Cardiff Central station car parks closing

Penarth Road car park at the southside of Cardiff Central station, and the Riverside (Fish Jetty) car park adjacent to platform 0 at the station, will permanently close from Wednesday 01 July. This includes pick-up and drop-off at both locations.

The closure of the car parks will allow us to start carrying out preparatory works so we can move forward with the start of construction works for the planned enhancements at Cardiff Central station and Cardiff Crossrail.

Parking is available nearby at Cardiff Central Quay multi-storey car park at the south of the station which is managed by Network Rail and operated by APCOA on behalf of Network Rail. If you have any queries about the multi-storey, please speak to a member of APCOA staff on site, or contact APCOA here. 20 minutes free drop off and pick up is available in all parking bays located at the multi-storey (except the spaces on the ground floor, which are designated for EV and EV accessible parking only). There is flexibility for customers with a valid disabled badge who may need more than 20 minutes, please speak to a member of APCOA staff on site.

Cardiff Central pedestrian route with key

Please note, the pedestrian route between the multi-storey and the southern entrance of the station will be longer compared to the current pedestrian route between the Penarth Road car park and the southern entrance. Please use the safe pedestrian route shown on the map. Please allow plenty of time to travel to and park in the multi-storey, and factor in time to get from the multi-storey to the station.

Please also allow extra time for pick-up and drop-off, as the pedestrian route will also be longer. If you normally use the Riverside (Fish Jetty) car park (including for pick-up and drop-off), please allow additional time to travel to and park in the multi-storey car park on the opposite side of the station.

If you have reduced mobility and have arranged passenger assistance at the station, please use the Cardiff Central Quay multi-storey for accessible drop-off / pick-up and parking. Please speak to a TfW colleague on arrival at the station.

Taxi pick-up and drop-off will continue to be located at the Saunders Road taxi rank at the north side of the station (except for event days). Cardiff Central Quay multi-storey can also be used as a pick-up and drop-off location for ride-sharing services and private hire vehicles (the 20 minute free pick-up and drop-off period applies).

 

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 message

Lewis Capaldi - Tuesday 30 June & Wednesday 1 July

Due to the Lewis Capaldi concerts in Cardiff on Tuesday 30 June and Wednesday 1 July, a queueing system will be in place at Cardiff Central from 21:45.

Blackweir Live | Transport for Wales

Station facilities

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

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 ticket office
CIS
  • Departure Screens
  • Arrival Screens
  • Announcements
Customer Help Points

No
Ticket buying and collection
Ticket Office
Yes
Prepurchase Collection
Ticket Office: Yes
Ticket Machine: Yes
Ticket Machine
Yes
Oystercard Issued

No
Use Oystercard

No
Always Show Oyster Card Fields

No
Smartcard Issued

No
Smartcard Topup
Ticket Office: Yes
Ticket Machine: Yes
Smartcard Validator
Yes
Penalty Fares
Train Operator: AW
Url: https://tfwrail.wales/policies-and-reports/revenue-protection-policy
All station facilities
First Class Lounge

Located on Platform 1 

All First Class tickets accepted.

A comfortable modern lounge, with information screens, complimentary refreshments and a dedicated customer host ready to serve you. 

Wi-Fi is available.

Mon-Fri 06:00 to 18:30
Saturday
Sunday
Seated Area
Yes
Waiting Room
Mon-Sun 06:00 to 22:00

On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.

Station Buffet
Yes

Cold drinks vending machine.

Hot drinks vending machine.

Food vending machine.

Marks and Spencers, WHSmith, Upper Crust and Warrens Bakery located at front concourse.

Upper Crust stall located on platform 1/2.

Toilets
Yes

The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.

Baby Change
Yes
Telephones

No
Wi Fi
Yes
Post Box
Yes

At the Penarth Road entrance and also in the main concourse.

Atm Machine
Yes

Located outside the main entrance.

Shops
Yes

There is a WHSmith and Marks and Spencers located on the concourse.

Accessibility and mobility access
Helpline

03333 211202

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Mon-Sun 08:00 to 20:00
Staff Help Available

Monday to Friday 04:00 to 01:00

Saturday 04:00 to 00:30

Sunday 07:00 to 00:30

Mon-Fri 04:00 to 01:00
Saturday 04:00 to 00:30
Sunday 07:00 to 00:30
Induction Loop
Yes
Accessible Ticket Machines
Yes

Ticket machines are located at the Penarth Road entrance and on the concourse.

Height Adjusted Ticket Office Counter
Yes
Ramp For Train Access
Yes
Accessible Taxis

No
National Key Toilets
Yes

The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.

Step Free Access

Category A.

Step free access is available to Platforms 0 to 8.


Coverage: whole Station
Ticket Gates
Yes

Accessible gate available at each set of ticket gates

Impaired Mobility Set Down
Yes

15 Spaces - (2 displayed bays on riverside car park). There are 20 minute bays in the Fish Jetty car park.

Wheelchairs Available
Yes
Assisted Travel

We want everyone to travel with confidence. That is why, if you are planning on travelling on national rail services, you can request an assistance booking in advance - now up to 2 hours before your journey is due to start, any time of the day. For more information about Passenger Assist and how to request an assistance booking via Passenger Assist, please click here.

Transport links
Cycle Storage
Spaces: 102
Sheltered: Yes
Cctv: Yes
Location:

Cycle parking is available at a number of locations at Cardiff Central. Sheffield stands are provided at the east end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7. Sheffield stands are also located outside the southern entrance to the station. Wheelgrip stands and a shelter is located in the Riverside/Fish Jetty Car Park - adjacent to platform 0


Annotation:

Sheffield stands are provided at the east end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7. Sheffield stands are also located outside the southern entrance to the station. Wheelgrip stands and a shelter is located in the Riverside/Fish Jetty Car Park - adjacent to platform 0


Type: Stands
Rail Replacement Services

The rail replacement bus stop is at the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance).

Taxi Rank

The taxi rank is located on Saunders Road, to the north of the station and right off Central Square). Exit the station through the main north side entrance turn right and the taxi rank will be in front of you as you head eastwards.

Onward Travel

The Cardiff Bus Interchange is now open on Central Square.

Buy a Cardiff PlusBus ticket with your train ticket for discount-priced unlimited bus travel around the town. For details visit www.PlusBus.info

Cycle Hire

Cycle hire is provided by Brompton Bike Brompton Bike are located next to Marks and Spencer in the south west area of Central Square. Home - Brompton Bike Hire (bromptonhire.com) Brompton Bike Hire

Parking information
Car Park
Car parking1:

Operator Name: A P C O A
Name: Penarth Road
Spaces: 250
Number Accessible Spaces: 6
Accessible Car Park Equipment: Yes
Cctv: No
Open:
Mon-Sun

Website: https://www.apcoa.co.uk/find-parking/locations/cardiff

Car parking2:

Operator Name: A P C O A
Name: Riverside
Spaces: 103
Number Accessible Spaces: 2
Accessible Car Park Equipment: Yes
Cctv: Yes
Open:
Mon-Sun

Website: https://www.apcoa.co.uk/find-parking/locations/cardiff

Car parking3:

Operator Name: A P C O A
Name: Quay Multi- Storey
Spaces: 681
Number Accessible Spaces: 24
Accessible Car Park Equipment: No
Cctv: Yes
Open:
Mon-Sun

Website: https://www.apcoa.co.uk/find-parking/locations/cardiff/cardiff-central-quay-station

Passenger services
Customer Service

Contact our Customer Relations team directly via the Transport for Wales Website.

Left Luggage

No
http://www.tfwrail.wales
Lost Property
Yes

Operator Name: Transport for Wales
https://tfwrail.wales/lost-property
Live departures and arrivals

The history of Cardiff Central railway station

A major station on the South Wales Main Line, Cardiff Central carries a big responsibility for getting people across Wales and the UK. Its grand halls with glorious art deco architecture reflect the golden age of train travel.

The site of Cardiff Central was once part of the River Taff’s floodplain. Isambard Kingdom Brunel was tasked with creating a workable solution. His idea – reroute the river, creating a safe and stable location for the station.

In 1850, the original station was opened for business. With several rebuilds and additions through the ensuing years, the glamorous art deco style was incorporated in the early 1930s.

Today, the Grade II-listed station is the busiest in Wales, welcoming millions of travellers each year.

It’s just a 10-minute walk to the home of Welsh rugby - the Principality Stadium, the Millennium Centre and so much more that the city has to offer. Looking for inspiration? Check out this list of things to do in Cardiff we’ve put together for you.

 

Frequently asked questions

How do I pay for parking at Cardiff Central station?

You can use the Paybyphone app (code 801561), the ticket machine at the station booking office or buy a parking season ticket.

Do I have to pay to drop off at Cardiff Central?

You have a free 20-minute drop-off or pick-up window at Cardiff Central.

How many platforms are at Cardiff Central?

There are seven platforms at Cardiff Central: 0, 1, 2, 3a/b, 4a/b, 6 and 7. A further two platforms are set to be added as part of a station redevelopment.

How do I get from Cardiff Central station to Cardiff airport?

To travel from Cardiff Central to Cardiff Airport, take the train to Rhoose Cardiff International Airport station and then catch the convenient shuttle bus service.

What shops are at Cardiff Central?

Marks and Spencer, WH Smith, Upper Crust and Warrens Bakery. You’ll also find self-service vending machines for hot and cold drinks or food.

How long does it take to walk from Cardiff Central station to Cardiff city centre?

The walk to the city centre, via St. Mary Street, takes around five minutes.

What car parking facilities are available at Cardiff Central station?

The 24-hour car park has 402 spaces, including blue badge spaces.

What bike storage facilities are at Cardiff Central station?

With 90 available bike spaces, including sheltered storage, there’s plenty of space. It’s monitored by CCTV.

What facilities are available at Cardiff Central station?

You’ll find the following at Cardiff Central:

  • Toilets, including baby changing facilities
  • Station buffet
  • Shops
  • Coin and card telephones
  • ATM
  • Wi-Fi
  • First Class lounge
  • Disabled access - step-free throughout the station, ramps and an induction loop
Which popular destinations can be reached from Cardiff Central station?