Works at Cathays railway station - 13 June to 10 July
We’re beginning the first phase of work to prepare for a major upgrade of Cathays station. This upgrade will deliver a brand new accessible footbridge as part of the wider Access for All (AfA) improvement scheme, with lifts, giving passengers full step free access across the railway for the first time.
Once complete, the improvements will make journeys easier and safer, strengthen links between the station, Cardiff University and the surrounding community, and create a more modern and welcoming station environment.
From 13 June to 10 July, our teams will be carrying out essential engineering work to divert high voltage electrical cables. This is an important step that needs to be completed before the main construction phase begins in the future.
To support Cardiff University Open Days, work will pause between 25 and 29 June. Activity will resume from 29 June, when new cables will be connected and final resurfacing will take place.
Cathays station will remain open throughout the entirety of this period. Train services will continue to run as normal, and access to nearby buildings will be maintained.
Most walking routes around the station will stay the same, although some footpaths may temporarily narrow while work is underway. You may notice fencing, small scale construction activity and occasional noise. Some overnight deliveries may also be required to keep disruption to a minimum during the day.
The main construction phase, including installation of the new bridge and lifts, is expected to begin from autumn 2026. We’ll share more information well in advance, so customers know what to expect.
For the latest updates and more detail about the project, visit tfw.wales/engagement.
You can also contact us on 03333 211 202, message us on WhatsApp: 07790 952 507, or follow TfW Communities on Facebook.
Station message
Travelling from Cardiff City Centre to local Cardiff and Valleys stations(Rhymney, Coryton, Treherbert, Aberdare, Merthyr, Penarth, Barry, and Bridgend via Llantwit Major) after 21:45 on Tuesday 16 June?
Please use Cardiff Queen Street, where a queuing system will be in place due to an event in the Principality Stadium.
Station facilities
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Ticket machine
This is automated information from www.nationalrail.co.uk (opens in new window).
General service information
- Staffing Level
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Part time
- Closed Circuit Television
- Yes
- Information Available From Staff
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Yes - from ticket office
Yes - from help point - Information Services Open
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Please use the Help Point for information when the ticket office is closed; information is available 24hrs a day.
- CIS
-
- Departure Screens
- Arrival Screens
- Customer Help Points
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Yes
On the Pontypridd bound platform.
Ticket buying and collection
- Ticket Office
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No
- Prepurchase Collection
- Yes
- Ticket Machine
- Yes
- Oystercard Issued
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No
- Use Oystercard
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No
- Always Show Oyster Card Fields
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No
- Smartcard Issued
-
No
- Smartcard Topup
- Yes
- Smartcard Validator
- Yes
- Smartcard Comments
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Load a pre-purchased season ticket onto a Smartcard using the Smartcard validator or the ticket vending machine.
- Penalty Fares
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AW
All station facilities
- Seated Area
- Yes
- Waiting Room
-
No
- Station Buffet
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No
- Toilets
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No
- Baby Change
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No
- Telephones
- Yes
- Wi Fi
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No
Accessibility and mobility access
- Helpline
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03333 211202
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/Mon-Sun 08:00 to 20:00 - Staff Help Available
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Yes
- Induction Loop
- Yes
- Accessible Ticket Machines
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Yes
The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards.
The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours.
The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Height Adjusted Ticket Office Counter
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No
- Ramp For Train Access
- Yes
- Accessible Taxis
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No
- National Key Toilets
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No
- Step Free Access
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Category B2.
While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
Coverage: partial Station - Ticket Gates
- Yes
- Impaired Mobility Set Down
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No
- Wheelchairs Available
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No
- Assisted Travel
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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
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Spaces: 30
Sheltered: No
Cctv: Yes
Location:15 Sheffield stands providing for up to 30 bicycles in an area, located to the south of the footbridge which crosses the railway.
Type: Stands - Rail Replacement Services
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The rail replacement bus stop is on Park Place, near the Student Union.
- Onward Travel
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The nearest bus stop is on Park Place.
Passenger services
- Customer Service
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Contact our Customer Relations team directly via the Transport for Wales Website.
- Left Luggage
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No
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ - Lost Property
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Yes
Operator Name: Transport for Waleshttps://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Overview
Only opened in 1983, Cathays is the closest station to many of the Cardiff University buildings. With the National Museum and other attractions nearby, its two platforms handle over one million passengers annually, including many students. One of Cardiff's 20 stations, it was built when numerous stations were being closed. It's often used as a short cut between Senghenydd Road and Park Place via the passenger bridge.
How long does it take to get from Cathays station to Cardiff Airport?
The journey to Cardiff Airport takes around an hour and involves changing at Cardiff Central station for a train to the airport.
How long does it take to walk from Cathays station to Cardiff city centre?
The walk to Cardiff city centre takes around 15 minutes, via Park Place.
What car parking facilities are available at Cathays station?
There are no facilities for parking a car at Cathays station.
What facilities are there for bike storage at Cathays station?
Cathays station has no storage facilities for bikes.
What other facilities are available at Cathays station?
- Coin and cards telephones
- Disabled access - step-free throughout, ramps are available, as are wheelchairs and induction loops
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