If you plan to visit the city of Cardiff from Leeds, either for work or a weekend away, catching the train is the easiest way to travel. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it allows you to relax on the four hour journey, make use of our free Wifi to catch up on the latest soap opera, or plan your time in the Welsh capital.

Cardiff is not only the beating heart of Wales, but a gateway to the rest of the world. With frequent train services running back and forth, Cardiff Airport is the only international airport in Wales, and with nearly 2 million passengers annually, the busiest. Popular flight routes include Alicante, Málaga, and Tenerife in Spain, Paris and Dublin.

Live departures and arrivals

Europe’s largest and some say, most stylish urban waterfront, the Cardiff Bay development, is home to numerous chic cafes and bars, fine restaurants and, of course, the iconic Millennium Centre. Featuring the typical Welsh elements of slate, wood and steel, this instantly recognisable building is the hub for performance arts. A year-round programme showcases both local and international talents in live acts including ballet, opera, stand up comedy and a range of eccentric, one-off performances. 

Also in the Bay area is the exciting Techniquest. Full of family-orientated fun, interactive adventures and testing challenges, this awesome science discovery centre has it all. For children, it’s a thrilling mix of experiments and learning, for students and adults it stands at the forefront of STEM technology, shaping all of our futures, and shining a light on brand new innovations. 

Cardiff is renowned for its shopping, with the main street home to the big brands, and designer names, but for a really unique experience, head for the Central Market. Found in the same place for the last 300 years, it offers eclectic, vibrant collections of homemade treats, artisan gifts and studio crafts. Treasure seekers from everywhere love this colourful mix of quaint and quirky, and you will too. 

No visit would be complete without a visit to the imposing Cardiff Castle. In the heart of the city and built on the site of a large Roman fort, the medieval castle has gone through several transitioning transformations, the last one being in the mid 1800s by the Third Marquis of Bute. He had an opulent Victorian Gothic Revival mansion added onto the original building, with sumptuous rooms full of luxuriant decorations, such as gildings, carvings and mosaics depicting folktales and myths. It has to be seen to be believed! 

Catching the train home to Leeds allows you to relax after your Cardiff adventure. Why not download our free mobile app which keeps you aware of all our latest deals on train journeys. These deals include our flexible Anytime tickets giving you a choice of travel times, and if you wish to book ahead of time, Advance discounts are available. Book your money saving tickets now!