Fun ways to travel between Bristol and Bath

The two iconic West Country cities of Bristol and Bath sit just 13 miles away from each other, meaning it’s incredibly easy to see the fascinating heritage and culture of both cities in one trip. Why not make the journey between them part of the adventure?! We’ve put together a list of fun ways to travel between Bristol and Bath...

By bicycle

If you’re feeling energetic, hop on two wheels and travel between the two cities on The Bristol and Bath Railway Path. The 13-mile off-road route starts in central Bristol, then winds and wends it way through beautiful countryside, past fascinating spots such as Willsbridge Mill, Frome Valley Walkway and Bitton, before ending at the magnificent Pulteney Bridge in Bath.

If you don’t have your own bicycle, there are plenty of places in the cities where you can hire one. An easy way to pedal from Bristol to Bath is to pick up a YoBike (a bit like Uber for cyclists), which costs just £1 per hour. Just download the app on your phone, find the nearest YoBike to you and drop it off at a parking spot back in Bristol when you’re done. 

Or, for larks, how about cycling off into the sunset (kind of) with your beloved? Bristol Tandem Hire have several hubs around the city where you can pick up your rented tandem bike, including one at Bristol Temple Meads stations - perfect for accessing the N.C.N.4 cycle path to Bath.

Don’t think you’ll manage to cycle there and back again? Fear not! Just book a bike space on the train for your return journey and give those well-worked muscles a break.

By train

Travelling by train is by far the easiest and quickest way to travel between the two cities. Trains run from Bristol Temple Meads to Bath Spa every 10 minutes and take a snappy 12 minutes! A return adult ticket will set you back about £9. From both train stations, it’s a short walk into the heart of each city. 

By boat

Bristol Packet Boat Trips day offer day excursions to Bath. The six-hour river cruise leaves Bristol Harbourside at 9.30am, passing through six locks and gorgeous rural countryside before arriving in Bath late afternoon. En route, passengers stop at riverside pub, The Jolly Sailor in Saltford for lunch or can take their own picnic to eat onboard. 

For smaller groups, Escape to the River runs relaxed skippered boat trips for up to four people between Bristol and Bath. Take in the scenery and enjoy a slower pace of life as you venture along the River Avon.

Read more:

• Why you should combine Bristol and Bath for the ultimate twin city break
• Explore the two cities of Bristol and Bath with one of our themed itineraries.
• Find out more information on travelling to Bristol or Bath on the Visit Bristol and Visit Bath websites.