Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads Trains From £3.50*

Hop on a direct Great Western Railway train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads and you can be in the city in just around 50 minutes, with a fast, fuss-free trip across the Severn.

Take in sweeping views of the River Severn and its wide estuary before your train dives beneath the water via the iconic Severn Tunnel and rounds into Bristol.

Great Western Railway operates long-distance and regional services throughout South Wales, the South West and the Cotswolds. From Cardiff Central, you can travel directly to key destinations including Bristol Temple Meads, Oxford, Exeter and Penzance.

Departing from Cardiff Central

Located at Central Square in the heart of Cardiff, Cardiff Central is Wales’s busiest railway hub and a key stop on the South Wales Main Line. As one of Cardiff’s two main rail stations (along with Queen Street close by), it serves a wide mix of local commuters and long-distance travellers, and can be easily reached on foot, by taxi and a large network of local buses.

From Cardiff Central, you can enjoy frequent services across Wales and into England. Great Western Railway runs direct intercity trains to London Paddington (via Bristol), Taunton, and Portsmouth. CrossCountry connects northwards to Birmingham and Nottingham, while Transport for Wales covers South Wales, the Valleys and West Wales, with extended routes to Manchester, Holyhead and Fishguard Harbour. 

Managed by Transport for Wales, Cardiff Central features step‑free access, modern ticketing options, live departure screens, waiting rooms, and accessible facilities, ensuring you have everything you need for smooth onward travel.

Main stops

Cross the River Severn aboard your Cardiff to Bristol train, with key stops along the way including Newport and Filton Abbey Wood.

Arriving at Bristol Temple Meads

Arriving into Bristol Temple Meads, you’ll step into the city’s largest and oldest railway station, located just a five-minute walk from the town centre. As a major transport hub for the South West, it offers excellent connections and convenient access to Bristol’s vibrant culture, historic harbour, and independent shops.

Managed by Network Rail, the station provides step-free access to all platforms, accessible ticket machines, waiting rooms, baby changing facilities, and public Wi-Fi. With services operated by Great Western Railway and CrossCountry, passengers arriving from London, Cardiff, Exeter, Birmingham and Manchester will find plenty of amenities to hand. There’s also a dedicated Airport Flyer bus running services 24 hours a day to Bristol Airport.

Great Western Railway train classes 

• Standard Class: Enjoy a smooth ride from Cardiff to Bristol Temple Meads with Great Western Railway, featuring spacious seats, complimentary Wi-Fi, and freshly prepared meals and drinks served in the restaurant car on most services.
• First Class: Travel Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads First Class and enjoy wider, reclining seats with extra legroom, high-speed Wi‑Fi, and plug and USB sockets at every table. There are complimentary snacks and drinks on selected services, while some trains offer Pullman Dining with freshly prepared meals served to your seat.

Great Western Railway train travel advice

Find out everything you need to know before you board your Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads train, including luggage rules, family and pet travel tips and assistance services.

• Luggage: Passengers can travel with up to three bags at no extra cost. Suitcases, rucksacks and holdalls can be stowed in overhead shelves or end-of-carriage racks to keep walkways and exits clear.
• Bicycles: Space is limited, but Great Western Railway welcomes bikes and e-bikes on board with a free reservation. Folding bikes are allowed on all services when stored as luggage. E-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: Children under the age of five can travel for free, while those aged 5-15 can enjoy 50% off standard fares. Teens aged 16 and 17 can also access half-price tickets on most routes with a 16-17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Passengers can bring up to two pets on board at no extra cost. Dogs must be on a lead, and smaller animals should travel in a secure carrier. Pets must stay off the seats at all times.
• Passenger Assist: Support is available for passengers requiring assistance with boarding, navigating stations, or making wheelchair space reservations. Simply book through Passenger Assist online, via the app, or in person at larger stations.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.