Great Western Railway has restored one of its direct services connecting Swindon to major nearby cities.

The direct Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford service has not run since 2003, but as of September 2024, an ongoing trial means that commuters can travel directly between the two cities by train.

The service will not only benefit those travelling between Bristol and Oxford, but is also a game changer for Swindon commuters who currently have to change at Didcot to get to Oxford.

The service officially relaunched on Saturday, September 14, with the first train from Bristol to Oxford departing at 10.18am and taking approximately one hour and 11 minutes to travel between the cities.

Stops included Bath Spa, Chippenham and Swindon.

Great Western Railway says this decision to restore the service has been in direct response to the growth in demand for leisure travel by train.

But the service is part of a trial to assess demand and will only run until December 2024.

Services will only run twice a week on Saturdays, with the Oxford to Bristol Service departing at 12.03pm and 5.12pm and the Bristol to Oxford service at 10.18am and 3.18pm.

A map of the restored direct line between Oxford and BristolA map of the restored direct line between Oxford and Bristol (Image: Great Western Railway)

“We’re always looking at innovative ways of creating new business and improving connectivity," said Mark Hopwood, GWR managing director.

"Changing customer patterns since Covid have provided a clear opportunity for us to expand our leisure offering and the Bristol-Oxford route is one which offers real potential.”

Travel time from Swindon to Oxford has now been reduced to approximately 30 minutes by train, and 40 minutes from Swindon to Bristol.

Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “We are delighted that Great Western Railway is launching the new service as it will make it much easier for local residents to travel to Oxford and beyond.

Swindon commuters travelling to Oxford by train previously had to change at Didcot ParkwaySwindon commuters travelling to Oxford by train previously had to change at Didcot Parkway (Image: Newsquest)

"We have already seen improvements to our excellent rail links to Bath and Bristol through the electrification of the main line and this new temporary service will improve that still further.

“I hope the trial is a great success and it leads to permanent and more frequent services.”

Matt Griffith, director of policy at Business West, added: “A direct service between Oxford, Swindon, Bath and Bristol would be a real boost to the region and the benefits of living and doing business here.

"Having direct connectivity between some of the world’s best Universities, businesses and tourist attractions is a fantastic positive and we think will prove very popular."