How the Metro transformation works will affect your journey plans between February and April 2026

Metro is being purpose built for Wales’ future. It will be a modern, efficient and sustainable way to travel but there may be temporary periods of change to your journey plans while be build it. Where possible we’re scheduling the transformation work to take place during less busy times to minimise disruption. We’re offering connections between rail services and bus services.

 

Rail replacement bus services

February

Cardiff Central - Barry Island | Monday 16 February - Thursday 19 February, early mornings and late evenings
Cardiff Central - Penarth / Barry Island / Bridgend
Cardiff Central - Llandaf - Radyr | Monday 16 February - Thursday 19 February, late evenings
Pontypridd - Cardiff Central - Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Central - Ninian Park - Radyr | Monday 16 February - Thursday 19 February, late evenings
Pontypridd - Cardiff Central - Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Central - Ystrad Mynach | Monday 16 February - Thursday 19 February, late evenings
Cardiff Central - Ystrad Mynach
Cardiff Central - Penarth | Sunday 22 February - Saturday 28 February, all day

Reduced rail service due to engineering work on the Rhymney line. Rail tickets accepted on Cardiff Bus service 92, 93 & 94. No rail replacement service.

Cardiff Central - Penarth / Barry Island / Bridgend
Cardiff Central - Rhymney | Sunday 22 February - Saturday 28 February, all day

Sunday 22 February - Buses will call at all stops, including Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street.

Monday 23 February - Saturday 28 February - To improve journey times by avoiding city centre traffic, we’ll run buses from Cardiff Central to Bargoed (not stopping at Cardiff Queen Street) and buses from Cardiff Queen Street to Rhymney.

Cardiff Central - Rhymney
Cardiff Central - Barry Island | Saturday 28 February, early morning and late evening
Cardiff Central - Penarth / Barry Island / Bridgend

March

Cardiff Central - Ninian Park - Radyr | Monday 09 March - Thursday 12 March, late evenings
Pontypridd - Cardiff Central - Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Queen Street - Cardiff Bay | Sunday 15 March, all day

Rail replacement service late evening only.

Rail tickets accepted on Cardiff Bus Baycar service 6.

Pontypridd - Cardiff Central - Cardiff Bay
Barry - Bridgend | Monday 16 March - Thursday 19 March, early mornings and late evenings
Cardiff Central - Penarth / Barry Island / Bridgend
Cardiff Central - Caerphilly | Sunday 22 March, all day

Buses will call at all stops, including Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street.

Cardiff Central - Caerphilly
Cardiff Central / Cardiff Bay - Llandaf - Radyr | Sunday 22 March, all day
Pontypridd - Cardiff Central - Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Central - Ninian Park - Radyr | Sunday 29 March, until 13:00

No rail replacement service.

Rail tickets accepted on Cardiff Bus service 61, 62 and 63.

Pontypridd - Cardiff Central - Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Central - Llandaf - Radyr | Monday 30 March - Thursday 02 April, late evenings
Pontypridd - Cardiff Central - Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Central - Ninian Park - Radyr | Monday 30 March - Thursday 02 April, late evenings
Pontypridd - Cardiff Central - Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Central - Ystrad Mynach | Monday 30 March - Thursday 02 April, late evenings
Cardiff Central - Ystrad Mynach

April

Cardiff Central - Ninian Park - Radyr | Monday 06 April - Thursday 09 April, late evenings
Pontypridd - Cardiff Central - Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Queen Street - Cardiff Bay | Saturday 18 April, until 13:30

No rail replacement service.

Rail tickets accepted on Cardiff Bus Baycar service 6.

Pontypridd - Cardiff Central - Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Central - Ninian Park - Radyr | Saturday 18 April, until 13:30

No rail replacement service.

Rail tickets accepted on Cardiff Bus service 61, 62 and 63.

Pontypridd - Cardiff Central - Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Central - Pontypridd | Sunday 19 April, until early afternoon
Pontypridd - Cardiff Central - Cardiff Bay
Travel advice FAQs

What work will be undertaken during this period?

A whole package of works is planned including track and signalling work along with general maintenance.

Find out all about Metro here.

 

What will I expect when I arrive at the Radyr station inter-change hub?

Radyr station will act as the main inter-change hub between rail and bus services. Customer service teams will be at hand at Radyr station to direct customers to and from the inter-change hub situated in the adjacent car park. Road transport has been arranged to link in with train services to keep wait times to a minimum. Toilet and shelter facilities will be available.

 

Where will I be picked up or dropped off at my local station?

Most bus service pick up / drop up points are situated outside the station. They will be clearly signposted but you can check out the location of your rail replacement bus stop here (choose your station then Car Park Information) or on the Useful Information Poster at your station.

 

I usually take my bike on the train as I need it for onwards travel - can I take it on the bus service?

Normally bikes are not permitted on rail replacement bus services however where possible bikes may be carried dependent on the driver’s discretion and space available. Any bikes carried on our bus services is at your own risk and Transport for Wales cannot accept responsibility for any damages.

 

Can I take my dog on the bus service?

Normally dogs are not permitted on rail replacement bus services except guide dogs.

 

Can you take prams on the bus service?

Prams are allowed however we ask that they are folded up before boarding.

 

How much extra time will the bus service leg of my journey add to my overall journey?

For the exact times you will need to check your specific journey plans but here’s a guide for some key journeys. These are based on average times for the time of night travelled.

RouteApprox bus service times
Radyr - Pontypridd00:35 hrs
Radyr - Merthyr Tydfil01:20hrs
Radyr - Aberdare01:20hrs
Radyr - Treherbert01:25 hrs

 

Can I buy a ticket on the bus?

There are no ticket purchasing facilities on board buses. Tickets must be bought before boarding a bus at your local booking office, ticket machines, on-line using our journey planner or from our app.

 

I am a wheelchair user, can I access the rail replacement bus service?

The buses are wheelchair accessible with low loading floors. For advice and to book assistance in advance call our Passenger Assist team 03330 050 501.

 

Future improvement work

For planned improvement works across our network that can affect the timetable please visit this page.

Planned improvement work