London to Bristol train with Great Western Rail

Trains from London to Bristol

The train route from London to Bristol is a busy and popular one. Trains depart London Paddington Station throughout the day on an hourly basis until late in the evening. The journey time is around 1h 37min and it’s a direct train with no stopovers or changes required. There are First Class and Standard Class seats available on all trains. If you are travelling First Class, you can also avail of the First Class lounge in Paddington Station before your journey. This is a quiet space in the station where you can recharge - both physically and technologically - as well as access snacks and drinks, media and work spaces. Assistance dogs and quiet, well-behaved pets are admitted.

London to Bristol Train Time: Daily Departures

Trains travel this route seven days a week and operate on an hourly basis until 08:32 p.m. and then a gap before one last train closer to midnight. The first train leaves London at 06:32am and the last train departs Paddington Station at 11:32 p.m. On weekdays there are around 16 trains per day with a slightly smaller number on weekends.

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

Travel time from London Paddington to Bristol is around 1h 37min. It’s a direct train with no changes and is operated by Great Western Railways. If you travel at weekends or outside peak times you will be able to avoid the busiest trains. They can often be fully booked so do plan carefully if you prefer a quieter journey. There is a priority boarding service at Paddington Station that is particularly suited to families. You alert the company, GWR, in advance and they will allocate a priority boarding service as it becomes available as trains arrive into the station. This is also a very useful service for anyone experiencing sensory issues and the GWR assistance team can help with this.

Bristol City. Source: Shutterstock

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

Departure train station: Trains for Bristol depart from London Paddington. This is a major transport hub in central London and connected to the London Underground and the wider UK rail network. It is well serviced by London bus and taxi connections as well as being within walking distance of many major attractions in the city of London. The station has many amenities including retail, cafes, waiting areas, Wi-Fi, toilets and information desks.

Arrival train station: You will arrive at Bristol Temple Meads. This is the main train station in Bristol City Centre. It is the oldest and largest train station in the city and is an important transport hub for Bristol. The station is well serviced by public transport as well as having parking adjacent to the complex. There are shops and cafes in the building as well as information desks, waiting areas, toilets and Wi-Fi.

Which train companies travel from London to Bristol?

Great Western Railway London to Bristol route is the only train service between these two destinations. GWR is one of the largest train companies in Britain. It operates train routes between London and throughout the southeast of England as well as connecting with south Wales, including Cardiff and beyond. It is part of FirstGroup, the leading transport operator in the UK and the US.

Great Western Railways trains from London to Bristol

The London to Bristol service operates throughout the day, seven days a week. Trains leave every 60min and take 1h 37min on average to complete the journey. It’s a direct train with no changes.

Train London to Bristol: Services on Board

While on board the Great Western Railways London to Bristol service you will have a comfortable seat in First Class or Standard Class carriages. There are food and drink facilities on board and free wi-fi. Toilets and baby changing areas are available also. The trains on this line are fully accessible to passengers travelling with limited mobility and there are accessible toilets.

The GWR team is ready to assist anyone who might need additional help. Simply alert the company at least six hours before you travel and they will be available to assist you at the station. All passengers can bring two large pieces of luggage as well as a single piece of hand luggage. Bicycles can be carried on board but there is limited space so it’s best if you alert the company at time of booking. Passengers can travel with small pets. Dogs must be kept on a leash and other animals, such as cats, must be kept in a rigid cat or pet box.

Bristol City centre . Source: Shutterstock

How to find cheap train tickets from London to Bristol?

The best way to get cheap tickets on the London to Bristol route is to book well in advance. There are reductions for students, older people and families. The family tickets are very good value but are limited, so early booking is advised. It’s a popular route that often sells out. Being flexible around your travel dates will also help and taking the early morning rains or those outside peak hours may also offer cheaper tickets. Buying single tickets rather than return tickets can sometimes deliver good reductions also, so do check this at the time of booking.

To Bristol by train - travel tips

Bristol is a very popular destination from London. It’s a prosperous maritime location that straddles the River Avon and has plenty of architectural and historical locations to visit. The old industrial warehouses that lined the harbour in the 19th century have been converted into modern retail and restaurant spaces with galleries, cafes, bookshops and more to peruse. It’s a very attractive city with pedestrian areas and lots of cultural attractions.

If you are interested in the maritime history of the region, then a trip to the M Shed Museum will be a must. Named after the original transit shed that operated here in the 1950s, it is a great snapshot of the social and industrial history of the city.

Nearby you will find Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner and now Bristol’s number one museum attraction. This fully renovated sailing ship is a floating museum in the harbour. Families will love visiting Bristol where they will be able to step aboard Concorde and have a supersonic experience at Aerospace Bristol. Located just off the M5 and with free parking for visitors, it is very easy to reach.

Bristol Zoo Gardens has over 400 exotic and endangered species to discover, while the Wild Place Project is set on 40 acres of parkland and has loads for young and old to explore, including treetop walkways and bear enclosures. There are lots of shopping opportunities in the city and elegant pedestrian retail areas to experience.

The restaurant scene is very strong, with cuisine from all over the world on offer as well as excellent local English menus, some with a fusion touch. St Nicholas Market has gained a great reputation for its local and homemade produce and street food in the Old City district in Bristol. The bars and nightlife offer lots for couples and younger people as well as elegant lounges and refined traditional pubs for anyone looking for a more reserved night-time experience.