How to Travel to Bath England Without a Car
Are you wondering if you can take a trip to Bath England without a car? If so, you’re in the right place to get your questions answered. My husband and I had a wonderful visit to this magical UNESCO Heritage city in southwestern England recently. We found it very easy to get there and get around without a car the entire time. I’ll share some tips and tricks that will even help you get into the surrounding countryside without a car too.
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Why Should I Leave my Car at Home When Visiting Bath UK?
The short answer to that question is: probably, but it depends. For the vast majority of people, visiting Bath England without a car is the best plan. It helps the planet and saves you from the headaches of parking and driving. The only reason I can think of for needing a car to get to Bath is if you have physical limitations that prevent you from navigating other methods of transportation.
Here are a few details to consider when visiting England without a car.
You’ll Have to Drive on the Left Side of the Road
Vehicles in the UK drive on the opposite side of the road than the rest of Europe, the USA, and North America. You will drive your car on the left side instead of the right and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, instead of the left. This may not seem like a big deal, but I can attest that it can be a very stressful adjustment, especially on the narrow country lanes and congested city streets in the UK.
Roads in the UK Can be Very Narrow
Another consideration is that many of the cities you’ll visit in Great Britain are centuries old and have very narrow streets with a higher-than-average number of pedestrians and tour buses. Some roads are blocked off for pedestrian use exclusively as well. If you’ve driven in downtown New York City or Boston, Mass it’s similar, but add the complication of driving on the other side of the road than you’re accustomed to.
Roads in the rural countryside on the way to Bath can also be quite narrow and some have stone walls on both sides. In the UK we encountered several places where the road was less than two car lanes wide, so one car had to back up to an open area to let the other car go through.
Driving a Non-electric Car is More Expensive and Less Eco-friendly than a Train or Bus
Standard or diesel fuel (petrol) in the UK is even more expensive than in the USA, which makes driving less cost-effective. You may already know that driving a non-electric car is one of the least efficient means of transportation in relation to your carbon footprint as well. The best means of travel is on foot or bicycle. But the only method worse than cars is planes. You can learn more about the comparisons here.
Parking in the City Can Add More Cost, Time, and Planning
Then there’s specifically the issue of parking availability and cost. Check the “Visit Bath” tourism website for detailed information about all the parking options and fees. Be aware that some city center streets have restricted access for cars during the day. Some car parks (parking lots or garages) have time limits on how long you can park. Some are only 4 hours, but others are up to 7 days.
The city of Bath offers several park-and-ride sites where you can park your car for the day and ride a shuttle bus into the city center, but it gets more complicated if you want to leave your car overnight.
When all is said and done, driving a car for your visit to Bath will impact the environment in a negative way. It will likely cost you car rental fees, high fuel costs, and parking fees, plus stress you out if you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road. Why not save some money and help the environment by using public transportation as much as possible?
Does England have Good Public Transportation?
As my husband and I sat on the train bound for Bath Spa Train Station I found myself eavesdropping on three older women sharing a table across the aisle from us. These women looked to be maybe in their 60s or 70s or even older. As I listened to them share their stories about where they were going and why they were traveling, it reminded me of my own mother (who lived to be 92 years old). She absolutely loved to travel, but because public transportation in many parts of the USA either isn’t available or isn’t as easy as it is in the UK or Europe, she was often limited to going places when others could take her by car.
These independent women were finding adventures in England by picking a spot on the map and hopping on a train. As senior citizens, they often received what is called “concessions” in discounted pricing for their train tickets. What freedom they must have felt to be able to explore their world so easily. The good news is, if you’re traveling in the United Kingdom, no matter what your age or situation is, you’ll have that same freedom with just a bit of planning.
Do I Need a Car to Visit Bath, England?
If you’re capable of navigating various modes of transportation, there are very few reasons why you would need a car to get to the city of Bath in Somerset England. Even if you’re flying into another city’s airport or arriving by ship, there are great options to get you to Bath without a car. You’ll be able to take a public train or bus quite easily. For more personalized transportation, you can check out one of the car transfer services offered at a variety of airports, including London.
