Cheap Train Tickets to Bristol

Affordable rail travel to Bristol. Discover Bristol with the benefits of split tickets for your journey.

Cheap tickets to Bristol
Clifton Suspension Bridge | Image credit: Nathan Riley | Unsplash

Located in the South West of England, Bristol is a must-see destination known for its historic landmarks, culture, welcoming pubs, and street art. Take a street art tour to discover the works of the city's most famous resident, Banksy. Learn about the city's maritime history and visit the SS Great Britain Steamship, or enjoy inspiring views on a tour of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Cheap Train Tickets to bristol
The Harbourside in Bristol city centre | Image credit: Martyna Bober | Unsplash

Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll around Bristol's Harbourside, taking in the sights, or indulging in shopping and dining at some of the city's independent establishments, Bristol offers something for everyone.

Convenient trains run to Bristol Temple Meads from major cities like London, Birmingham, and Cardiff. Upon arrival, you can begin your exploration by visiting the Grade 1 listed station designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The station is just a short walk from the city centre. Bristol is an ideal destination for a day trip or a short break, and with Trainsplit's unique journey planner, you can reduce costs and maximise savings on your train tickets.


The Trainsplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.


The app is available on both iOS and Android devices. Just search for "Trainsplit" in your app store and download the app today.


Getting around Bristol

trains to bristol
Image credit: Alvin C | Unsplash

If you have never visited Bristol before, finding your way around can be daunting, so we have come up with a list of some of the different transport options which are available.

The freedom travel pass, which is available from the station ticket office, or if you only need a day pass, you can purchase this from a bus driver, allows you to travel across the majority of bus and rail services with First. You do need to specify which zone, but if you are traveling within central Bristol, then you only need zone A. However, you can combine with other zones if you want to travel further afield to Bath, Weston-super-Mare, Nailsea, and Yatton.

To plan your journeys around Bristol and the surrounding area by bus, including real-time departures, download the Sojo app.

Another great alternative when you are saving money and buying train tickets on Trainsplit.com is to purchase a Plusbus ticket. This provides you with unlimited bus or tram travel on top of your train ticket, which is ideal if you are travelling to Bristol on the train.

Bristol is well known for its cycling and its cycle paths on almost all major roads and over 300 places, you’ll find plenty of places to secure your bike. If you don’t want to take your bike, there are places for you to hire a bike and bike-friendly cafes such as the Mud Dock Café for a cup of tea and or a beer before setting off again on your route.

Taxi’s are another way around the city with the Hackney cab’s in the Bristol Blue. You can hail a free cab, wait at a taxi rank, or prebook a taxi from one of the taxi firms in the Bristol area.

If you prefer to take the sights on foot, the centre of Bristol is only a short walk away from Bristol Temple Meads station and is a great way to see all of the sights in the centre. If you are feeling adventurous, take a walk to see the Clifton Suspension Bridge.


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Some great things to do when you're in Bristol

Rail tickets to Bristol
Image credit: Ian Kelsall | Unsplash

Visit Brunel's SS Great Britain. This was once the world's longest ship and was designed to travel between Bristol and New York City. As one of Bristol's top attractions, discover the stories of the ship that changed the world and experience the life onboard for its Victorian crew.

Train tickets to Bristol
Harbourside, Bristol |
Image credit: Raul Cacho Oses | Unsplash

Close by in Brunel Square, why not try The Harbourside Kitchen for tea and scones before continuing to explore the harbourside?

Cheap rail tickets to Bristol
Image credit: Nicholas Allan Innes | Unsplash

Take in the views from the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1836, this 250-foot high suspension bridge can provide some stunning views over the River Avon.

Learn about the history of Bristol in the M Shed. Delve into the history of Bristol and learn more about its amazing past, including historic events and its people, through photos, quirky objects, and personal accounts.

Take a walk along the Banksy Bristol Trail. This self-guided walking tour allows you to discover pieces of art by the anonymous artist, who is presumed to be born and raised in Bristol, close to the M Shed museum. You can find maps and trails online as you walk around the city to discover some of the works by this famous artist.

