Hi, what is the best way to get from Bath to Windsor without a car? It looks like there is no direct bus and I’m trying to avoid a lot of on and off buses and trains with luggage for Mom and I. My idea is to take the bus from Bath to Heathrow and then get a taxi from Heathrow to our B and B in Windsor. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I’m wondering if there’s a town close to Windsor that I can get a direct bus to and then just get a taxi from there? Thanks in advance for any help.
Posted by
Paris
7304 posts
Hi,
You could take the train from Bath to Slough, possibly direct or with a very easy change in Reading, then a cab from Slough to your B&B? Not sure how easy it is to find a cab in Slough though.
Posted by
Freedonia
16291 posts
For the least amount of changes, your idea is best.
You could get a train or bus all the way but it would involve at least two changes and then still having to get to your accomodations.
Posted by
2579 posts
It really is quite simple to do the journey using the trains - despite the 2 changes. It takes around 1 hour 45 minutes for the whole trip.
So, you get on an express at Bath that is heading to London (Paddington). You get off at Reading and transfer to a stopping train that is going to London. After about 15 minutes, you get off at Slough and transfer to a local train that goes down the short branch line to Windsor & Eton Central. Also note that British trains are not like American trains with lots of steps. The platforms are almost level with the floor of the coaches.
www.gwr.com is the train company that you will be using but some Americans have had trouble pre-booking tickets via their site. However, you can pre-book tickets with any British train company and one that Americans are not having trouble with is:> https://www.virgintrains.co.uk
Paying today and going today would cost about £32.60. If you can advance pre-book a specific train out of Bath, you should get the cost down to about £18. You would be given a Booking number and they will debit your card. Bring the same debit card with you and you can collect the tickets from a machine at any station by inserted the same card and the booking number. (Be sure to wait for all the tickets to spew out). Alternatively, go and see a booking clerk.
PS. You might have had more responses under ‘England’ as not everyone know-all checks ‘transportation’.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33848 posts
I would have suggested as James did, but he did it much more eloquently. His is the best plan - and it is much easier than it sounds.
If your Mom needs assistance walking or carrying you can book - free - assistance and a member of staff will meet you and help you getting from one train to the next.
You see the Castle as you approach from the little shuttle train which just bobs back and forth between Slough (rhymes with cow) and Windsor & Eton Central.