|
Traffic congestion in Bath often means that other modes of transport may be considered. This covers Bus, Park and Ride, Taxi, Train options from the city, and airport flights for further afield.
Bus Services in Bath Local bus services are run mainly by the FirstGroup with smaller local operators such as Faresaver and Somerbus. National Express operate over longer distances. There are three Park and Ride facilities on the outskirts of Bath: - Newbridge on the east side
- Lansdown to the north
- Odd Down on the south (which also has a direct link to the RUH hospital)
Taxi Bath has several taxi services of which Abbey Radio and Bath Taxis are probably the best known. There are ranks outside the Abbey and the Railway Station, with taxi marshalls present on Friday and Saturday evenings. Its best to pre-book if you can, especially for late night or long distance journeys. For those looking for greater luxury and personal service, try a chauffeur service instead. Train Services in BathThere are two train stations in Bath - the main one being Bath Spa, and a simple platform halt at Oldfield Park. Services are run by FirstGreatWestern , SouthWest Trains and Virgin . The main line operates trains to London every 30 minutes (journey time approx 1 hour 30 mins), with smaller trains to Southampton, Brighton, Weymouth to the South, and Bristol to the West. You can view up to the minute arrival/departure status (the same as shown at the station) on the liveboard website for Bath Spa or Oldfield Park .
There are many sites which will help you plan your journey, but we've found the transportdirect.info to be very useful, being able to list and co-ordinate between bus and train services automatically - and also giving a comparison with driving time.
Flying from Bath The nearest airport is Bristol , around 45 minutes drive away. Alternatives include Cardiff (1 hour), Heathrow (1 hour 30 mins), Birmingham (2 hours), Southampton (1 hour 30 mins) and Bournemouth (1 hour 45 mins). Bristol Airport Bristol airport is a hub for Easyjet and has also expanded to support Ryanair . Flights include UK and European/North African destinations, with a regular service to New York on Continental Airlines . As wth many airports, parking can be expensive and is worth booking in advance or consider taking a taxi/limousine where the driver will be ready to meet and greet you on your return. AirportCarz has the franchise for taxis at the airport, but you can order a car from any taxi service to meet or drop you off by arrangement. There is a short stay car park for friends to drop-off/collect (free for first 10 minutes) - usually private cars are not allowed near the terminal building itself. There is a regular bus service to Bristol Temple Meads station (the Bristol Flyer) which has frequent train connections to Bath Spa (and Bath Oldfield Park). CardiffThis airport is located on the far side of the city and so takes about an hour to drive to. There is no quick public transport option to get there. BmiBaby has a hub there. London Heathrow Heathrow offers a wide range of destinations and regular European flights to all parts of the world. There are several ways to get to the airport:
BirminghamBirmingham is a smaller regional airport with good connections to both Europe and the US. It is co-located with the National Conference Centre and there is a railway station linked to it. Parking options include multi-storey in walking distance, or long distance with a short bus ride. Access from Bath is either by driving/taxi or train (changing at Bristol). SouthamptonWalk from the train to the airport . Convenient for several European destinations and specifically the Channel Islands. Around 1hour 30 minutes from Bath. BournemouthAnother small regional airport which has an expanding route list. Worth considering for holiday destinations. The airport is on the north outskirts of the city, and accessed just off the dual carraigeway. |
Travel