One travel tip that I can’t emphasize enough when traveling without a car is to pack light. On our recent 30-day European trip without a car, my husband and I each had one carry-on rolling suitcase and one day pack. That’s it. I’ll be sharing more on my blog about traveling light, but for now, check out my post about using Compression Packing Cubes to optimize space in your suitcase. You’ll be glad you did.
How Can I Find Public Transportation to Bath UK?
Google Maps is an easy way to research public transportation options to or from Bath England without a car. Pull up the map and choose your starting point, then click on the “Directions” button. Enter your destination and select the “train icon” at the top of the screen. You can click on the “Options” link to filter your preferences, like train, bus, etc., or choose “Best Route” or “Fewer Transfers”.
When you see an option that you like in the left column you can click on “Details” to see more information and a link to a site where you can book your trip.
Insider Tip for UK Train Travel Planning
Be watchful of the amount of time allotted if you need to change trains. My personal preference is a minimum of 30 minutes, especially if it’s a busy station. The last thing you want to do is find yourself running through a train station with your luggage. The good news is that at many stations there are multiple trains between cities each day. It’s also a good idea to see how often trains run on your route, just in case you miss a train or your preferred time is canceled.
Choose Great Western Railway to Get to Bath
The most common way to travel in Western England is on Great Western Railway (GWR) trains to and from Bath Spa Station. A train to Bath from London’s Paddington Station takes only about an hour and a half and trains leave the station about every 30 minutes.
To travel from London’s Heathrow Airport to Bath Spa Station you can take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station, then the GWR train from Paddington to Bath Spa Station. It’s fairly simple.
Remember that train tickets are similar to airlines in their pricing. Generally, if you buy earlier, the prices are lower. Also, if you travel during peak times (before 9:30 a.m.), the price is higher. Always check for various discounts and special sales as well.
Did you know that you can buy a GWR Plus Bus Pass for unlimited travel on all GWR trains and most buses in Bath? Daily, weekly, and monthly passes are available to use anytime.
A BritRail Pass or Eurail Pass May Save You Money Getting to Bath
If you haven’t traveled around England before without a car, you may not know that there are 28 different train operators across the UK. Planning a trip with more than one stop can get a bit tricky. The good news is that if you’re visiting from outside the UK and planning on visiting several destinations, you may be able to save money and headaches by buying a BritRail Pass. There are several different options available, based on where you want to go and how long you’ll be traveling. These aren’t available to British residents, so they must be purchased online before you get into the country.
The Eurail Pass may also come in handy if you plan to visit other countries in Europe without a car. On our vacation, we bought the Eurail Global Pass because we also traveled from Amsterdam to England by train, and then to several cities within the country. By my calculations, it saved us money and time.
Consider the First Bus of England Coach to Get to Bath
The First Bus website covers bus and coach travel in Bristol, Bath, and Western England. You can find network maps, route maps, travel alerts, timetables and so much more for the coaches and buses serving the Bath area.
The interactive “Plan a Journey” map also allows you to enter two destinations and see what modes of transportation are available, including bus/coach, train, tram, and tube (subway).
To save money from London Heathrow Airport the National Express Bus is a great option for traveling to Bath England without a car. It takes about the same amount of time as the train, but it costs less and you don’t have any transfers to worry about. You’ll also have a guaranteed seat.
Private Hire Airport Transfers and Tours
If you get a bit nervous or think you’ll be too tired to navigate your journey from the airport in the UK to Bath using public transportation, consider a private hire car transfer or tour. Celtic Horizons and other companies offer personalized service that can pick you up from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Bristol, Cardiff, or Birmingham airports and transport you, your group, and your luggage to Bath.
Are you landing in the morning and want to hit the ground running? Celtic Horizons can also plan a stop at a place of interest on the way from the airport to your lodging in Bath. Sites like Stonehenge or Highclere Castle (from Downton Abbey fame) can give you a unique introduction to Western England.
