Transport

Travelling to Cardiff

As a capital city, Cardiff has impressive links with the rest of the UK, Europe and the World.

A direct service to Cardiff by National Rail and National Express Coach is available from many cities. You will make considerable savings on future travel after you have arrived at Cardiff by purchasing student travel cards for both coach and rail travel. These can be bought at Cardiff Central Train Station or the National Express Office at Cardiff Bus Station. Travel cards give a discount of about 30% off normal fares. They are valid for 1 year and anyone under the age of 25 or who is a full-time student can qualify. To purchase either card, you require a passport size photograph and proof of your student status.

Cardiff International Airport serves a range of destinations. For those that it does not service, there is a discounted coach service to London Victoria Coach Station with tickets from just £1.

Travelling around Cardiff

Taxis

The most convenient way of getting to your hall of residence is, of course, to take a taxi. Taxis can be found on the official taxi rank, beside the rail and coach stations. A taxi journey will cost between £5.00 - £10.00, depending on where your accommodation is located. Taxis can be called by telephoning 029 2077 7777 or 029 2055 5555. But don’t worry, Cardiff has an abundance of taxis!

Local trains

Take a local train (final destination indicated as Pontypridd) from Cardiff Central main line station to Cathays station. You will pass through Queen Street station on the way. Cathays station is next to the University Union and only a few minutes walk from several of the main buildings of the University.
These local trains leave every 5 - 20 minutes (at approximately 5,15, 20, 42 and 55 minutes past the hour) until the last train at 23:24 and cost about £1.20 (single). A reduced service operates at weekends.

Local buses

Buses leave at regular intervals from designated bays within Cardiff Bus Station which is situated next to the Central Train Station. Cardiff buses do not have conductors; you must pay the driver the exact fare on entry. You should, therefore, ensure that you have some small change ready before you get on the bus. The number 53 leaves from stand D2 and the numbers 79 and 81 leave from stand D4.