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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 Exeter St David'sGreat Western Railway07:591On time
to PenarthTransport for Wales08:018On time
to Ebbw Vale TownTransport for Wales08:02On time
to BargoedTransport for Wales08:056Late
to TreherbertTransport for Wales08:057On time
Arriving fromTrainTimePlatformStatus
from RhymneyTransport for Wales08:008On time
from Ebbw Vale TownTransport for Wales08:022On time
from PenarthTransport for Wales08:046Late
from CorytonTransport for Wales08:058On time
from London PaddingtonGreat Western Railway08:213Late
† 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.

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