Cardiff Bus Interchange FAQ

It’s expected that Cardiff Bus Interchange will open in spring 2024. We’re progressing the programme of work needed to deliver a bus interchange, including carrying out the internal fit-out, and we’ll also need to conduct trials to fully test the facility and iron out any teething issues.

We’ve been engaging with bus operators to keep them informed about what they can expect from the interchange, as well as listening to their feedback. We’ve also been discussing their interest in running services from the interchange when it opens. Operational arrangements for the interchange will be finalised in due course.

The objective of the project is to create a public transport interchange which will enable customers to make seamless transfers between bus, train and active travel with fully integrated customer information systems to support this. Additional improvements include:

• Offering better connections to and between different transport modes, within the city and across the region to better suit people’s lifestyles.
• A modern, clean, and safe bus interchange with essential facilities for all including retail units, public toilets, and drinking water fountains to make travelling by bus a more comfortable experience.
• Reliable and timely buses to get people where they need to go and encourage more to use the service.
• A hub for transport information and staffed by approachable staff - making it familiar, easy and seamless for all to use.
• Accessible to all and complies with Equalities Act law. It’s been designed with modern travellers in mind to enable people to travel easily regardless of accessibility requirements, including tactile flooring, braille map and a changing places toilet, removing barriers and increasing access for all. 

The Cardiff Bus Interchange is part of the wider Welsh Government and private sector led interchange building delivered by Rightacres Property. The fit out of Cardiff Bus Interchange is an £11m project funded by the Welsh Government.

The interchange can accommodate 14 bus bays. There will be additional signage and wayfinding within Central Square, ensuring seamless and efficient journeys for passengers, for buses located in other areas of the city centre. There’ll also be approachable ambassadors on-hand to answer any queries.

The project team delivering the station enhancements at Cardiff Central is working closely with colleagues developing the bus interchange to ensure there will be seamless integration between both. This will include modern, easy to understand customer information systems and clear ‘wayfinding’ at the train station and interchange. Options to directly improve connectivity are being explored.

The interchange is located next to new sections of Cardiff’s cycle superhighway network, making for easy access. The interchange is a 50m walk to the railway station, making interchange to onwards journeys quick and easy.

Cardiff Bus Interchange will fully comply with requirements set out in the Equalities Act including tactile flooring, braille map and a changing places toilet. This will remove barriers to increase access and reach for all.

During event days when city centre road closures are in place, buses will divert to on-street stops beyond the perimeter of the road closures. Although buses will not arrive or depart from the interchange on event days, the interchange will remain open for access to retail and other facilities once it’s fully operational, along with staff who’ll be on hand to assist customers. We’ll continue to work closely with bus operators to ensure customers are informed during times of disruption, including on event days.

The interchange will be used by buses only, and coaches will continue with current arrangements. TfW is exploring options on how coach accommodation in Cardiff may be improved in the future.

The interchange will be staffed whilst operational with increased customer support during peak hours.

TfW is responsible for the bus station and bus apron (the area where the buses pull in). The remainder of the development outside of this area will be leased and operated by third parties.