- Must visit
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Major naval heritage attraction with historic warships, exhibitions, and dockyard buildings explaining Britain's maritime story.
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Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Bristol to Gillingham
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Gillingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 31m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a train costs an average of $37.
Distance: 135 miles (218 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$37 Average price | $22 Average price Cheapest | $57 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 1m Average total duration Fastest 3h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 10m Average total duration 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Bristol to Gillingham is a bus with an average price of $22 (€18).
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Gillingham:
A bus is $14 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Gillingham costing on average $37 (€29).
The fastest way to travel from Bristol to Gillingham is by train with an average journey time of 3h 31m.
Other travel options to Gillingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 40m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Gillingham including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol to Gillingham among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $37 (€29) compared to roughly $57 (€46) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $21 (€17). The journey takes 3h 31m versus 3h 2m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bristol to Gillingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bristol to Gillingham run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€29) but you can travel from only $15 (€12) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:36, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 135 miles (218 km) distance in 3h 31m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $15 (€12)
Distance 135 miles (218 km) |
Average train duration 3h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€29) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 31m |
First train 4:36 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $15 (€12)
Complete guide to Gillingham
Things to do in Gillingham
Discover the best of Gillingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gillingham trip today.
- Recommended
Eastgate House
Literary museum in Dickens's former home, displaying personal objects and exploring the author's Rochester connections.
- Recommended
Restoration House
Historic house and museum dedicated to local engineer and entrepreneur Huguenot heritage, with period rooms and displays.
- Must visit
Rochester High Street
Historic high street lined with independent shops and period buildings, leading to the cathedral and castle.
- Recommended
Great Lines Heritage Park
Large urban park with formal gardens, sports spaces, play areas, and broad paths popular with local walkers.
- Recommended
Riverside Country Park
Popular riverside country park with birdlife, open views across the estuary, and easy paths for relaxed walks.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Kentish Huffkin
Kentish Huffkin is a light, oval bread roll from Kent, traditionally eaten split and filled or served with local cheese and fruit preserves.
- Vegetarian
Canterbury Tart
Canterbury Tart is a Kent dessert tart, usually filled with apple or jam and topped with almond frangipane, linked to regional home baking traditions.
- Vegetarian
Gypsy Tart
Gypsy Tart is a famous Kent school pudding made with evaporated milk and dark muscovado sugar in a pastry shell, loved across the county.
Selale Restaurant
Popular Turkish grill restaurant known for generous kebabs, meze and charcoal-cooked dishes in a lively, modern setting.
Namo Indian Nepalese Restaurant
Well-known Nepalese and Indian restaurant serving curries, tandoori dishes and friendly service in a relaxed local atmosphere.
Mast & Rigging
Established steakhouse and grill offering burgers, ribs and steaks in a casual setting suited to groups and family meals.
British Pound Sterling (£)
Moderate for southeast England: rooms and rail can add up, but pubs, chain cafes, and local buses keep daily costs manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple takeaway.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Arriva UK Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city center
Gillingham Rail Station -> Chatham Waterfront Bus Station
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted on Arriva buses in Kent. Buy before boarding only if your route requires rail tickets.
- For Medway local travel, buses are usually the simplest option between Gillingham and Chatham town centre. Check live departures in the Arriva UK Bus app.
FAQs: Trains from Bristol to Gillingham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Gillingham by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Gillingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Bristol to Gillingham can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $37 (€29), while the average price is around $37 (€29).
The train from Bristol to Gillingham takes 3h 31m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from Bristol to Gillingham leaves at 4:36 AM.
The distance by train from Bristol to Gillingham is 135 miles (218 km).
The last train from Bristol to Gillingham leaves at 10:00 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bristol to Gillingham.
The train station in Bristol that goes to Gillingham is Bristol Temple Meads (BRI), which connects to Gillingham (Kent) (GLM).
The cheapest way to get from Bristol to Gillingham is by bus, with a cost of around $15 (€12).
