Trains from London to Bristol from £28.20

The vibrant city of Bristol, famed for its fascinating maritime heritage, is easy to get to from central London with frequent, direct trains. Ready to hop on board and visit Bristol’s top attractions, such as Brunel’s SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge? Check out our guide below for all the information you’ll need on travelling from London to Bristol by train.

How do you get from London to Bristol by train?

The journey from London to Bristol is a straightforward, direct route from bustling London Paddington station. Paddington station is well connected to the London underground with Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines all stopping here. You’ll also find connections with the Elizabeth line and the Heathrow Express, so it’s a convenient starting point for a trip to Bristol whether you’re a Londoner or have just arrived in the city.

If you’ve got time to spare at Paddington station, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you busy, as well as seating areas and Wi-Fi available. If you’re travelling First Class, there’s also a GWR First Class lounge available on platform 1, with comfortable seating, charging points and complimentary refreshments.

Great Western Railway (GWR) operate direct trains from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway. Trains usually depart at least every 30 minutes, and typical journey times are between 1h 15m to 1h 40m. The quickest option available is certain services from London Paddington to Bristol Parkway, taking just 1h 8m. On the way, you’ll often pass through Reading, Swindon, Chippenham and Bath Spa as well as taking in scenic views of rolling hills and farmland.

What to expect on board your London Paddington to Bristol train

Travelling on GWR, you’ll enjoy comfortable seats and complimentary Wi-Fi. There’s also a great range of food and drinks, including sandwiches, hot drinks and alcoholic beverages, available for purchase on many GWR services. On some services, you can even indulge in the Pullman dining experience, which features a 2 or 3 course meal crafted by GWR’s talented chefs. Please note that this is subject to availability when boarding unless you have a First Class ticket, and is only available on certain services, Monday to Friday.

If you opt to upgrade to First Class for your trip, you’ll enjoy complimentary food and drink, such as tea, coffee, biscuits and crisps during your journey. You’ll also get more spacious seating and the opportunity to make a Pullman Dining reservation up to two weeks in advance of your departure on applicable services.

How much does a train ticket from London to Bristol cost?

Prices for train journeys from London to Bristol Temple Meads or Bristol Parkway can start from as little as £5.88, although the average fare tends to be between £75 and £95. Make sure to use our journey planner to check out the options available and find the best fare. Booking in advance and travelling off-peak are great ways to find more affordable tickets. It’s also worth making the most of railcard discounts if applicable to you.

Which train station is best? Bristol Temple Meads or Bristol Parkway?

That will completely depend on your plans when visiting Bristol. If you’re looking to head to the city centre and visit attractions such as Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery or the Clifton Suspension Bridge, then Bristol Temple Meads is your best option. Meanwhile, if you’re travelling from London to Bristol for the University of West Anglia or to Bristol’s northern suburbs, Bristol Parkway would be a sensible choice.

Bristol Temple Meads dates back to 1840 and is Grade 1 listed thanks to its iconic architecture. It’s a busy transport hub connecting passengers to Wales and the South West as well as London. Bristol Parkway is a more modern station with good access to nearby motorways.

Can you do a day trip to Bristol from London?

Absolutely! The journey from London to Bristol covers a distance of just over 100 miles in less than two hours, meaning it’s a great option for a day trip or weekend away. Trains start as early as 5:23am, with services coming back as late as 10:40pm. If you’re taking a day trip, do check available return options using our journey planner and if you’re extending your trip to the weekend, check out our information on where to stay and eat in Bristol.

Bristol has a huge amount to offer visitors, whether you’re interested in history, art, food or music. One of the most famous attractions is the Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, a project which took 33 years to complete. Another of Brunel’s famous designs is the SS Great Britain, which you can visit at Bristol’s harbourside. The vibrant city is also famed for its art scene and being the home of Banksy. As you wander the city, you’ll find impressive street murals, varied graffiti and Banksy originals.

No trip to Bristol would be complete without making the most of Bristol’s foodie scene. St Nicholas Market is home to tasty street food, while you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars by the harbourside. Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park boasts impressive views over the city, while culture lovers can indulge in a museum or two. Whatever you choose to add to your itinerary while visiting Bristol, you’ll find taking the train from London to Bristol to be a convenient and speedy way to get to this dynamic city.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.