First Great Western: former routes and current operators
First Great Western, often abbreviated FGW, was the former name of the operation now branded Great Western Railway. Its network expanded significantly in 2006, so the date of an old FGW map matters.
Reviewed 6 November 2026.
Operator history and changes
The First Great Western identity followed FirstGroup’s acquisition of the remaining Great Western Holdings shares in 1998. Initially it referred chiefly to the Paddington-based intercity operation. Thames Valley stopping trains and West Country regional services were still organised through separate businesses, even where their routes overlapped the same railway corridor.
In April 2006 the Greater Western franchise combined First Great Western, First Great Western Link and Wessex Trains. FGW then described a much broader network, including branches and regional routes as well as intercity services. The operation adopted the Great Western Railway passenger brand in September 2015. Later transfers of some London suburban services to TfL Rail, now the Elizabeth line, mean that current GWR is not an exact copy of every FGW-era service map.
Former routes and principal stations
Historical intercity network
FGW’s longer-distance services connected Paddington with Bristol, South Wales, the West of England and other western destinations.
Historical enlarged regional network after 2006
The combined operation also included local and regional services inherited from Link and Wessex. These examples belong to different corridors and branches.
Travelling on these routes today
Use GWR’s current timetable for the successor intercity, regional and branch network, and check the Elizabeth line where London stopping services are involved. At Paddington or Reading, confirm the service’s calling pattern and destination rather than selecting solely by departure time. For an old FGW route that crossed several regions, check whether a direct train still exists or a change is now required.
Tickets and journey choices
FGW promotions, ticket products and historic prices are superseded. Current GWR fares have their own availability and route, operator and time restrictions. A shared FirstGroup ancestry does not make another operator’s service interchangeable, and an old FGW network diagram cannot define today’s rover or pay-as-you-go validity area.
Accessibility and assistance
Consult current GWR station and assisted-travel information. Newer trains and changes at stations mean that FGW-era carriage plans are not a reliable guide to present facilities. Include regional connections, branch-line boarding and any replacement transport when requesting help for the complete journey.
Sources and further information
Use the current operator's information to check the latest timetable, disruption and assistance arrangements for your travel date.