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 message
Car Park Closure - Effective until Spring 2026
Due to the TransPennine Route Upgrade works taking place at this station, this car park is currently closed.
For more information, please visit tpexpress.co.uk/parking
Station facilities
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Parking
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Shops
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Step-free access
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Ticket machine
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Ticket office
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Toilets
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Wifi
This is automated information from www.nationalrail.co.uk (opens in new window).
General service information
- Staffing Level
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Full time
- Closed Circuit Television
- Yes
- Information Available From Staff
-
Yes - from help point
Yes - from ticket office - CIS
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- Departure Screens
- Announcements
- Customer Help Points
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Yes
Help Points are available on all platforms to contact a member of our team in an emergency or for information when the ticket office is closed. When using the Help Point our CCTV will be monitoring your position for the duration of the call.
Ticket buying and collection
- Ticket Office
- Yes
- Prepurchase Collection
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Ticket Office: Yes
Ticket Machine: 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
- Yes
- Smartcard Topup
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Ticket Office: Yes
Ticket Machine: Yes - Smartcard Validator
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No
- Smartcard Comments
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Smartcards are available from the ticket office, and can be topped up there or using the ticket machine.
- Penalty Fares
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TP
All station facilities
- First Class Lounge
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No
Not in use
- Seated Area
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Yes
Seating is available on all platforms, and within all waiting rooms and the First Class Lounge.
- Waiting Room
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Yes
Heated waiting rooms are available on platforms 1, 4A and 8.
- Station Buffet
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Yes
Refreshments are available from the kiosk or Head of Steam public house on platform 1, and the kiosk or station café on platform 4.
- Toilets
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Yes
There are male and female and accesible toilets located on platform 2 as well as temporary toilets at the far end of platform 3. Standard toilets are available between 0500 and 2100.
- Baby Change
- Yes
- Telephones
- Yes
- Wi Fi
- Yes
- Atm Machine
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Yes
There is an ATM located in the booking hall.
- Shops
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Yes
There is a newsagent located on platform 1.
Accessibility and mobility access
- Helpline
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0800 107 2149
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/Mon-Sun - Induction Loop
- Yes
- Accessible Ticket Machines
- Yes
- Height Adjusted Ticket Office Counter
- Yes
- Ramp For Train Access
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Yes
Boarding ramps are available on all platforms
- Accessible Taxis
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No
- National Key Toilets
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Yes
There are accessible toilets located on platforms 2 which can be accessed using a radar key. There is another accessible toilet located within the First Class Lounge which does not require a key. Accessible toilets are available 24/7.
- Step Free Access
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This station is category B1. Step free access is provided from the station entrance to all platforms. Lifts are used to provide level access to the subway and platform 3. This station is staffed for all services. There are train boarding ramps available at this station, and they are also carried on board all TransPennine Express trains.
Coverage: whole Station - Ticket Gates
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Yes
A wide gate is provided for wheelchair users and customers with prams, push chairs and luggage.
- Impaired Mobility Set Down
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No
- Wheelchairs Available
- Yes
- Assisted Travel
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Station staff can provide assistance throughout the station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff at the Ticket Office on the Station Concourse, or the Customer Assistance Office on Platform 1 no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train.
Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting TransPennine Express on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay).
We can also provide help when you travel, even if it has not been booked in advance. You can turn up at this station if it is accessible to you and request assistance onto a train from a member of staff directly, or by using a help point.
Outside of staffed station hours, assistance to board and alight the train can be provided by the Conductor. The conductor is usually positioned at the rear of the train. Customers requiring assistance to navigate through the station when the station is unstaffed are requested to contact TransPennine Express on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay) to arrange alternative transport to the closest station where assistance can be provided.
Boarding ramps are available at this station, and are carried on board all TransPennine Express trains.
Transport links
- Cycle Storage
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Spaces: 33
Sheltered: No
Cctv: Yes
Location:There are 33 uncovered cycle spaces on platform 1
Information about travelling with your cycle on TransPennine Express trains is available here
Information about travelling with your cycle on Northern trains is available here
Type: Compounds,Racks - Rail Replacement Services
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Replacement buses will depart and arrive at St George's Square, a short walk from the station.
- Taxi Rank
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The nearest taxi rank is outside the station.
- Onward Travel
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Information to plan your onward journey is available in a printable format here
Parking information
- Car Park
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Operator Name: Trans Pennine Express
Name: Station Car Park
Spaces: 0
Number Accessible Spaces: 2
Accessible Car Park Equipment: Yes
Cctv: No
Open:
Mon-Fri
Saturday
Sunday
Website: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Passenger services
- Customer Service
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To speak to a member of our team, please call: 0345 600 1671.
- Left Luggage
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No
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ - Lost Property
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No
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
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