If you’re planning to travel to England by ship Bath Private Car Hire also offers pick-up and drop-off services to the ports in Southampton, Portsmouth, Dover, Plymouth, and others. They offer half and full-day sightseeing transportation as well. Please note that their drivers are NOT tour guides but can offer basic knowledge of your destination.
Get Creative by Taking a One-Way Day Tour from London
If you’re traveling from London to Bath England without a car and plan to stay overnight in Bath, there may be a creative way to get yourself and your luggage between the two cities. Several companies offer day trips from London that include places like Bath, Stonehenge, Avebury, and more. Look for a tour where the last stop is Bath. Contact the tour company about the possibility of storing your luggage on the bus during the day, then leaving the tour in Bath and not returning to London. This kills several birds with one stone. You get an awesome day trip from London with the ease of not having to schlep your luggage around AND you’ll be dropped off in Bath for the next leg of your trip. Saves time and money. Easy peasy, right?
Are There Good Bicycle Routes to Bath England?
If you prefer to feel the wind in your hair and ride on two wheels instead of more, then you’ll find some excellent options for biking to Bath England from around Somerset. You’ll get some exercise and help the planet too. Of course, if you just want to bring your bike to Bath to use while you’re there, most public transportation has options for loading your bike onto the bus or train (or even when flying). Just get instructions about how to do it and if there’s additional cost ahead of time.
If you’re biking from the west, there’s the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. Cosmopolitan magazine listed this route as one of the “UK’s 10 Best Cycling Routes” This flat 13.9-mile [23 km] converted rail trail is open to walkers and bicyclists. It takes about 2 to 3 hours by bike, plus stops, and is considered an easy path with no motorized traffic. You’ll find riverside pubs and the Briton Railway station where you can stop for a bite to eat or use the restroom.
From the east, you’ll find the Kennet and Avon Cycle Route that begins near the Thames River in Reading and runs about 82 miles [132 km] with long sections along the canal towpath. You can also start this journey to Bath at Bradford on Avon for a bike ride that’s less than 18 miles [28 km]. Each route passes quaint pubs and other historical and architectural sites of interest.
Both of these routes are part of the UK’s National Cycle Network. To find out more about routes around the UK and near Bath visit the Sustrans website. You can also Download the Bath Bike Brochure for maps and more details about bike routes in and around Bath.
Where Can I Store My Luggage for a Day Trip to Bath?
First of all, I highly recommend visiting Bath for multiple days if at all possible. There is so much to see and do that you’ll want to stay at least two nights and preferably more, to really get a taste of this UNESCO World Heritage city. However, if you just don’t have any more time available, but want to visit for one day, you may need to store some luggage or backpacks for the day while you’re in Bath.
Even if you plan to stay a night or two, you may need to store luggage before or after you check in or out of your lodging. These spots are perfect to help you lighten your load without a car to store luggage in.
There are a couple of luggage storage companies near the Bath Spa train station and around town if you want to stash your suitcase or backpack for the day. Bounce Luggage Storage has multiple locations around the city. Stasher Luggage Storage is another company that has locations close to the Bath Spa train and bus stations.
Where Can I Learn More About Visiting Bath Without a Car?
Ask Your Favorite Travel Agent
Yes, there are still many travel agents doing business around the world and there’s probably at least one in your city. Even if there’s not one that you can visit in person, you can search online for an agent that specializes in UK or European travel without a car and do all your business over the phone.
A travel agent that specializes in Europe should be familiar with various forms of public transportation and how you can book for the best price depending on where, when, and how you’re traveling.
In some cases a travel agent may charge a fee for their services, so find out that at the beginning. However, if they’re booking multiple services for you, many of those companies have an agent’s commission built into the price, so there may not be any additional fees for the agent’s help.
