The train from Bath Spa to London Paddington takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, runs direct with Great Western Railway two to three times an hour, and advance singles start from around £16 if you book ahead. It's one of the easiest day trips from Bath, and far less hassle than driving into the capital. Here's how to do it cheaply.
Times and frequency
GWR runs direct trains from Bath Spa to London Paddington roughly every 30 minutes through the day, around 70 services on a weekday. The fastest take about 1 hour 19 minutes; most are around 1 hour 20 to 25. That makes a comfortable day trip: leave after breakfast, back for dinner.
What it costs
- Advance singles from about £16, if you book ahead for a specific train. The cheapest seats are limited and sell out, so book early.
- Off-Peak fares (walk-up, valid on off-peak trains, generally after the morning peak) cost more but give flexibility.
- Anytime fares are the most expensive and fully flexible.
For a planned day out, booking an Advance single each way is far cheaper than turning up. A railcard (Two Together, Family, 26-30, Senior) knocks a third off if you're eligible.
Tips for the cheapest fare
- Book as far ahead as you can for the sub-£20 advance seats.
- Travel off-peak (mid-morning onwards) to avoid the priciest commuter fares.
- Consider a railcard if you travel even occasionally; it usually pays for itself in a couple of trips.
- Check split tickets on a fare app, which can occasionally beat the through fare.
Making a day of it
Paddington puts you straight onto the Elizabeth line and Underground, so most of central London is 15 to 30 minutes further. It's an easy base for a museum day, a show or shopping, all doable comfortably within the hours the fast train allows.
The honest alternative
If budget matters more than time, National Express and Megabus coaches run from Bath to London for less than the train, but take roughly three to four hours each way, which eats most of a day. For a day trip, the train's speed usually justifies the extra. If you're heading the other way, to fly out, see Bath to Bristol Airport.
FAQs
How long is the train from Bath to London?
About 1 hour 20 minutes direct to London Paddington with Great Western Railway, with the fastest services around 1 hour 19. Trains run two to three times an hour through the day.
How much is a train ticket from Bath to London?
Advance singles start from around £16 if booked ahead, though cheap seats are limited. Off-Peak and Anytime walk-up fares cost considerably more, and a railcard cuts about a third off. Book early and travel off-peak for the best price.
Can you do London as a day trip from Bath?
Easily. With a roughly 80-minute direct train running every half hour, you can leave Bath after breakfast and be in central London (via the Elizabeth line from Paddington) well before mid-morning, with a full day before an evening train back.
Is it cheaper to get the coach from Bath to London?
The coach (National Express or Megabus) is usually cheaper than a walk-up train fare, but takes about three to four hours each way versus 80 minutes by train. For a day trip, a booked-ahead Advance train ticket is often the better value once you count the time saved.