The station shunts people to and fro between the Bay area and the city centre along the Butetown Branch Line. Services run every 12 minutes Monday to Saturday and between 1100 and 1630 on Sunday.
Despite its rustic appearance and only having one platform in use, it’s well located for Mermaid Quay and the Millennium Centre.
Getting There
Located on the Butetown Branch line, Cardiff Bay Station connects Butetown (Cardiff Docks) with the city centre via trains that run every 12 minutes. Originally built in 1840 as Cardiff Bute Road, the station was later renamed after the Cardiff Bay area that it served. Today, it’s a simple stop on the way to Cardiff’s main attractions in the Dock area.
There are 82 direct train journeys between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay each day, with the fastest journey taking just 11 mins. Travel times are influenced by the time of day, with peak hour services often slower than off-peak options. First class tickets are available for some routes, providing more space and additional benefits such as free drinks and snacks on board.
If you’d prefer to use public transport, take advantage of our handy Moovit app to find the best route from your home or hotel to the railway station. It provides door-to-door directions, as well as schedules, maps and estimated fares from relevant transport operators.
There are a number of car parking facilities close to the station including Q-Park Cardiff Bay, which is opposite the Wales Millennium Centre on Pierhead Street and is open 24 hours a day. If you’re using this option, it’s recommended that you pre-book your space at JustPark to ensure a hassle-free start and end to your day.
Getting Around
The best way to get around Cardiff Bay is by train. There are several direct trains from London, Liverpool Street and other UK cities to the station. A regular shuttle service also runs between the train station and Cardiff Queen Street.
The station itself is a bit run-down, especially in contrast with the stunning new buildings surrounding it. But, it’s still functional and serves its purpose. You’ll find all the usual facilities like ticket machines, customer help points and seating areas.
You can also hop on a bus for an easy way to get around the city. You’ll see plenty of bike racks dotted throughout the center, and the city is flat enough to make walking an easy option. You can even save some cash on the cost of transport by getting a PlusBus ticket that gives you unlimited travel across the city for the day.
Moovit offers easy-to-use, free maps and live directions for your commute. It will give you the best route, the most efficient travel times and estimated costs. You can also see if there are any traffic jams on your journey. You can also check the status of your train, including any disruptions or delays. The train service between Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Central is usually reliable, but it can be affected by weather and engineering work.
Things to Do in Cardiff Bay
The area surrounding Cardiff Bay has plenty of things to see and do. One of the most popular attractions is The New Theatre, a grand Edwardian masterpiece where you can spend an evening taking in a show. From musicals to comedy performances, this renowned venue has a lot to offer.
The Wales Millennium Centre is another must-see. This impressive cultural center is home to seven of Wales’ major cultural institutions, including the Welsh National Opera. It also offers a variety of educational events and performances throughout the year.
In the area around the bay you’ll find stylish restaurants and fun bars where you can grab a drink or bite to eat. The Mermaid Quay area has many options for quality indoor entertainment including Glee Club where big-name comedians come to perform.
If you want to get out on the water and take in the sights of the bay, there are several types of boat tours available. The Princess Katharine is a great option and is available for a one-hour round trip ride.
The waterfront is also home to the Norwegian Church Arts Centre, which was originally built as a seaman’s mission when the Norwegian Merchant Fleet had a strong presence at the docks. Those who are fans of the BBC sci-fi show Doctor Who will enjoy visiting Ianto’s shrine, which honors the character from the spinoff show Torchwood.
Parking
The best way to park near Cardiff Bay Station is to pre-book your space before you arrive. This will save you time and money, and ensure your space is waiting for you when you need it – with the added bonus of it being completely flexible. You can extend your booking from the app or website at any time, so there’s no need to worry about a busy day out exploring Cardiff or a late night at the Principality Stadium.
You can find a wide range of parking options near the train station, from multi-storey car parks to private driveways. Prices vary, so it’s worth doing a bit of research beforehand to help you choose the right place to park near Cardiff Bay Station for your needs and budget. You can also check out our exclusive JustPark spaces, which we have vetted to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.
Located in Cardiff and within a short walk of Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Perfect for City Centre & Bay offers accommodations with free WiFi and a sauna. Guests staying at the property can enjoy free breakfast each morning.
