Cardiff Central is the main station for intercity trains; Queen Street station serves the valleys and Cardiff Bay. Cardiff Airport is about 20 km south-west near Rhoose.
Routes at a glance
| From | By | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Paddington | Train | About 2 h | Frequent direct trains to Cardiff Central. |
| Bristol | Train | About 45–60 min | Direct services from Bristol Temple Meads. |
| Bristol Airport | Bus | About 1 h 30 | Coach links run some routes; check current operators. |
| Cardiff Airport | Bus / train | About 30–45 min | Bus to the centre, or shuttle bus to Rhoose station and train. |
| Swansea | Train | About 50 min | Frequent direct trains along the south coast line. |
| London | Coach | About 3 h 30 | The cheapest option; several operators. |
Times are typical and fares change — check current timetables and prices before you travel.
Getting around Cardiff
The centre is best on foot. Buses cover the suburbs and St Fagans, and local trains run from Queen Street to Cardiff Bay and up the valleys. A riverside walk or a water bus links the centre with the Bay in good weather.
Onward from Cardiff
Trains continue west to Swansea and Tenby, and north via Abergavenny towards the border country. For the Brecon Beacons there are buses to Brecon. See Getting to Wales for the full network.