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Bristol Old City and St. Nicholas Market | Image credit: Martyna Bober | Unsplash

Explore the historic Old City and visit St Nicholas’s indoor market. Established in 1743 and featuring over 60 stalls, the market is one of the oldest and most beloved markets in Bristol. The market is also home to several outdoor markets in adjacent streets. In addition to the permanent market, there are several street food sellers on Tuesdays and Fridays, offering a great selection of tasty treats.

Places to eat in Bristol for all budgets

split train tickets to BristolImage credit: Rob Wicks | Unsplash

Fine Dining

1. BOX-E - Unit 10, Cargo 1, Wapping Wharf, Bristol, BS1 6WP

Located on Bristol's Wapping Wharf on the harbourside, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers seasonal modern British cooking in a pair of shipping containers. With just 14 seats, this restaurant offers a menu and cooking that comes from the heart, with dishes that are rustic and flavor-packed.

2. The Chefs Table - 1A-2 Avon Crescent, Bristol, BS1 6XQ

Located in the old part of the city, close to the Bristol docks, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a small front terrace, warm service, and a great atmosphere. The two menus offer original modern dining that is full of flavour.

3. Bulrush - 21 Cotham Road South, Bristol, BS6 5TZ (Closest station - Redland)

While this may appear modest, this cosy restaurant tucked away in Cotham offers an appealing and comfortable feel, along with its top-notch seasonal ingredients, which are either foraged or locally sourced, to prepare an imaginative and well-balanced tasting menu.

Split tickets to Bristol
Image credit: Amy Treasure | Unsplash

Mid-range Dining

1. The Bank Tavern - 8 John Street, Old City, Bristol, BS1 2HR

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, The Bank Tavern has stood on the same site since the 1800s. The menu offers a mix of traditional pub classics combined with a range of contemporary dishes and flavours from around the world. This traditional pub has something for everyone, with its rotating selection of ales and ciders.

2. Tare - Unit 14, Cargo 2 Museum Street, Unit 14, Bristol, BS1 6ZA

This restaurant sits within a block of converted shipping containers on the Wapping Wharf. With just 20 seats, this restaurant uses local produce and serves a modern 7-course set menu alongside a specially designed drinks list to complement your meal.

3. Pasture - 2 Portwall Lane, Bristol, BS1 6NB

This restaurant is a celebration of fire-based cooking. The in-house butchers handpick and prepare the very best meat from farms in the southwest. The steaks are cooked over charcoal and wild cherry wood for extra flavour. This steak restaurant offers a range of steaks, and why not complement your meal with a classic cocktail from their wide range.

Cheap Eats

1. Eatchu - The Old Mess Room, Exchange Avenue, Bristol, BS1 1JQ

Eatchu, located in St Nicholas’s Market, is one of Bristol’s favourite lunch spots. All of the dumplings are made from scratch using the best ingredients and techniques to create these award-winning gyoza.

2. Taste of Napoli - 32 The Horsefair, Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3BB

This family-run restaurant offers a large range of options and features food and drink that are renowned throughout Italy. They pride themselves on using traditional cooking methods and the best quality ingredients, all imported from Italy.

3. Chancers & Counters - 20 Christmas Steps, Bristol, BS1 5BS

Why not play a board game while having a bite to eat? In this cafe, you can enjoy a pizza or tapas alongside a range of drinks or even try your luck and let the dice decide your drink.

Bristol's Sporting Legacy

Bristol is a city pulsating with sporting energy and fervor. This thriving metropolis has etched its name onto the canvas of British sports, offering a diverse and vibrant tapestry of athletic pursuits. From the roar of the football terraces to the physical intensity of rugby battles, the gentle sway of cricket matches to the adrenaline rush of cycling adventures, Bristol boasts a sports scene that caters to the tastes of every enthusiast.

Train tickets to Bristol
Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol | Image credit: Michael715 | Shutterstock

  1. Football: Bristol is home to two football league clubs, Bristol City FC and Bristol Rovers FC. Both clubs have passionate fan bases and compete in the English Football League (EFL). The Bristol Derby, a highly anticipated match between these two teams, is a must-watch for football fans.

