Station

Finding Cardiff Central station

Cardiff Central is located at Central Square in Cardiff city centre. It’s a Grade II listed building opened in 1850, easy to spot thanks to its grand stature and location in the heart of this historic city.

The station is on the South Wales Main Line. It’s the main station in Cardiff and a large transport interchange. You can access Cardiff Central most easily on foot, by bike or bus. You can also pay to use the car park. The station has step-free access.

Buy your Advance ticket directly with us for cheaper fares and no admin fees. Board your train at Cardiff Central to explore Wales and the UK.

 

Station facilities

  • Parking
  • Shops
  • Step-free access
  • Ticket machine
  • Ticket office
  • Toilets

This is automated information from www.nationalrail.co.uk (opens in new window). 

General service information
Staffing Level
Full time
Closed Circuit Television
Yes
Information Available From Staff
Yes - from help point
Yes - from information point
Information Services Open
Mon-Sun
CIS
  • Departure Screens
  • Announcements
Customer Help Points
Yes
Ticket buying and collection
Ticket Office
Yes
Prepurchase Collection
Yes
Ticket Machine
Yes
Oystercard Issued
Yes
Oystercard Topup
Yes
Use Oystercard
Yes
Oyster Comments

Oyster top-up is only available from the self-service ticket machine.

Always Show Oyster Card Fields
Yes
Smartcard Issued

No
Smartcard Validator
Yes
Smartcard Comments

For more information on using the Southern or Thameslink 'Key' smartcards, please visit their websites.

Penalty Fares

Url: https://www.gatwickexpress.com/travel-information/on-board/penalty-fares
SN
TL
GX
All station facilities
Seated Area

No
Waiting Room
Yes

Heated waiting areas are available on platforms

Trolleys
Yes

Luggage trolleys are available in the airport terminal. However, these are not available or allowed on the station platforms.

Station Buffet
Yes
Toilets
Yes

Platforms 1 and 2 and within the airport terminal.

Baby Change
Yes
Telephones

No
Wi Fi

No

There is no WIFI at this station. However, WIFI is available onboard trains which serve this station. More information about onboard WIFI can be found on the Gatwick Express website.

Post Box
Yes

Located in the Airport Terminal

Atm Machine
Yes

Located outside the station as well as on concourse

Bureau De Change
Yes

Available in the airport terminal.

Shops
Yes

Available in the airport terminal.

Accessibility and mobility access
Helpline

For help with planning your journey or to book assistance, please contact our assisted travel helpline to discuss your requirements on:

  • Phone - 0800 138 1016
  • Textphone - 0800 138 1018

https://www.gatwickexpress.com/help-and-support/contact-us
Mon-Sun
Induction Loop

No
Accessible Ticket Machines
Yes
Ramp For Train Access
Yes
Accessible Taxis

No
National Key Toilets
Yes

Accessible toilets at this station are accessed using a RADAR key.

Step Free Access

This is a Category A station: This station has step-free access to all platforms.

The assistance meeting point is at the assistance desk on the main concourse.


Coverage: whole Station
Ticket Gates
Yes
Impaired Mobility Set Down
Yes

Assistance is available within the station, and from the station to the airport. More effective help can be given if you call 48 hours in advance. Please contact the Gatwick Express assisted travel team for further information.

Wheelchairs Available
Yes
Assisted Travel

Staff are available at this station at all times for providing assistance getting on and off the train and assistance around the station and to the platform. Assistance can be provided unbooked (turn up and go) or pre booked up to two hours before departure by contacting Assisted Travel.

Whether you pre book assistance or travel unbooked, please contact a member of staff on arrival. We recommend arriving 20 minutes prior to your train departing. This is to allow us to make sure arrangements are in place at your destination, or interchange, station such as the availability of staff and lifts. If there is insufficient time to check these arrangements, we may assist you onto the next available train.

For further information on assisted travel please see:

Accessibility at the station - Gatwick Express.

Transport links
Cycle Storage
Spaces: 0
Sheltered: No
Cctv: No
Rail Replacement Services

Please click the link for details regarding the rail replacement bus location.


Rail Replacement Map: https://assets.nationalrail.co.uk/e8xgegruud3g/763i Uf Pb B Qb9 Tyee S2 Wza2/be027c391fe863ed6a286eaafde54195/2025-01_ C I_ G X_ R R B_ G T W_ D R.pdf
Taxi Rank

Taxis are located in the South Terminal bus Station, about 200 yards from station concourse through airport complex

Onward Travel

Information to plan your onward journey is available in the 'Onward Travel Information Map', located in the 'Maps' section below.

Airport

Large international airport, the South Terminal is located adjacent to station. For flights to/from the North Terminal a short walk and monorail ride is necessary.

Car Hire

Yes, various companies operate from both North and South airport terminals, 200 yards from the station.

Parking information
Car Park

Operator Name: Gatwick Airport
Name: Airport Car Park
Spaces: 0
Number Accessible Spaces: 0
Accessible Car Park Equipment: Yes
Cctv: No

Open:
Mon-Sun

Website: https://www.gatwickairport.com/parking.html
Passenger services
Left Luggage
Yes

Available in the airport terminal. Visit the London Gatwick Airport website for more information.

https://www.gatwickairport.com/premium-services/luggage-storage.html
Lost Property
Yes

Lost property | Gatwick Express


Operator Name: Gatwick Express Lost Property
https://www.gatwickexpress.com/lostproperty
Live departures and arrivals