Getting around
Last updated: 10/08/2023 15:41
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, and there are a number of measures in place to support you with your journeys.
We have excellent public transport links for travel further afield, and whilst some students may wish to bring their vehicle to Cardiff, our recently launched sustainable travel plan encourages the use of active and sustainable modes of travel by students and staff wherever possible.
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
Cycling is a healthy, green and fun way to travel around the city and is popular with students. Cardiff is well connected with a growing cycle lane network, making travel safer and more enjoyable.
The university provides secure storage facilities at residences and around the campus buildings, so if you own a bike, why not bring it with you? Don't forget to keep you and your bike safe.
You can also purchase a D-lock via cashless payment from Cardiff University Security Centre Reception Desk for £20 (09:00 – 14:30 Monday – Friday).
We work closely with South Wales Police who offer security marking of student bikes throughout the year.
Use of e-scooters
Please be aware that using private e-scooter is illegal on public highways and in public spaces. The university does not allow e-scooters on campus. If you have an e-scooter, we recommend not bringing 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, local suburbs and the wider area.
Travelling by bus
Our campuses are well served by local and national bus/coach service providers.
| Local routes | National travel | Airport shuttle |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiff Bus | National Express | Traws Cymru |
| Adventure Travel | Megabus | Cardiff 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. Other rail stations available in Cardiff include:
| 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 |
Tickets and railcards
You can choose from single, return, multiflex (12 single tickets for the price of 10), weekly, monthly and annual tickets.
Transport for Wales Railcards can help you save money on travel.18 Saver Railcard gives a 50% discount on standard fares to 18-year-olds, and the Student Railcard provides a 34% discount.
You can combine your train journey with the free use of Ovo Bikes. Ovo Bikes are bikes (both standard and some e-bikes available) that can be hired to make journeys within Cardiff. Hire stations are conveniently located at/close to rail stations and around many university buildings. Students benefit from reduced-price membership and free journeys up to 30 minutes (using a standard hire bike).
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.
Students who take part in the challenge 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 many prizes to be won, and seasonal campaigns and challenges are held throughout the year to encourage students to travel sustainably.
Learn more
Find out more about sustainable travel on the student intranet, which you can access after enrolment.
We care about your safety and wellbeing and want you to have a positive student experience.