Trains from London to Bristol Temple Meads

My train to Bristol departed from London Paddington, the London terminus serving destinations in the west and south-west. I travelled to the station on the Tube, opting to walk from Lancaster Gate as I was travelling on the Central Line.

Paddington’s nondescript entrance just off Praed Street belies its magnificent wrought-iron train shed, designed in the mid-19th century by the famous architect Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Indeed, you’ll find Brunel’s influence all over West London, notably Brunel University in Uxbridge.

Boarding the train

I boarded my train a few minutes before it was due to depart. Having entered my seating preferences on Trainline, I managed to reserve a seat next to the window. I was travelling in Standard Class on a GWR Intercity Express Train (IET), which is the branded name for Class 800/802 rolling stock. Certainly a journey for the train nerd!

What’s on board?

Standard Class carriages on IET trains are perfectly comfortable, with seats arranged in a 2+2 formation. Plug sockets were located under each seat, with overhead luggage storage running lengthways down the carriage and further storage space at the end of the carriage for bigger items. The train was a direct service, calling at Reading, Chippenham and Bath Spa on the way to Bristol.

Arrival at Bristol Temple Meads

I grabbed a bite to eat in the station before jumping on the number 8 bus to meet a friend at the university. There are plenty of taxis outside the station entrance and bus stops with connections into the city. The city centre is just over half a mile on foot.

Freddie, a former Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between London and Bristol Temple Meads.