning with an afternoon picnic. Make sure you are Instagram ready for your trip to Madame Tussauds, where you can take photos with your favourite celebrities. If you are looking for an adventure for older kids, head to the London Dungeons and learn all about London’s gruesome past. Other things you can do in London include:

• Eat some fish and chips next to the River Thames
• Take a photo with a Beefeater
• Go shopping down Oxford Street
• Watch a show in West End
• Party the night away in London’s best clubs