Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central Trains From £5.43*

Travel from Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central in around 53 minutes with Great Western Railway (GWR). 

The Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central route travels west from Bristol, passing through vibrant Bristol suburbs and then crosses into South Wales, going through the countryside and the Severn Tunnel. As your train nears Cardiff, you’ll pass through the historic city of Newport, offering glimpses of the River Usk and Newport Castle skyline.

GWR operates key routes connecting London, Reading, Bristol and Cardiff, as well as regional services to Swansea, Newport and Wales' many coastal destinations. GWR’s trains offer modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, as well as Standard and First Class seating.

Departing from Bristol Temple Meads 

Bristol Temple Meads is located on Station Approach in the heart of the city. The station is easily reached by buses, taxis or on foot from the nearby city centre and Temple Quarter district.

It’s a busy transport hub that provides services to a wide range of destinations, with trains running towards Bath Spa, Cardiff Central, Swansea and along the Severn Beach Line. Bristol Temple Meads also has a number of long-distance routes heading towards Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, London and Edinburgh.

The station is served by major operators including Great Western Railway, CrossCountry and South Western Railway.

Main stops

When you travel from Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central on a Great Western Railway service, you’ll stop at various places along the way. This includes Filton Abbey Wood, Severn Tunnel Junction and Newport.

Arriving at Cardiff Central

Cardiff Central Station is a Grade II listed building, located at Central Square in Cardiff city centre. The station is served by buses and taxis, and its location makes walking to nearby attractions easy.

From the station, you can easily travel to various destinations across Wales and the UK. Transport for Wales Rail runs frequent regional and local services - such as to Swansea, Newport and north into the Valleys - while GWR offers inter-city services to London, Bristol and elsewhere in the Southwest. 

Just moments from the station, you’ll find Cardiff Central Market, St David’s Shopping Centre and the National Museum and Gallery of Wales, all within a short walk. Landmarks in Cathays Park, including City Hall and the Welsh Government buildings, are also within easy reach. 

Great Western Railway train classes 

• Standard Class: Standard Class with GWR is ideal for affordable and comfortable travel between Bristol and Cardiff, especially if you have a railcard. You can enjoy comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi on most services, and power sockets at many seats. It’s perfect for day trips, commutes or weekend breaks.
• First Class: Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central First Class on GWR offers a relaxed and refined travel experience. From comfortable seats and tables with plug sockets and USB ports, to speedy Wi-Fi, you can make the most of your journey, whether you're working or unwinding. Before you travel, take advantage of GWR’s First Class lounges, including one at Cardiff Central, where you’ll find refreshments, Wi-Fi, mobile charging and live train updates.

Great Western Railway train travel advice

If you’re planning a journey from Bristol to Cardiff via the Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central GWR route, here’s what you need to know. 

• Luggage - There are dedicated luggage areas at the end of each GWR carriage for suitcase sized bags - up to 25 x 40 x 75 cm - but passengers are asked to limit themselves to no more than three items of luggage and to avoid bringing anything too bulky or hard to move.
• Bicycles - Bike spaces are limited on GWR services, so it’s best to reserve in advance. Reservations can be made at any point before travel and early booking is advised.
• Children - Children aged 5 to 15 travel for half price, while up to two children under 5 can travel free with a fare-paying adult. Under 5s may use a seat, as long as it’s not needed by another paying passenger.
• Pets - You can take up to two small pets free of charge on GWR trains. Dogs must be kept on a lead or in a carrier, and all other pets should be secured in a carrier. Extra pets can travel for a small fee, up to £5 for a single or £10 return.
• Passenger Assist - GWR provides assistance for passengers with visible or hidden disabilities, as well as older travellers. You can pre-book help for boarding, changing trains and connections.