Bristol Bears fans heading to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium for the double-header clash with Harlequins on Saturday 28 March should book their train travel, with Great Western Railway laying on 21 extra trains and more than 10,000 additional seats.
One ticket grants access to both the women’s fixture (1230 kick-off) and men’s game (1530 kick-off), with the final whistle expected around 1730.
GWR will run 35 trains into Cardiff before the men’s kick-off, including 25 services arriving ahead of the women’s game at 1230. After the final whistle, 22 trains will operate from 1730 onwards to get supporters home. In total the train company will provide more than 20,000 seats for supporters travelling to and from the games by train.
All trains from Bristol to Cardiff require advance seat reservations and are expected to be extremely busy. Fans are strongly encouraged to book the earliest service possible to arrive ahead of the women’s kick-off and allow plenty of time for their journey.
Book now at www.gwr.com
Reservations are not available for return services from Cardiff after the men’s game, trains operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with a queuing system in place at Cardiff Central station.
Getting there
Cardiff Central station is directly next to the Principality Stadium, making rail the quickest and easiest way to travel. Services run from:
- London Paddington
- Bristol Temple Meads
- Bristol Parkway
- Connecting stations including Yate, Yatton and Nailsea
Getting home
A queuing system will operate at Cardiff Central on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing people to board trains safely. To avoid queues, supporters may wish to enjoy Cardiff’s atmosphere after the final whistle before heading home.
Last trains:
- Cardiff Central to London Paddington: 2022
- Cardiff Central to Bristol Parkway: 2118
- Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads: 2247
GWR Customer Services Director, Rachel Geliamassi, said: “We’re delighted to support Bristol Bears fans making the trip to Cardiff for this exciting double-header. With 21 extra trains and over 10,000 additional seats, we’re ready to get supporters there and back safely.
“Booking early is essential, all trains to Cardiff require reservations and will be extremely busy. We’d encourage fans to travel early and allow extra time for the return journey, perhaps enjoying Cardiff’s atmosphere before heading home.”
Bristol Bears Chief Executive Tom Tainton commented: “We’re pleased to have partnered with GWR to ensure our fans can travel easily to Cardiff for what promises to be a fantastic day of rugby. With both our women’s and men’s teams in action, it’s a brilliant opportunity for supporters to get behind the Bears, and traveling by train means everyone can enjoy the day without worrying about driving or parking.”
Top tips for supporters
- Book your seat reservation – trains will sell out
- Travel early to catch the women’s game at 1230
- Allow extra time for your journey
- No return reservations available – first-come, first-served
- Consider staying in Cardiff after the game to avoid queues
- Check last train times before you travel
Book now at www.gwr.com
Check out the Big Day Out travel page https://www.bristolbearsrugby.com/big-day-out/getting-to-the-principality-stadium/
Image credit: GWR