Rick Steves Guides – American Travel Expert on European Destinations
As Americans traveling in the UK we found Rick Steves England Travel Guides to be invaluable in helping us narrow down our choices for places to visit, then create an itinerary and navigate the various transportation options around the country. Rick has been visiting Europe and the UK every year for over 40 years and has hundreds of contacts with local experts in the region.
These are a few of the products offered by Rick Steves that include information about getting to Bath, England without a car. Most are available in Paperback or Kindle versions. Choosing the right guide will depend on how much of the region you plan to visit. Click the links below to get more information and a Table of Contents for each book.
Lonely Planet Pocket Guide – Bath, Bristol and the Southwest
Lonely Planet’s Bath, Bristol, and Southwest England’s Pocket Travel Guide is written by three British travel writers based in the UK. The paperback and Kindle Unlimited versions offer suggested itineraries, insider transportation tips, plus lodging and dining recommendations for every budget.
Its compact 4-inch by 6-inch size makes it easy to carry on the road. You’ll also find a helpful pull-out map in the printed version. It’s great for navigating to destinations if you’re out of cell phone range or your battery dies. Printed maps are also excellent for helping you decide which sites to see based on their proximity to each other so you’re not wasting precious time and steps on your holiday.
“Visit Bath” Official Tourism Website
The “Visit Bath” website is filled with helpful and up-to-date information on what you’ll need to know in researching and prepping for your trip to Bath England. The “Public Transportation” page provides excellent links and information about getting to and around Bath by bus, train, taxi, car, and more.
When planning your trip you can browse the site and search by categories or keywords to find exactly what you’re looking for. You can even download one of their 6 free maps here.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve traveled to Bath England without a car and what your thoughts and concerns are. I’m thrilled to be able to help fellow travelers navigate destinations that might initially be a little intimidating but can prove to be the best adventures.
Category: Travel Tips, Trip Planning, United Kingdom
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Bath has been on my bucket list for a while, because I always wanted to visit the Roman Spa. You are right about train tickets in England…they literally can be the same price as flights 🙁
Thanks for stopping by! We loved train travel because of the lower carbon footprint and the chance to see the countryside in a new place. The Roman Baths were so cool, especially at night. More on that coming soon…
When I lived in the UK I never owned a car and relied on the buses and trains. I had many weekends away from London by train and/or bus and one of them was to Bath – it is so easy to use public transport in the UK. I loved Bath.
Public transportation is so much better there. I would love that!
When we lived in London I used to always visit Bath via train or bus. We didn’t have a car, so it was totally normal for me… but even when I do have a car, I quite enjoy that train journey with the chance to look out at the countryside.
Bath is lovely isn’t it!
Yes, Josy, it’s a beautiful city and so unique! Thanks for stopping by.
We plan to visit England for a longer trip and want to do a mix of transportation – car and train. It was good to read that this will be possible. And we can even visit Bath. But I agree with your comment about travelling light. Hauling heavy bags up and down stairs and onto trains is not fun.
So true, Linda. We made that mistake the first time we traveled to Europe, but we won’t make it again. Thanks for stopping by!
These insider tips are very detailed and helpful for planning a trip. I haven’t visited Bath, England as of yet, but I wouldn’t mind taking a day tour or even utilizing the GWR. Thank you for providing more than one travel option to visit.
Lenore, It’s well worth a visit if you have a chance.
After reading the article on traveling to Bath, England without a car, I’m convinced that leaving my car at home is a wise choice. The insight about driving on the left side, narrow roads, and the cost of non-electrical cars compared to eco-friendly public transportation makes a compelling case. The emphasis on the convenience and cost-effectiveness of trains, buses, and even bicycle routes in the UK, particularly with Great Western Railway and bus services, provides practical alternatives. I appreciate the tips on luggage storage, day tours, and the suggestion to explore Bath without the hassle of parking. Overall, it’s a comprehensive guide for anyone considering a car-free trip to Bath, and I’ll definitely explore public transportation options for my visit.
Thank you, Brian for your compliments. I’m glad it was helpful for you.