Direct rail services linking Bristol to Oxford are set to resume later this month as part of a continuing trial.
The twice-weekly Saturday services in both directions will operate until May next year, enabling passengers to travel between the two cities without the need to change at Didcot Parkway or Reading.
The trial initially operated from September last year through to May this year, proving popular amongst travellers according to Great Western Railway. Services also call at Bath, Chippenham and Swindon.
Following a summer hiatus, the trial will recommence on September 20, reports .
The journey from Bristol to Oxford takes one hour and 10 minutes, cutting approximately 10 minutes from the route via Didcot or Reading, whilst eliminating the inconvenient transfer between services.
This inconvenience can be exacerbated when services are cancelled or delayed, resulting in extended waiting times and the risk of missed connections.
A GWR spokesman said: "We were delighted with the response to our trial of direct Saturday services between Bristol and Oxford, which ran from September 2024 to May 2025. The service proved popular, and we're pleased to confirm it will return from Saturday, September 20 and run through until May 2026.
"While we don't share commercial data, the services were well used, and the findings have been provided to the Department for Transport. This evidence will help shape future timetable planning, including the potential for the service to become a permanent feature."
The inaugural direct service leaves Temple Meads at 10.18am with a second departure at 3.18pm. Return fares are priced at £33.60 and bookings are now available through GWR's website.
Bristol's Green councillors have thrown their weight behind the launch of direct services between Bristol and Oxford through an open letter to GWR. They argued the services would enable Bristolians to undertake "sustainable" travel.
Green councillor Toby Wells said: "These services will offer improved connectivity to and from our city, enabling and incentivising more of our residents to make sustainable long-distance journeys by tipping the balance in their travel decision making processes.
"They will help to drive economic benefits in both cities by linking together businesses small and large with each other and academic institutions, such as the new campus of the University of Bristol opening right next to Temple Meads station."
The pilot service will also facilitate connections for passengers travelling to destinations further eastward. An extensive scheme is currently reconstructing a railway line connecting Oxford and Cambridge via Milton Keynes.
At present, Bristol passengers must navigate via congested routes through Birmingham or London to reach these locations.
Cllr Wells added: "The imminent opening of the next phase of East West Rail will further increase the benefit of these services, with journeys via Oxford to Milton Keynes and Bletchley saving time and complexity versus doing the same journey via London or Birmingham. If possible, we would support through services from Bristol to East West Rail destinations.
"These extra connections will relieve pressure on the overcrowded Bristol to Birmingham corridor. We look forward to hearing more about the future plans for these services and will be promoting the new journey options with our communities."
