Cardiff Central (CDF) (Train Station): Departures and guide

Travel to the train station Cardiff Central from Cardiff city center

The Welsh capital is full of appeal, from the rejuvenated docks with their restaurants and the Millennium Center opera house, to Cardiff Castle, the city center's Victorian arcades, and the National Museum's world-class displays of bronze age weapons. And when travelers pay the city a visit, they often need to pass through the train station Cardiff Central. Linking west Wales with London, Cardiff Central has been dispatching express trains since the 1850s.

What is the best way to get to the train station Cardiff Central from Cardiff city center?

If visitors have a train to catch, saving a few seconds can make all the difference, so it's vital to know the best way to travel to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city center. Thankfully, the station is very close to central locations like the castle, and is easily accessible from Cardiff Bay as well. From the castle, travelers can hop on the X1 or X8 buses, while trains from Cardiff Queen Street could be handy in some cases as well. The X8 and 132 buses run from Cardiff Bay to Cardiff Central, offering a useful link from the Millennium Center. Finally, some visitors may also have to transfer from Cardiff Airport. In that case, the best option is to take trains from Rhoose Station to Cardiff Central. In all cases, taxis offer an alternative, which will usually be the quickest way to travel.

How far is it from Cardiff city center to the train station Cardiff Central?

Cardiff Central lives up to its name, and isn't far from city center attractions like Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, or the Principality Stadium. For instance, the castle is about 800 meters north of Cardiff Central, allowing travelers to walk to rail services in 15 minutes, while buses will get there in under 10 minutes. Cardiff Bay is slightly further away, but is still just 2.5 miles (about four kilometers) away. Buses run from there to Cardiff Central in approximately five minutes, while taxis will take even less than that. Those coming from areas around Cardiff University can also take trains from Queen Street to Central, which take 5-10 minutes. Finally, if travelers need to transfer from Cardiff Airport, they can expect trains from Rhoose to take just under 30 minutes (plus a 10-minute shuttle ride from the terminals). Taxis may be quicker in some cases, and will generally take about 30-40 minutes to reach Cardiff Central.

How accessible is the train station Cardiff Central for those with limited mobility?

If wheelchair users need to travel to a train from Cardiff city center, they generally should encounter few issues. Buses are adapted to allow easy wheelchair access, and other passengers are obliged by law to make space for disabled travelers, which may make life easier. Trains from Queen Street or Rhoose are also easily accessed by wheelchairs, and run straight to Cardiff Central, limiting the need for ground travel to reach train departures. And taxis with the capabilities to make disabled travelers comfortable will always be available. Taxis may be the best option for those coming from Cardiff Airport, where shuttle transfers are required between the terminals and Rhoose Station. When they reach the station, wheelchair users can request assistance at the main customer services desk on the ground floor, and lifts are provided to facilitate access to all eight platforms.  There are disabled toilets, accessible ticket offices, and plenty of space throughout the site, allowing those with mobility issues to prepare for trains and find their platform with ease.

Local tips: the train station Cardiff Central points of interest

Luckily for travelers, Cardiff Central is very close to a host of appealing attractions. So, if visitors are early for their trains and are wondering what to do near the train station, they need not worry. Cardiff Castle is within 15 minutes walk, where highlights include the banqueting hall, the state apartments, and the finely preserved 10th-century fortifications. A little to the east, the National Museum offers a rich collection of historical artefacts (and dinosaurs for kids). And on the way between the attractions, travelers can pass through the beautiful Royal Arcade - one of Britain's most attractive Victorian shopping precincts. It's even possible to walk along the River Taff to Sophia Gardens and Bute Park, which is a wonderful place to relax and read a book before catching trains. There's a left luggage facility at the train station, so travelers don't need to lug their cases around. Instead, they can pack a lot of sightseeing into one or two hours, and be confident of catching their train.