Reading to Cardiff Central Trains From £13.75*

The train from Reading to Cardiff Central takes just 1 hour and 22 minutes, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach the Welsh capital. Operated by Great Western Railway (GWR), the 95-mile journey is quick, direct and stress-free, getting you from Berkshire into South Wales in less than 90 minutes.

Along the way, you’ll roll through the Berkshire countryside, cross the River Severn and pass the valleys of South Wales. The route mixes towns, farmland and open views, giving you plenty to take in out of the window. Whether you’re travelling with friends, catching up on work or simply relaxing, the scenery makes the journey feel like part of the adventure.

GWR’s modern trains provide a comfortable ride with frequent services throughout the day. As one of the main operators on the Great Western Main Line, they also link passengers to London, the South West and other key destinations across South Wales, making them a reliable choice for this popular route.

Departing from Reading

Reading Station is one of the busiest rail hubs outside London, and it’s where the quickest train journey from Reading to Cardiff begins. Conveniently located in the centre of Reading, the station is easy to reach by foot from the town centre, but access is straightforward regardless of how you choose to travel.

Reading Station is a key interchange on the national rail network, with GWR operating fast services to destinations including Cardiff, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth and Cornwall, as well as direct services into London Paddington.

Alongside GWR, Reading is served by several main operators, including CrossCountry and South Western Railway. With excellent connections and modern facilities, Reading Station is the perfect starting point for your trip west to Cardiff.

Main stops

There are a number of key stops between Reading and Cardiff Central, including Swindon, Bristol Parkway and Newport. Some of the slightly longer Great Western Railway services between Reading and Cardiff Central also stop at Didcot Parkway.

Arriving at Cardiff Central

Your journey from Reading ends at Cardiff Central Station, the largest and busiest railway station in Wales. Found in the heart of the city, Cardiff Central sits just a short walk from the main shopping streets, business districts and cultural landmarks in the capital.

Cardiff Central is a major hub for rail travel across Wales, and elsewhere in the UK. GWR services connect the station with London Paddington, Reading, and Bristol, while Transport for Wales operates routes to destinations such as Swansea, Newport, Holyhead and Manchester. The station also serves CrossCountry trains covering longer distances, linking Cardiff with Birmingham and the North.

Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium are only minutes away from the train station, and the popular St David’s shopping centre is within easy reach, offering dining, shopping and entertainment. Bute Park and the Taff Riverwalk both provide green spaces nearby.

Great Western Railway train classes

• Standard Class: One of the most popular ways to travel from Reading to Cardiff is in Standard Class with GWR. You can buy cheap train tickets for the journey, making it perfect for commuters, daytrippers or families heading to Wales. You’ll usually find wifi and power sockets on board, as well as comfortable seating. If you pair your ticket with a valid railcard, you can save up to a third. Booking in advance also helps to keep the cost low.
• First Class: If you’d prefer a more premium experience on your trip from Reading to Cardiff Central, First Class with GWR offers the perfect upgrade. Travelling from Reading to Cardiff Central First Class gives you access to wider, reclining seats, more legroom and quieter carriages. On weekday services, complimentary refreshments add even more luxury to the experience, so you can arrive in Cardiff refreshed and ready for what’s ahead.

Great Western Railway train travel advice

We’ve put together everything you need to know about travelling on a GWR service from Reading to Cardiff Central:

• Luggage - You can bring up to three items of luggage free of charge on GWR trains, with dedicated racks at the end of most carriages. Suitcases should be no larger than 25cm x 40cm x 75cm.
• Bicycles - GWR trains have limited bike spaces and they need to be reserved in advance. Folding bikes can be brought onboard at any time, as long as they’re safely stored.
• Children - Kids under the age of 5 travel for free with a paying adult, and those aged 5 to 15 can access reduced fares. You can save even more with a Family & Friends Railcard.
• Pets - You can travel with two pets on GWR trains for no extra charge. A small fee applies if you want to travel with more than two furry friends.
• Passenger Assist - GWR offers a helpful Passenger Assist service to support travellers with accessibility needs. From boarding and alighting, to help with luggage and navigating the station, assistance is there and it can be pre-booked.