The train journey from Bristol to Gillingham offers scenic views, featuring the rolling countryside of Somerset and Wiltshire, with glimpses of charming villages and open fields.
A day trip from Bristol to Gillingham is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 31m. Trains run 5 times per day, covering a distance of 135 miles (218 km).
For a visit to Gillingham, spending 1 to 2 days is typically sufficient to explore its key attractions and enjoy local experiences.
No, you cannot take the train from Bristol to Gillingham.
Since neither Bristol nor Gillingham are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Gillingham include Sittingbourne, London, Rochester, Gravesend, Abbey Wood.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol to Gillingham among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Gillingham, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas such as the town center and near transport hubs. Watch for unofficial taxi drivers who may overcharge or take longer routes. It's also advisable to stay aware of local road safety, as some streets can be narrow and busy. Overall, keeping personal belongings secure and using licensed transportation helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Bristol to Gillingham
Most Bristol to Gillingham trains use the Bristol Temple Meads to Gillingham (Kent) station pair. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Gillingham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Bristol
Arrival train stations in Gillingham
Bristol Temple MeadsStation Approach, Bristol, BS1 6QF, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol Temple Meads from Bristol city centre
Bus16 · 7m · $5 · every ~12 min
X39, 16, 39, 522 · 8m · $5 · every ~49 min
512 · 14m
9 · 15m · $5 · every ~22 min
Bristol Temple Meads train station facilities and services
Bristol Temple Meads has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.
Clifton DownClifton Down station, Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, City of, BS8 2PN+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Clifton Down from Bristol city centre
TrainBristol Temple Meads - Severn Beach, Bristol Temple Meads - Avonmouth, Weston-super-Mare - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Avonmouth, Taunton - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Clifton Down · 14m · $2 · every ~4 min
Bus2a, 5, 3, 4, 1, 2 · 7m · $5 · every ~91 min
T7 · 10m · every ~2 min
4, 5, 1, 3, 2, 2a · 10m · $5 · every ~91 min
Clifton Down train station facilities and services
Clifton Down has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Clifton Down.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Clifton Down.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Clifton Down: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Clifton Down: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Clifton Down: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step free Category B1 station - step free access available to both platforms via ramp and choice of drop off points, however adjacent car parks need to be used for full step free access. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Bristol, AirportLulsgate Bottom, North Somerset, Bristol BS48 3DY, United Kingdom+44 371 334 4444
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol, Airport from Bristol city centre
Bristol, Airport is 11 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
BusFal · 19m · $14 · every ~4 min
A1 · 29m · $5 · every ~30 min
A1 · 32m · $5 · every ~30 min
A1 · 39m · $5 · every ~30 min
Bristol, Airport train station facilities and services
Bristol, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Dexters, Brunel Bar & Kitchen
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the airport terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, Airport. Information desks are located in the main terminal.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Bristol, Airport. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bristol, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bristol, Airport: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport, Holiday Inn Bristol Airport, Winford Manor Hotel.
Which Gillingham station do trains from Bristol arrive at?
Trains from Bristol to Gillingham arrive at Gillingham (Kent). Gillingham (Kent) is from Gillingham city centre.
Gillingham (Kent)Gillingham station, Railway Street, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 1XE+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Gillingham (Kent) from Gillingham city centre
Bus3A, 3C, 683 · 2m
182, 101 · 3m · $2 · every ~26 min
Gillingham (Kent) train station facilities and services
Gillingham (Kent) has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Gillingham (Kent).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Gillingham (Kent).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gillingham (Kent). Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gillingham (Kent): Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gillingham (Kent): Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gillingham (Kent): Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Step free access to all platforms and interchange via lifts. Step free access direct to Platform 3 via side entrance off Railway Street. Stepped access from main entrance via station footbridge, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 24 Hours a Day Sunday 24 Hours a Day Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Bristol to Gillingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Gillingham and Bristol
Most popular train connections to Gillingham
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