GO Train

If you’re planning to visit Cardiff by train then you’ll be pleased to know that Cardiff Central railway station [map] is conveniently located just a few minutes walk away from the main city centre attractions.

These days the high-speed trains can get you from almost anywhere to Cardiff, with the journey from London taking less than two hours. First Great Northern is the main operator providing services to and from London Paddington every half an hour, Monday to Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays the service is hourly. Most trains from Paddington call at Reading, Swindon and Bristol Parkway before passing through the Severn Tunnel to enter South Wales.

Arriva Trains Wales operates services from Cardiff Central to Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and Chester, while Central Trains offer routes to Nottingham and Bristol.

For commuters travelling to Cardiff from around Wales, Valley Lines operate five principal routes from the city to Penarth, Rhymney, Aberdare, Pontypridd and Coryton. There are also short-distance services from Cardiff Queen Street Station to Cardiff Bay.

As you’d expect from a city station, Cardiff Central has all the usual facilities, such as a travel information and booking office, waiting areas and station buffet.

Essential train contact info: