Visit Cardiff

Cardiff is Wales' capital city, with historic attractions, green spaces, shopping and entertainment all within easy reach of the city centre.

Whether you're travelling for shopping, sightseeing, a sporting event or a weekend away, travelling by train makes getting to Cardiff simple.

Where is Cardiff?

Cardiff is located on Wales’ south coast where the River Taff meets the Severn Estuary. It's well connected by rail, making it easy to reach from destinations across Wales, Scotland and England.

The city is compact enough to explore on foot, and many of the well-known attractions, shops and restaurants are within walking distance of Cardiff Central railway station.

Why visit Cardiff?

Cardiff combines centuries of history with an enjoyable modern city atmosphere. Learn about the story of Wales at Cardiff Castle, stroll through Bute Park, or explore Cardiff Bay, where you will find an excellent selection of waterfront restaurants, attractions and cultural venues.

The city is also one of the UK's leading destinations for live sport and entertainment. Principality Stadium is home to international rugby, football fixtures, concerts, and live events throughout the year, meaning there’s always something exciting happening at Wales’ national stadium.

If shopping is high up on your agenda, you'll find plenty of well-known brands in St David's shopping centre, as well as independent businesses tucked inside Cardiff's Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for dinner, Cardiff has plenty of places to eat and drink across the city centre and Cardiff Bay.

Travel to Cardiff by train

Travelling by train is one of the easiest ways of exploring Cardiff, with Cardiff Central railway station only a short walk from many of the city's best-known attractions, shopping districts and entertainment venues. Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Bay stations are also well-located, so you can discover more of the capital.

Plan your journey in advance using our journey planner, where you can check live train times and buy train tickets early through our website or app to find our lowest-priced fares with no booking fees.

Our most popular routes include:

Trains to Cardiff from England

Trains to Cardiff from Wales

Explore Cardiff

History and culture

Step inside Cardiff Castle, one of Wales' most recognisable landmarks, explore the collections at the National Museum Cardiff or visit St Fagans National Museum of History, one of Europe's leading open-air museums.

Cardiff Bay

Once one of the world's busiest docks, Cardiff Bay is now home to waterside cafés, restaurants, attractions and the Wales Millennium Centre, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

Shopping and food

Browse high street favourites at St David's, explore Cardiff's historic shopping arcades or discover independent shops, cafés and restaurants throughout the city centre.

Sport and entertainment

Watch rugby or football at the Principality Stadium, enjoy concerts and major events throughout the year or watch a performance at the New Theatre or Wales Millennium Centre.

Plan your visit to Cardiff

Whether you're visiting for a day or making a weekend of it, buy your train tickets on our website or app and let Cardiff do the rest.

If it’s more inspiration you are looking for, explore our guide to things to do in Cardiff, including family-friendly activities and free attractions, to help you make the most of your visit.