Swansea to Cardiff Central Trains From £3.80*

Set off from Swansea on a direct Great Western Railway service and arrive at Cardiff Central in just under an hour – it’s a smooth, hassle-free way to travel between Wales’ two largest cities.

Savour the changing scenery as you leave Swansea behind, passing the beaches of Swansea Bay and the coastal beauty of Kenfig’s sand dunes and pools, before tracing a path through Glamorgan’s sloping hills into the vibrant heart of Cardiff.

Great Western Railway runs regional and long-distance services linking London Paddington with South Wales, the South West and the Cotswolds. From Swansea, you can catch direct GWR trains to major destinations such as Bristol Parkway, Swindon, Reading and London Paddington.

Departing from Swansea

Located just a short five-minute walk from the centre of town, Swansea railway station is also easily accessible by bus or taxi. 

With regional routes across South Wales and the South West, Swansea station offers Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway intercity services to London Paddington, Manchester Piccadilly and Birmingham. There are also boat trains from here to Fishguard Harbour, which connect to the daily ferries to Ireland.

Managed by Transport for Wales, Swansea station features step-free access to all platforms, accessible toilets, as well as shops and refreshment outlets, making it a comfortable departure point from which to board your Swansea to Cardiff Central train.

Main stops

Hop aboard your direct Swansea to Cardiff Central train and pass through key stops such as Neath, Port Talbot Parkway and Bridgend.

Arriving at Cardiff Central

Located on Central Square in the very heart of Wales’s capital, Cardiff Central is only steps away from Cardiff’s remarkable mix of historic and modern attractions. Managed by Transport for Wales, this Grade II-listed station is Wales’s busiest and a key hub on the South Wales Main Line, linking Wales with cities all across the UK. 

Served by Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway and CrossCountry, Cardiff Central offers direct trains to destinations including Swansea, Manchester, Holyhead, London Paddington, Portsmouth, Nottingham and Birmingham.

Once you arrive into Cardiff Central station, step out into the heart of Cardiff and discover the city’s highlights, from the nearby imposing Cardiff Castle and the striking Pierhead Building to the modern Senedd and National Museum. Or, for a city escape worthy of a fairy tale, head six miles north to Castell Coch, a romantic Victorian woodland gem.

Great Western Railway train classes 

• Standard Class: Enjoy a comfortable ride from Swansea to Cardiff Central aboard Great Western Railway, with spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant car serving locally sourced food and drinks on most services.
• First Class: Enjoy a little extra comfort by travelling Swansea to Cardiff First Class, with wider seats, more legroom, faster Wi-Fi, and handy plug and USB sockets at your table. Selected routes also include complimentary snacks and drinks, or Pullman Dining with freshly prepared meals served at your seat.

Great Western Railway train travel advice

Get set for your Swansea to Cardiff Central train journey with this handy guide, featuring essential info on luggage, bike travel, accessibility, and tips for families and pet owners.

• Luggage: Passengers may bring up to three pieces of luggage with them for free. Store larger luggage, such as suitcases, holdalls, or backpacks in overhead shelves or end-of-carriage racks and keep aisles and doorways clear.
• Bicycles: Great Western Railway welcomes both standard bikes and e-bikes on board with a free reservation, though space is limited. Folding bikes are allowed on all services without a reservation, provided they are folded and stored in luggage racks. E-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: Kids under five can travel for free, while children aged 5-15 are eligible for a 50% discount on standard fares. Older children aged 16-17 can also access half-price fares with the 16-17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Passengers can bring up to two pets on board free of charge. Dogs must stay on a lead, and smaller animals should be transported in a secure carrier. Pets must remain off seats and are not permitted in restaurant cars.
• Passenger Assist: Passengers requiring support with boarding, navigating stations or reserving a wheelchair space can book assistance in advance through Passenger Assist – either at the time of booking, via the app or by speaking to staff at major stations on the day of travel.

Hop on a direct Transport for Wales train and arrive in Cardiff Central from Swansea in under an hour.

Take in sweeping views of the Welsh countryside as your train glides past the sand dunes and freshwater pools of Kenfig National Nature Reserve before rolling through the green hills of Glamorgan and arriving into the heart of Cardiff.

A comprehensive bus and rail network serving communities across Wales and beyond, Transport for Wales connects major Welsh cities and towns with key regional interchanges in England, including Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Airport, Birmingham New Street, Cheltenham and Bristol.

Transport for Wales train classes 

• Standard Class: Travel in comfort on Transport for Wales trains with free Wi-Fi onboard most services and ample storage for luggage and bikes, perfect for both commuting and exploring.
• First Class: Travel Swansea to Cardiff Central First Class and enjoy reclining seats with at-seat tables and complimentary refreshments on selected services.

Transport for Wales train travel advice

To help you prepare for your Swansea to Cardiff train journey, here’s everything you need to know before you travel – from luggage allowances to travelling with kids, pets, and booking assisted travel.

• Luggage: Passengers can bring up to two large bags and one smaller piece of hand luggage on board Transport for Wales services. Larger bags should be stored in designated luggage areas, while smaller items can be placed under your seat or in overhead racks.
• Bicycles: You can bring standard bikes and e-bikes onboard Transport for Wales trains with a free reservation, which is easy to make via the Transport for Wales app. Space is limited, and without a reservation, bikes are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Folding bikes don’t require a reservation. E-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: On all Transport for Wales trains, children under the age of 11 can travel for free when accompanied by a paying adult, while 11-15-year-olds are also eligible for free travel during off-peak hours. Families travelling together can save with a Family & Friends railcard (offering a third off adult fares, and 60% off child fares), while 16-17-year-olds can travel for half-price with a 16-17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Passengers can bring up to two small pets, such as dogs or cats, on board Transport for Wales trains free of charge, as long as they don’t cause disruption or pose a risk to other passengers. Dogs must be kept on a lead or in a secure carrier, and pets are not permitted on seats.
• Passenger Assist: If you need a little bit of extra support, you can request assistance up to two hours before your departure at the time of booking, through the app or online. You can also speak to a member of staff on the day of travel if you need help boarding, handling luggage or navigating the station.

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