Avanti West Coast
London North Eastern Railway

Prices from hundreds of train and coach companies

Go contactless with digital tickets on your phone

Travel to thousands of destinations in 45 countries

If you want a taste of the golden age of rail, you could do worse than visit Cardiff Central railway station. The Portland stone booking hall - complete with Art Deco light fittings - was constructed in the 1930s as part of an extensive rebuild by the Great Western Railway, whose name remains carved onto the station's facade. However, it is only thanks to the ingenuity of Isambard Kingdom Brunel that there is a station here at all. The site, originally developed in the mid-19th century, was flood-prone, and Brunel had to divert the River Taff in order to stabilise it. Conveniently located in Cardiff city centre, Cardiff Central is the largest and busiest station in Wales. It's predominantly an interchange between the south and west of Wales, but also offers services to major rail hubs throughout England, including Manchester Piccadilly and London Paddington. The station is just 10 minutes from the Millennium Stadium and the St David's shopping centre.

Station details & facilities

Cardiff Central has seven platforms, numbered 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7. Platforms 3 and 4 are divided into A and B sections. The station's northern entrance, off Central Square, leads to the concourse, and the southern entrance is at the rear of the station on Tresillian Way. Platforms are above the concourse, and two subways run under the tracks linking the north and south entrances. The western subway (on your left from the ticket hall) has lifts for step-free access.

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Cardiff Central station open?

Cardiff Central station is open every day that services are running to and from the station. The station usually opens just before the first train of the day leaves and then closes after the last train departs. Ticket office opening hours may vary.

Are trains running today from Cardiff Central station?

Trains arrive into and depart from Cardiff Central station almost every day, although there may be less services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains running to and from Cardiff Central station.

Are there toilets in Cardiff Central station?

Yes, there are toilets available to use at Cardiff Central station.

Are dogs allowed in Cardiff Central station?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Cardiff Central station but should be kept on a lead or comfortable in a pet carrier at all times.

Departures and arrivals from Cardiff Central

Want to check the latest departures and arrivals into Cardiff Central station? Find live information for the next trains departing and arriving at the station below.
Departing toTrainTimePlatformStatus
to Manchester PiccadillyTransport for Wales04:35On time
to London PaddingtonGreat Western Railway05:07On time
to HolyheadTransport for Wales05:12On time
to Barry IslandTransport for Wales05:20On time
to Merthyr TydfilTransport for Wales05:26On time
Arriving fromTrainTimePlatformStatus
from SwanseaGreat Western Railway05:04On time
from Barry IslandTransport for Wales05:44On time
from PontypriddTransport for Wales05:50On time
from SwanseaGreat Western Railway05:51On time
from PenarthTransport for Wales06:15On time
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

Europe’s leading train and coach app

We help customers across Europe make more than 172,000 smarter journeys every day.