Getting to Cardiff

Cardiff is located in the south of Wales, not far from Bristol and within easy reach of Birmingham and London. The airport is host to flights arriving from major European airports, which also have connections with world destinations. Arriving from elsewhere in the UK by train or bus is also a viable option, with frequent departures from major cities and towns.

By car

Getting to Cardiff by car is straightforward as it is fed by the main M4 motorway from London and is only a few miles beyond the English border. The M4 has direct links with the M5, M48, M49, M50, as well as the M25 ring road in London. Directions from major centres include: take the M5 from Birmingham south to junction 15 and follow the M4 west for Cardiff. You need to follow the M5 northbound from Bristol and take the Severn Bridge on the M4 west. If you are driving from London, take the M4 westbound, whereas if you are travelling from Swansea, you take the M4 east. Driving within Cardiff is also straightforward, as there is a convenient road network.

By rail

Cardiff train station is conveniently located in the city centre and also near the main bus station. Several train companies serve Cardiff train station from destinations nationwide, including Virgin Trains, First Great Western, Wales and West and local companies. Services from London are frequent and fast and there is now a route leading to Cardiff International Airport.

By bus

Getting to Cardiff by bus is simple and cheap, with regular National Express coaches running direct from Victoria Coach station in London. Services also come in from surrounding towns and cities in both England and Wales. These include: Bristol, Bath, Birmingham and Swindon while services also run from the main airports in England to Cardiff. The main bus station can be found on Wood Street in the city centre, where tickets and timetable information are available.

By air

Cardiff International Airport (CWL) is a small, comfortable airport located to the east of Cardiff city and has commendable facilities. Flights come and go from a plethora of UK and European destinations and public transport connections with Cardiff can be made by train, bus or taxi.

Cardiff international airport

Cardiff International Airport is 12 miles southwest of the city centre, near the town of Rhoose. It is the largest airport in Wales and also its gateway, receiving regular flights with some major airlines from many UK, European and American cities.

There is just the one terminal here, which is well equipped with passenger facilities and services such as 24-hour cash machines (ATMs), bureaux de change and postal facilities. A shopping centre has a range of popular shops including duty-free outlets, a newsagent and gift shops, while a food court houses cafés, snack bars and restaurants.

Cardiff airport transportation

Trains run to and from the airport every hour from Cardiff Central station on the Bridgend to Cardiff line. Once in Cardiff, services run to destinations around the country, including London.

Several bus and coach services run between the airport and the city centre throughout the day, with the Airbus X91 providing the main airport service. Service number 95 also runs to the city, as does service 345 (EST Bus), service X45 (Shamrock), and service X5 (First). In addition, National Express coaches run to Cardiff Central bus station and on to destinations farther afield.

Taxis are available 24 hours and can be found directly outside the terminal. It takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Cardiff city. There are surcharges for airport pick-ups, as well as charges for extra luggage.

If all flights to Cardiff are full, you can fly into Bristol Airport, which is located just over the Severn Bridge in England.