It’s been decades since the last direct service between the two cities ran
Aled Thomas, Local Democracy Reporting Service
16:30, 16 May 2026
A file image of the iconic Radcliffe Camera in Oxford(Image: Getty Images)
Direct trains between Bristol and Oxford will resume next week for the first time in more than two decades.
The last direct service between Oxford and Bristol last ran in 2003, but Great Western Railway (GWR) has confirmed a comeback from Monday (May 18).
Earlier this week, the Local Democracy Reporter broke the news that the Office of Road and Rail had approved the service, but Network Rail still had to agree with GWR the arrangements at a number of level crossings on the line.
At the last minute, this has been agreed and services will begin next week, running Monday to Saturday, between Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, Chippenham, Swindon and Oxford.
The first service leaves Oxford at 7am on Monday, arriving into Swindon at 7.30am and Bristol Temple Meads at 8.20am
From Bristol, the first train will leave at 7.14am arriving into Swindon at 7.59am and Oxford at 8.32am.
The quickest direct journey times from Oxford will be one hour eight minutes, and from Bristol one hour 11 minutes.
Bristol – Oxford timetable (Image: GWR)
Posting on Facebook, the rail operator said: “In 2003, the last direct daily train ran between Bristol and Oxford. On Monday, we’re bringing them back. Two iconic cities. Eight services a day. One hour and eight minutes. This is what rail can do.”
Great Western Railway’s Managing Director, Mark Hopwood said: “We know this is something customers and partners have been campaigning for over recent years, and we’re very grateful to those who have supported our case to make this happen.
“The economic and social benefits are clear, and we are confident that these new services demonstrate the value of rail in driving economic growth, environmental benefits, and creating education and employment opportunities which previously were not possible – as well as directly linking two of the key leisure markets in the UK.”
Network Rail Western Route Director, Marcus Jones, added: “Reintroducing direct services between Bristol, Swindon and Oxford is a significant step in improving connectivity across the Western route.
“We’ve worked closely with Great Western Railway to make sure the infrastructure is ready to support these services safely and reliably, and this is an important milestone following the initial safety work we’ve completed.
“These links will make it easier for people to travel between key economic centres, opening up new opportunities for work, education and leisure, while we continue to deliver further improvements across the route in the months ahead.”
Swindon South MP and Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said: “The new weekday direct service is great news for Swindon. The weekend trial of direct trains was hugely popular, and this new weekday service will provide a fast, convenient alternative to being stuck in a traffic jam on the A420.
“Along with Will Stone, the MP for Swindon North, this is something I have long championed on behalf of residents.
“Stronger transport links are vital to unlocking opportunity, and this service is a clear example of what can be delivered when local and national partners work together.”