Oxford to – A new daily rail service between Oxford and Bristol Temple Meads began on Monday, running from Monday to Saturday and stopping at Swindon, Chippenham and Bath Spa—ending a 23-year wait for a direct link.
A direct train service between Oxford and Bristol Temple Meads pulled out this morning for the first time in more than two decades, with the first departure from Oxford at 7am.
The new rail service began today after plans were finally given the go-ahead on Friday, May 13, by Network Rail and Great Western Railway. Running from Monday to Saturday, it travels via Oxford, Swindon, Chippenham, Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads.
Both directions started with early-morning departures. The first train left Oxford at 7am, reaching Bristol Temple Meads at 8.20am. Going the other way, the first service from Bristol departed at 7.14am and arrived into Oxford at 8.32am.
The timetable also sets out fastest journey times: one hour and eight minutes from Oxford, and one hour and 11 minutes from Bristol.
Until today, there was no direct service between Oxford and Bristol, a gap that has now been closed after 23 years, with the Local Democracy Reporting Service noting the absence of a direct connection.
For passengers travelling between Swindon and Oxford, the change brings another benefit: the new rail line provides a direct service where previously travellers needed to change at either Didcot Parkway or Reading.
Great Western Railway’s managing director, Mark Hopwood, said the decision follows years of campaigning from customers and partners.. He added: “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.”
Heidi Alexander. Swindon South MP and Secretary of State for Transport. said the move builds on demand she described as proven by a “weekend trial of direct trains” that was “hugely popular”.. She said the new service would provide travellers with “a fast. convenient alternative to being stuck in a traffic jam on the A420”.
Network Rail Western route director. Marcus Jones. said bringing back the direct service was “a significant step in improving connectivity across the Western route”.. He added the new links “will make it easier for people to travel between key economic centres. opening up new opportunities for work. education and leisure”.
The pattern here is straightforward: approval came on Friday. May 13. and services started immediately with first departures at 7am from Oxford and 7.14am from Bristol. with the line running Monday to Saturday and calling at Oxford. Swindon. Chippenham and Bath Spa before reaching Bristol Temple Meads.
Today’s start marks the end of a direct rail absence between the two cities, and it also alters travel for those between Swindon and Oxford by removing the need for earlier changes at Didcot Parkway or Reading.
Oxford Bristol rail service Great Western Railway Network Rail direct trains Swindon Chippenham Bath Spa travel