Direct train services between Bristol, Swindon and Oxford to return after 23 years
The service will resume on Monday 18th May
Last updated 15th May 2026
Direct trains between Bristol, Swindon and Oxford will return on Monday (18th May) after 23 years.
In an announcement today GWR said (15th May) the trains will run every two hours from Monday to Sunday with stops at Bath Spa, Chippenham, Swindon, and Oxford.
The first service departs from Oxford at 7:00am, arriving in Swindon at 7:30am and Bristol Temple Meads at 8:20am.
From Bristol, the initial train leaves at 7:14am, reaching Swindon at 7:59am and Oxford at 8:32am.
The fastest direct journeys will take approximately one hour and eight minutes from Oxford, and one hour and eleven minutes from Bristol.
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."
GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood CBE said the new direct services would be transformational.
He 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 BEM, said:
“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.”
The last direct trains previously ran between Bristol and Oxford in 2003.