As the capital of Wales, Cardiff is a focal point for Welsh culture and receives a huge number of visitors every year. It is Wales’ chief commercial centre, home to the most important national cultural and sporting events and the seat of the National Assembly for Wales.
Consequently, it is also a great attraction for tourists from other parts of Wales, the United Kingdom and even the rest of the world. If you find yourself planning a visit, we have a few helpful tips concerning travel that will ensure you have a smooth journey.
By rail
One of the most popular forms of travel to and from Cardiff is by rail. The city boasts one of the busiest railway stations in the UK, and the largest in Wales: Cardiff Central. It maintains a huge variety of routes around Wales and to other major cities in England and Scotland. The Cardiff Queen Street station also provides access to South Wales valleys and the Cardiff suburbs. This station is found at the east end of the city centre and will also allow tourists to visit Cardiff bay. The valleys themselves are serviced by a suburban rail system known as Valley Lines.
By plane
Cardiff Airport (CWL) is the only international airport in Wales and hosts connections to other smaller airports within the country and other cities across the globe. It is situated in the village of Rhoose, which lies 10 miles to the west of Cardiff and is easily accessed by bus. There are a number of facilities in the surrounding area and if you find yourself needing to book hotels near Cardiff airport, you won’t struggle. You will also find a train service running between the airport and Cardiff Central station.
By bus
Once in Cardiff, you’ll find that the comprehensive public bus system really makes it quite easy to travel around the city and local area. Most of the routes are run by the Cardiff Bus company and you will find routes covering most of the city and other regions, such as Newport and Barry. The hub for the service is the Cardiff Central Bus Station, where visitors can also utilise the National Express and Megabus coach services which operate from here.
These companies both run routes that span the length and breadth of England, Wales and Scotland and give tourists and other visitors the opportunity to explore other areas apart from Cardiff.