  2. Rugby: Rugby is a beloved sport in Bristol, with Bristol Bears leading the way. Competing in the Gallagher Premiership, the top tier of English rugby, Bristol Bears attract fans to Ashton Gate Stadium for thrilling matches. The club's success has added to the city's rugby fever.

  3. Cricket: Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, based in Bristol, is a prominent team in the domestic cricket circuit. Matches at the Bristol County Ground offer a delightful day out for cricket aficionados.

  4. Cycling: Bristol is a bike-friendly city, with a network of cycle paths and lanes. It's a hub for both recreational and commuter cyclists. The city often hosts cycling events and offers excellent opportunities for mountain biking in the nearby countryside.

  5. Running: Bristol hosts several running events throughout the year, including the Bristol Half Marathon. With its picturesque waterfront and scenic routes, the city provides a great backdrop for runners of all levels.

    Tickets to Bristol
    The Wave wavepool, Bristol | Image credit: Croyde Bay | Unsplash

  6. Water Sports: Situated close to the coast, Bristol offers opportunities for water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The floating harbour in the city centre is a popular spot for such activities.

  7. Golf: Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at the various golf courses in and around Bristol. The city offers both public and private courses for golfers of all skill levels.

  8. Tennis: Bristol has numerous tennis clubs and facilities, making it easy for residents to enjoy a game of tennis. Many parks have free-to-use courts, encouraging people to take up the sport.

Pledgeball Logo Master 01

Are you a Sports Fan? Trainsplit has partnered with Pledgeball, a grassroots charity that rallies fellow fans to take action to protect where we play, making changes that improve our air and our green spaces. It can be as simple as swapping to reusable water bottles or taking the train to a match instead of driving. Fans, players, clubs, grassroots teams – the impact we can have together is game-changing.

Overnighting in Bristol

Make the most of your Bristol experience by extending your stay in this vibrant city. Whether you're here for the thrilling sports events, cultural attractions, or simply to explore, Bristol offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. Discover the perfect place to rest your head and recharge for another day of adventure.

Book Your Hotel Here: Link to Hotel Booking

Bristol welcomes you with open arms, ensuring your stay is comfortable and convenient. Choose from a variety of hotels, each with its unique charm and style, making your visit to Bristol even more memorable. Whether you prefer a luxurious hotel, a cosy boutique stay, or a budget-friendly option, Bristol has it all.

Enjoy the convenience of being right in the heart of the action, whether you're cheering on your favourite team at Ashton Gate Stadium or exploring the rich history of Bristol's streets. Wake up feeling rejuvenated and eager to dive into all the exciting experiences this vibrant city has to offer.

Our top tips and ways to cut down train travel costs on your train tickets to Bristol.

  • Book Your Train Tickets Early

    If you know when you are planning to travel, booking early can save you money on your train tickets. With Advance fares becoming available up to 12 weeks ahead, this is a great way to save on your rail travel.

  • Use a Railcard

    Teamed up with a railcard, you can get up to a third off the cost, saving you more money on your train tickets. If you make a lot of train journeys, a railcard will pay for itself in no time.

  • Split Your Tickets

    With Trainsplit’s unique journey planner, we search for the best-priced train tickets for your journey. You can easily discover the best split ticketing combinations that maximize your savings on train tickets, and best of all, Trainsplit will do all the work for you and doesn’t charge a booking fee.

  • Avoid Peak Times

    If you don't need to travel early in the morning, consider traveling off-peak to save money on more expensive train tickets. Trains are also likely to be quieter during off-peak hours, which usually start from around 09:30 onwards.

  • Travelling with More than 2 People

    Take a look at Group Save train tickets. These are a great way to get discounted train fares for groups of people traveling together.

  • Consider an Alternative Route

    If you are not traveling from London, why not consider a route that doesn't go via London? Cross Country trains operate routes to Bristol Temple Meads that avoid London, providing a great way to reduce train travel costs. Using Trainsplit’s journey planner, you can search for cheaper routes to Edinburgh, potentially saving you money on your train tickets.

  • Claim Delay Repay

    If your journey is delayed, you may be entitled to delay compensation on your train tickets.

By following these tips, along with using Trainsplit’s unique journey planner to find the best train ticket deals, now is the perfect time to explore new destinations.

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