Catching the direct train between Swindon and Oxford

Thursday 9th July 2026 After a 23 year absence, direct trains are running again between Bristol, Bath, Swindon and Oxford using the western ‘avoiding curve’ section of track to bypass Didcot Parkway. A similar direct link, operated by Thames Trains, was withdrawn in 2003 leaving rail passengers with no alternative but to change trains at Didcot Parkway. One reason for withdrawal at that time was to free up capacity for longer distance services but in granting GWR’s recent application to run a two-hourly Bristol-Oxford frequency on Mondays to Saturdays until December 2027 the Office of Rail and Road stated “Network Rail must introduce reasonable practicable level crossing safety features” on part of the route but it was satisfied with the proposal’s “impact on punctuality and reliability”. I was intrigued to see, six weeks on from introduction, how many passengers are making use of the new service so last week made my way to Swindon on Monday morning with the aim of catching the 11:58…