Train from Heathrow or Gatwick to Bath Spa Station

GWR is the company that operates trains between London and Bath. From Heathrow there are also direct coaches if I'm not mistaken.

Actually, if you are flying in to Heathrow, the easiest way is to take a National Express Coach from Heathrow to Bath. It's about 2 hours, non-stop. The driver puts your luggage under the bus and you can just enjoy the view.

https://www.nationalexpress.com/en/destinations

For trains, go to the National Rail site and that will give you your choices but you'll have changes for any train itinerary for this route.

I'll add that the National Express coaches are very nice. NOT your US bus experience at all!

I've not got experience from Gatwick.

IF you can possibly arrive the day before your tour starts, I'd do it. That will give you some flex time if your flights are delayed or go awry. Two days are even better!

From Gatwick there is an hourly GWR train to Reading where you can pick up the train to Bath. Through London travel is not something I'd recommend.

The bus is the easiest way from Heathrow. The Bath bus station is next to the train station.

If you have a choice, land at Heathrow rather than Gatwick if going directly to Bath.

I am travelling from Gatwick to Bath in September as well for a Best of England tour. I will be going from Gatwick to Reading to change trains to Bath. I don’t have the option to land at Heathrow.

When I arrive at the Reading station, anyone know what platform I need to get to to get on the Bath train? I don’t suppose I will be able to get off, walk a few feet and get on the next train. I’m meeting my brother and SIL at Reading so we can travel to Bath together. Any suggestion of a meeting place at the station or better yet at a pub close to the station?

Thanks for your help!

Your train from Gatwick will arrive on either platform 4,5 or 6. Trains to Bath normally leave from P9 with final destination usually being Bristol Temple Meads. All this will appear on electronic signs.

On the plan of Reading station - west is at the top.

I love England and been several times over the years. I recommended the 14 day England tour to my sister and BIL back in 2019 and they loved it. Even though I have been to many of the places it goes I am booked on one of the September tours and know I will enjoy. My sister took train from Heathrow to Reading and stayed the night there at a Premier Inn to rest up before taking the bus or train (can't remember which) to Bath the next day. BTW, both the trains and buses are so much better than in the US and you will enjoy.

Is it recommended to make a reservation for the bus from Heathrow to Bath? I'm arriving around 8 a.m. on an overnight flight from the US in mid-September, but of course you never know how long it will take to clear customs, if the flight will be delayed, etc. Can we buy bus tickets upon arrival at Heathrow?

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think the best bet is to arrive on August 28 and either stay the night in London and take the BUS to Bath on the 29th or 30th. Either way, I think we will be in Bath on the 30th to start the tour. Thanks again and looking forward to our tour.

It is a long way by bus (coach) from Central London to Bath. You will have to get yourself to wherever the nearest pickup stop is, or probably Victoria Coach Station, a big place.

Just as easy to get yourself to Paddington Station and get a very fast, very sleek train. There is no way that a coach can keep up with the 125 mph train. It will only take 1:20.

Since you know you will be in London the night before you can be confident of making the train you buy with Advance tickets on the train. There are Advance tickets for your travel day on every train from 9:32 onwards at £21.50pp. Earlier trains are in the rush hour and cost over £100pp. Have that extra cup of coffee and go on the 9:32 or later. Get your non-refundable, very difficult and expensive to change so know what you are doing, tickets well in advance for the very low fares.