GWR Adds Thousands Of Extra Seats For Historic Return To Principality Stadium

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Great Western Railway (GWR) is running thousands of extra seats to Cardiff for the Community Shield on Sunday 16 August, as the fixture returns to the Principality Stadium for the first time since 2006, but warns trains from London are already sold out.

Arsenal and Manchester City go head-to-head in a 1500 kick-off and with the match expected to finish between 1645 and 1655, or around 1715 should a penalty shootout be required, GWR is urging supporters to plan their journey carefully.

Football fans should book in advance as reservations are required on all services to Cardiff. GWR is warning supporters that reservations from London are already sold out.

Getting to Cardiff

GWR will run 20 trains into Cardiff before the match, including additional services from Bristol Temple Meads, and three additional services from London Paddington offering extra seats. Additional carriages have also been added to scheduled services.

Supporters travelling from London and Bristol should note that reservations are compulsory on all services into Cardiff before 1500. Tickets should be booked in advance at gwr.com or on the GWR app.

Getting home

Eighteen GWR trains will run from Cardiff between 1700 and 2130, including additional services and carriages to Bristol Temple Meads and four additional services to London Paddington, providing 3,326 extra seats.

Trains immediately after the match are expected to be really busy and customers will have to queue outside the station to allow safe numbers access to platforms on a first-come, first-served basis.

Those choosing to soak-up the post-match atmosphere in Cardiff should note times of the last trains home: 

• Last direct train to London Paddington: 2120
• Last direct train to Bristol Parkway: 2120
• Last direct train to Bristol Temple Meads: 2311

Supporters are strongly encouraged to allow extra time to get to Cardiff Central station and to check their onward connections before travelling, particularly if catching the last services of the evening.

GWR Customer Service and Events Manager South Wales, Kay Davies, said:

“It’s a huge occasion for Cardiff and for football. The Community Shield returning to the Principality Stadium for the first time in 20 years is something supporters will not want to miss, and we’ve worked hard to make sure the railway is ready for it.

“We’ve added thousands of extra seats in both directions, but trains will be busy and we’d encourage everyone to book in advance, allow plenty of time and check the time of their last train home before they travel.”

Supporters are also reminded to:

• Book in advance: reserve seats at gwr.com or on the GWR app; reservations are required on services to Cardiff before 1500
• Allow extra time: Cardiff Central will be extremely busy before and after the match
• Check your last train: particularly if travelling to London or Bristol Parkway, where last direct services depart at 21:20
• Charge your phone: e-ticket users should ensure their battery will last the journey

For the latest travel information visit gwr.com or check the GWR app before travelling.