Trains to Bristol
Whether you’re visiting to wander around the historic Harbourside, spending an afternoon in one of Bristol’s 400 gardens and parks, or immersing yourself in culture at the Museum and Art Gallery, we’re your one-stop-shop for booking trains to Bristol.
It’s easy to travel to Bristol Temple Meads (the main station in the city) by train from many destinations around the UK. Located in Redford – a central neighbourhood with walking distance of the city centre – you can start exploring as soon as you step off the train! The station itself is a Grade I listed building and is considered one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's architectural masterpieces.
Bristol is also a great springboard to explore Wales. There are several great day trips you can do from Bristol to Wales - just hop on a train from Bristol Temple Meads and you can reach Cardiff in under an hour.
Ready to book? Start a search in our Journey Planner for trains to Bristol and we’ll show you times and tickets. Keep reading to find out more about train companies, how to find cheap train tickets and what to do once you get there.
How to find cheap train tickets to Bristol
At Trainline, we have a number of handy ways to help you save money and secure cheap train tickets to Bristol. Whether you’re heading there for business or leisure, our super-savvy tips will have you on the road to cheaper train travel in no time at all. And the best part – most of these tips can be easily done through our Journey Planner.
Our top tips for finding cheap train tickets to Bristol:
- Get a Railcard: Save up to 1/3 for a whole year
- Book tickets to Bristol in advance: Great Western Railway and CrossCountry usually release tickets 12 weeks in advance
- Travel Off-Peak: Tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends
- Use GroupSave: If you're travelling in a group of 3-9 people you could save 34%
1. Get a Railcard
Our first essential method for getting cheap train tickets to Bristol is to pick up a National Railcard. If you’ll be booking more than a few train journeys a year, then it’s well worth picking one up, as they’ll allow you to save up to 1/3 off the price on applicable journeys*. Remember, each penny you save can be used on seeing Bristol instead! To see all the different types of Railcards (and their eligibility requirements) or to buy one online, visit our Railcards page.
2. Book tickets to Bristol in advance
When it comes to train travel, planning well ahead can lead to cheaper train tickets. In many cases, the price of a train ticket can rise as the departure date edges nearer, so by buying an Advance ticket you stand a greater chance of securing a price that’s right for you. These tickets typically go on sale 12 weeks in advance, though some train companies release theirs as early as 24 weeks ahead of time. So, as soon as you know you’ll need to book some train tickets to Bristol, make sure to do it! If you’re worried you’ll forget to check for Advance tickets, you can sign up to our handy Ticket Alerts. Once registered with your preferred route, we’ll do the work for you and send an email as soon as your tickets become available.
For more information, check out the full guide on our Advance train tickets page.
3. Travel during Off-Peak times
Another top tip for securing the cheapest train tickets to Bristol is to make sure to book your Advance tickets for an Off-Peak time. Buying an Off-Peak train ticket means that you’ll need to travel at certain times of the day or week, with the potential reward of cheaper tickets. Make sure to combine your Railcard with these tickets for a super money-saving combo.
Visit our Off-Peak train tickets page for additional information and FAQs.
A quick tip before you confirm your booking – check whether the price of two Single tickets is, in fact, lower than that of a Return ticket to Bristol. On some occasions, one method may be cheaper than the other.
4. Travelling as a group? Use GroupSave
Finally, if you’re travelling in a group of three to nine people, you could make the most of a 34% discount thanks to GroupSave. This is a free discount that you can apply to your booking if you purchase tickets for the whole group at the same time. Please bear in mind that GroupSave isn’t applicable for all journeys by the different train companies, and all passengers must travel together on the day of departure. To apply GroupSave, simply add it in the Railcard dropdown when booking your tickets.
Want more handy hints on how to save money on train tickets? Check out our cheap train tickets page.
*Conditions and peak travel time exclusions may apply on some Railcard types.
Popular train journeys to Bristol
It's easy to travel to Bristol by train from all over the UK, including direct routes from some of the country's biggest cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester. Most trains to Bristol arrive into the city's main railway station, Bristol Temple Meads. We've highlighted some of the most popular routes below, or you can start your search from any UK destination in our Journey Planner at the top of the page.
| Route | Fastest journey | Train operator |
|---|---|---|
| London to Bristol | 1h 27m | Great Western Railway, South Western Railway |
| Manchester to Bristol | 2h 59m | CrossCountry |
| Exeter to Bristol | 0h 53m | CrossCountry, Great Western Railway |
| Birmingham to Bristol | 1h 18m | CrossCountry |
| Sheffield to Bristol | 2h 32m | CrossCountry |
| Reading to Bristol | 1h 9m | Great Western Railway |
| Plymouth to Bristol | 1h 53m | CrossCountry, Great Western Railway |
Visiting Bristol
Visitors to Bristol often venture towards Harbourside where many attractions connected to the areas maritime past can be found. Here, the masterfully restored SS Great Britain, the very first transatlantic steamship, is now a family-friendly museum. Designed by Brunel and launched in 1843, it is a fascinating look into the Victorian Age.
More culture can be found at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. Of particular note are the Egyptian and Assyrian collections, as well as the geology and dinosaur galleries. The museum is open every day of the year from 10:00 to 17:00.
If in need of some wellness, Bristol offers Lido – a luxurious spa destination that will see the stress of travel lifted from your shoulders. Highlights include a heated outdoor pool and Lido’s unique massages.
Frequently asked questions
What's the main train station in Bristol?
The main train station in Bristol is Bristol Temple Meads station, located south-east of the city centre. Depending on where you’re travelling from, you’re likely to arrive into Bristol Temple Meads station or Bristol Parkway – the other stations in the city.
Which train companies run trains to Bristol?
There are a number of trains companies in the UK that operate trains to Bristol, including Great Western Railway and CrossCountry.
How can I get cheap train tickets to Bristol?
It’s easy to grab yourself cheap train tickets to Bristol. We’d recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
Are trains running to Bristol?
Trains run frequently almost every day to Bristol, although there may be less services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Bristol.
Can I use my Railcard to save up to 1/3 on my trip to Bristol?
Yes, there are several types of Railcards you can use to save up to 1/3 on your trip to Bristol, these include:
- Two-Together Railcard (Great for couples and friends who always travel together)
- 16-17 Saver (You can save up to 50% with this one)
- 16-25 Railcard (Ideal for students)
- 26-30 Railcard (Also known as the Millennial Railcard)
- Senior Railcard (For those aged 60 and over)
- Friends & Family Railcard (Great for families of up to 4 adults with up to 4 kids)
- Disabled Railcard (If travelling with another adult they can save too)
Having a Railcard means you can use it whenever you want outside of Peak times for a whole year too.