The structure of distribution network likes multi-branch tree, which causes difficulties in fault location. There will be much error if the traditional fault location method directly used. Therefore, a novel traveling wave fault location method for distribution network based on graph theory and pruning algorithm is proposed in this paper. In this method, the initial traveling wave information is used to determine the arriving time of wave front. And distribution network topology model is equivalent to graph theory model which is built by distance matrix and correlation matrix. The pruning algorithm is used to cut invalid information. Accurate fault location of distribution network can be realized through the whole process. Finally, PSCAD and MATLAB software is used to test the location method. And simulation results show that the accurate has improved and reliable distribution network fault location.