Getting There and Away

Written by Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Sarah kelly
30/07/2025
View of the historic Cardiff Castle in Wales with medieval architecture under a blue sky.
Balazs Bezeczky, Pexels

Cardiff's primary transport hubs include Cardiff Central railway station, a major station on the South Wales Main Line located in the city centre, and the newly opened Cardiff Bus Interchange, adjacent to the railway station. Cardiff Airport (CWL), the sole commercial passenger airport in Wales, serves as the main air gateway, situated approximately 12 miles west of the city centre.

Flights:

Cardiff Airport (CWL) offers connections to various UK and international destinations. Direct flights from within the UK, such as Edinburgh, Belfast, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Newcastle, typically take around an hour. International direct flights are available from cities like Dublin, Málaga, Alicante, Faro, Tenerife, Dalaman, Antalya, Dubrovnik, and Amsterdam. One-way flights to Cardiff from within the UK can start from approximately £51, while round-trip flights from North American cities like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles can range from around $679 to $854. Bristol Airport (BRS) is another nearby option, about a 40-mile journey from Cardiff.

Trains:

Cardiff Central is well-connected to major UK cities. A train journey from London Paddington to Cardiff Central typically takes around 2 hours and 13 minutes, with fares potentially starting from £32. Services also connect Cardiff to other significant cities including Bristol, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Manchester. Travellers can save money by booking tickets in advance or by using a Railcard.

Buses/Coaches:

The new Cardiff Bus Interchange officially opened on June 30, 2024, providing a central hub for bus services within the city and for onward journeys. National Express, Megabus, and FlixBus operate coach services to Cardiff. The Cardiff Coach Station at Sophia Gardens is a staffed facility. Local bus fares in Cardiff can be paid with cash (exact fare often required), contactless card, or through the Cardiff Bus mobile app, with day tickets often cheaper via the app.

Car:

Cardiff is accessible via the M4 motorway, which connects it to other parts of the UK. Driving times vary significantly based on traffic conditions and distance; for example, a journey from Manchester can take 3 hours 40 minutes in ideal conditions, though traffic, especially during bad weather or peak times, can extend travel duration.

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