Bristol to Newcastle train

Trains from Bristol to Newcastle

Taking the train from Bristol to Newcastle is a particularly convenient option for customers travelling with multiple items of baggage looking for a comfortable trip to Ireland. You can find a frequent schedule of trains departing daily from Bristol Temple Meads to Holyhead in North Wales, from where you can take a ferry to Dublin before taking a bus or taxi to your final destination of Newcastle. Compare departure times and ticket prices on Omio so you get the best deals from Bristol to Newcastle.

Bristol to Newcastle Train Time: Daily Departures

Anyone taking the train from Bristol to Newcastle will need to first travel to Holyhead in North Wales before getting the ferry to Dublin. There are usually one or two trains from Bristol to Holyhead per day, every day of the week. There are no direct trains from Bristol to Holyhead and this journey involves at least one connection. The fastest routes take around 5h 25min and go via Birmingham and Crewe. You can also take the train from Bristol to Holyhead via Newport in South Wales. This journey takes around 6h 21min. The earliest trains from Bristol to Newcastle depart at around 5:53 a.m. and the latest trains that allow you to take a ferry from Holyhead depart at around 1:35 p.m. Ferries from Holyhead to Dublin are operated by Stena Line and depart roughly four times per day from around 9:00 a.m. until around 2:15 a.m.

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

The total journey time from Bristol to Newcastle varies according to which train line you take. Trains from Bristol to Newcastle usually take around 10h 23min including the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin. The fastest trains from Bristol to Holyhead take around 5h 25min. Make sure you arrive in Holyhead in plenty of time to board your ferry as foot passengers need to check-in no later than 30min before departure time. The ferry from Holyhead to Dublin takes around 3h 15min and departs every 4h. Since there is no train station at Newcastle, your onward journey from Dublin can be made by taxi or public bus and will take around 30min.

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

Departure train station: Bristol Temple Meads. Bristol Temple Meads is a busy train station used by commuters, tourists and business travellers. The station is situated in Bristol city centre and can be reached by car, bus or train. Temple Meads is open Monday-Friday from 4:30 a.m. until 1:45 a.m., Saturday 5:00 a.m. until 1:45 a.m. and Sunday 7:00 a.m. until 1:45 a.m. There is a ticket office open from around 5:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday and 6:45 a.m. on Sunday until 9:30 p.m. Ticket machines can also be used. Multiple toilets and baby care facilities are available, as well as amenities like waiting rooms, cash machines, trolleys, shops and cafes. There is step-free access throughout the station and wheelchairs available for use around the station.

Arrival train station: Holyhead Station. Since there is no train station at Newcastle, your train journey will end in Holyhead. From here, you can take a ferry to Dublin before taking a taxi or bus to Newcastle. Holyhead Station is open 24/7 on weekdays, from 12:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. on Saturdays and from 7:00 a.m. until midnight on Sundays. There is a ticket office and ticket machines. Toilets can be found in Holyhead ferry terminal. Other facilities include a bureau de change, shops, ATMs and baby changing facilities. There is step free access around the station and through to the ferry terminal.

Newcastle Angel North. Source: Shutterstock

Which train companies travel from Bristol to Newcastle?

If you wish to book trains from Bristol to Newcastle, you can expect up to three connections en route. One option is to get the train from Bristol to Holyhead via Birmingham and Crewe. Trains from Bristol to Birmingham are operated by Cross Country Rail. Trains from Birmingham onwards are operated by either Avanti West Coast or Arriva Trains Wales. You can also travel via Newport. Great Western Railways operate trains from Bristol to Newport, and Transport for Wales operate direct trains from Newport to Holyhead.

Cross Country trains from Bristol to Newcastle

The fastest Cross Country trains from Bristol to Birmingham take around 1h 23min. Trains depart from Bristol Temple Meads around once every hour, every day. The earliest Cross Country trains depart at around 6:15 a.m. and run until around 10:00 p.m.

Avanti West Coast trains from Bristol to Newcastle

If you are travelling via Birmingham, Avanti West Coast operate trains from Birmingham to Holyhead. You can take both direct trains or connecting trains via Crewe. The earliest Avanti West Coast trains from Birmingham to Holyhead depart at around 5:30 a.m. and the latest trains from Crewe depart at around 6:56 p.m.

Great Western Railways trains from Bristol to Newcastle

Great Western Railways operate direct and connecting services from Bristol to Newport in South Wales. The fastest trains take around 30min. Trains depart frequently, with multiple departures per hour every day of the week from early morning until late.

Transport for Wales trains from Bristol to Newcastle

Passengers looking to travel with fewer connections can take the direct Transport for Wales service from Newport to Holyhead. This services takes around 4h 48min. The earliest direct Transport for Wales trains depart from Newport at around 6:59 a.m. and run until around 7:52 p.m.

Train Bristol to Newcastle: Services on Board

With most providers from Bristol to Newcastle, you can book either a Standard or First Class ticket. First Class passengers can enjoy more legroom, charging points and reclining seats onboard, as well as complimentary food and drinks when travelling with providers such as Avanti West Coast. Passengers should check the luggage allowances of the train provider they are travelling with. Cyclists can take their bike onboard all services from Bristol to Newcastle provided they book a space in advance on all trains and ferries. Passengers are also allowed to bring up to two domestic pets on all train and ferry services from Bristol to Newcastle at no extra charge. Passengers requiring extra assistance during their journey should contact their provider in advance to book wheelchair spaces and request further help.

Newcastle Tyne Bridge Blue. Source: Shutterstock

How to find cheap train tickets from Bristol to Newcastle?

In order to guarantee cheap train tickets from Bristol to Newcastle, you should try to book tickets in advance. Compare different routes and tickets prices for trains from Bristol to Newcastle all in one place with Omio. If you are flexible with timing, check ticket prices for slower journeys that may involve more connections. Some passengers may be able to take advantage of discounted ticket prices if they have or purchase a railcard. Railcards for senior citizens, young people and passengers with disabilities offer up to 1/3 off ticket prices. Before travelling from Bristol to Newcastle, read through our online Window Seat magazine for more tips to get the most out of your trip.

Getting to Newcastle by train—travel tips

The village of Newcastle is situated in the County of Dublin, around 16 miles from Dublin ferry terminal. Primarily rural, the village is a good base to explore the vibrant Irish capital of Dublin as well as the surrounding nature and Wicklow hills. There is a public bus service connecting the village to Dublin city centre. Newcastle is home to historical sites such as St Finian's Church and the Norman castle from which the village derives its name. The village is also close to the picturesque Grand Canal and Arthur's Way heritage trail.