Great Western Railway launches 'Long Weekender' leisure ticket

Great Western Railway has responded to a change in customer travel habits by launching a new 'Long Weekender' ticket offering savings of more than 60% to leisure travellers.

While changes in work patterns have seen commuter journeys fall when compared with pre-pandemic levels, GWR has seen significant growth opportunities in leisure travel.

Sundays have become particularly busy, so, to free up services on that day, customers using the Long Weekender will depart at any time on a Friday or Saturday, and return at any time on a Monday.

Available to book exclusively on GWR.com, the Long Weekender will initially trial on routes from London Paddington to the wider Bristol area and South Wales.

The ticket provides full flexibility and offers savings of more than 60% compared to peak Anytime return fares:

Destination Station Weekender Anytime Return Peak Saving

Chippenham

Weekender: £69

Anytime Return: £195

Saving: 65%

Bath Spa

Weekender: £79

Anytime Return: £222.40

Saving: 64%

Bristol Temple Meads

Weekender: £79

Anytime Return: £238.80

Saving: 67%

Cardiff Central

Weekender: £99

Anytime Return: £264.80

Saving: 63%

GWR Interim Sales & Marketing Director, Lee Edworthy said: “Changing customer patterns have provided a clear opportunity for us to expand our leisure offering, particularly on a Monday."

“We’ve been working closely with destination management organisations like Visit Bristol, Visit Bath, and Visit Cardiff to help promote the Long Weekender and they are really supportive of this ticket."

“This offers great savings if you’re heading for rest in the West, either staying at a hotel or B&B, or visiting friends and family. And if you need to catch up on those work emails on the way home on Monday, you can do so from the comfort of the train.”

If the trial of the Long Weekender proves successful, it will be extended to other parts of the network. Find out more about Long Weekender here.