GWR launches Long Weekender leisure ticket in response to changing customer habits
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 | £69 | £195 | 65% |
| Bath Spa | £79 | £222.40 | 64% |
| Bristol Temple Meads | £79 | £238.80 | 67% |
| Cardiff Central | £99 | £264.80 | 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 the Long Weekender here.
Contact Information
John Carter
Media and Communications Manager
Great Western Railway
0845 410 4444
Notes to editors
First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR has been awarded a National Rail Contract to continue operating the Great Western network, which shall run up to 21 June 2025, with the potential for a further three years at the Secretary of State’s discretion. Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us