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Getting around

Last updated: 04/08/2022 15:57

Cardiff is an accessible city with plenty of open and green spaces to enjoy. It is very easy to get around the campus and city on foot or bicycle, without the need to use public transport.

Finding your way around

  • Download the student app to find your way around campus. Store your favourite places and find out what other facilities are around your location.
  • To plan your journeys to and around the University, visit My Uni Journey
  • To plan journeys outside of the University, visit Traveline Cymru.

Bring a bike

If you own a bike, why not bring it with you, along with a helmet and secure D lock? Cycling is healthy, green and fun way to travel around he city. Cardiff is well connected with a growing network of cycle lanes, which make travel safer and more enjoyable. The University provides secure storage facilities at residences and around the campus buildings.

Register for free cycle hire (Ovo Bikes, powered by nextbike)

Take advantage of free annual memberships, with 30 minutes free per trip.

Hire stations and bicycles are in close proximity to many University buildings across both our campuses giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy cycling in Cardiff and commute for free.

For free membership you need to:

  • use your Cardiff University '@cardiff.ac.uk' email address
  • select Cardiff University from the partner drop down
  • do not select anything when prompted to choose a subscription.

You need to register a payment card to gain OVObike membership. £5 will be charged upon registration but this will be credited to your OVObike account.

Register online or via the app (iOS, Android).

Use of e-scooters

Please be aware that the use of private e-scooter is illegal on public highways and in public spaces. The University does not allow the use of e-scooters on campus as it not currently possible to get appropriate insurance for privately owned e-scooters. If you have an e-scooter, we recommend that you don’t bring it to Cardiff. There are currently no trials of rented e-scooters taking place in Cardiff.

Public transport

Bus and train services are provided within the city centre, its suburbs and to various destinations outside of the city.

Travelling by bus

Our campuses are well served by local and national bus/coach service providers.

Local routes National travel Airport shuttle
Cardiff BusNational ExpressTraws Cymru
NATMegabusCardiff Airport
Newport Bus (X30 via Heath Park)  Bristol Airport
Stagecoach  
Traws Cymru  

Travel Pass

16 to 21 year olds can apply for mytravelpass to receive up to 30% on bus travel in Wales.

Travelling by train

Cardiff Central is a hub for the train network in Cardiff, linking the city with the rest of South and West Wales, and other major British cities.

Campus access Closest station Walking time
School of Engineering (Trevithick and Queens Buildings), McKenzie House, Eastgate House, Senghennydd Court, Senghennydd Hall, Gordon Hall. Cardiff Queen Street Approximately 10 minutes
University buildings at Cathays Park (excluding those close to Cardiff Queen Street station). Cathays Approximately 15-20 minutes
University buildings at Heath Park. Heath Low Level and Heath High Level Approximately 20 minutes

You can combine your train journey with free use of Ovo Bikes. Ovo Bikes hire stations are conveniently located at/close to these rail stations and around many University buildings.

Earn rewards for active and sustainable travel

Take part in the Changing Steps Cardiff sustainable travel challenge. Earn BetterPoints for choosing active and sustainable travel journeys to and from campus.

For taking part students will be rewarded with BetterPoints to redeem on some great local offers on campus, on the high street and with local transport providers. There are also lots of prizes to be won.

Learn more

Find out more about sustainable travel on the student intranet, which you can access after enrolment.