Station facilities

  • Ticket machine
  • Ticket office
This is automated information from www.NationalRailEnquiries.co.uk (opens in new window).
General service information
Staffing Level
Part time
Closed Circuit Television
Yes
Information Available From Staff
Yes - from ticket office
Yes - from help point
Information Services Open

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
Yes

On the Pontypridd bound platform.

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
Smartcard Comments

Load a pre-purchased season ticket onto a smartcard using the smartcard validator or the ticket vending machine.

Penalty Fares
AW
All station facilities
Seated Area
Yes
Waiting Room

No
Station Buffet

No
Toilets

No
Baby Change

No
Telephones
Yes
Wi Fi

No

Find WiFi Hotspots around Cathays station

Accessibility and mobility access
Helpline

03333 211202

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

There are no platform staff available at this station. Assistance will be provided by the Conductor on the train.

Induction Loop
Yes
Accessible Ticket Machines
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
Yes
Ramp For Train Access
Yes
Accessible Taxis

No
National Key Toilets

No
Step Free Access

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

No
Wheelchairs Available
Yes

Wheelchairs are available during ticket office opening hours.

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: 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

The rail replacement bus stop is on Park Place, near the Student Union.

Onward Travel

The nearest bus stop is on Park Place.

Passenger services
Customer Service

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

Left Luggage

No
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Lost Property
Yes

Operator Name: Transport for Wales
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Live departures and arrivals

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