Trains to Cardiff Airport

Catching a train to Cardiff Airport is easy if you plan ahead. Cardiff Central has links across South Wales as well as frequent trains to the Cardiff Airport train station.

How to get to Cardiff Airport

So you’ve booked the flights, it’s time to arrange your travel to the airport. When travelling to Cardiff Airport, Avanti West Coast can get you as far as Birmingham International. From there, other train providers will get you to the airport’s nearest station, which is Rhoose Cardiff International Airport.

Train travel isn’t the only method of transport to Cardiff Airport that you can go for. You can also get to the airport using a variety of other travel methods, like taxi, bus and car. Our helpful guide will tell you everything you need to know about getting to Cardiff Airport, no matter your chosen method of transport.

Trains to Cardiff Airport

The nearest train station to Cardiff Airport is Rhoose Cardiff International Airport. This station can be easily reached by Cardiff Central in around 30 minutes. Avanti West Coast’s nearest station to Cardiff Central is Birmingham International.

To get to Rhoose Cardiff International Airport (Cardiff Airport train station) from Birmingham International, you will first need to get to Cardiff. From Birmingham International, you will need to change at Birmingham New Street. From there, you can either get a direct train to Cardiff or change at stations like Cheltenham Spa or Bristol Parkway. From Cardiff, rail providers like South Western Railway will get you to Rhoose Cardiff International Airport.

Taxis to Cardiff Airport

Travelling to Cardiff Airport by taxi is simple, whether you need a taxi from the train station or your nearby home. FlightLink Wales is Cardiff Airport’s official taxi service, they’ll get you there easily. You can book your journey with them online or over the phone.

FlightLink also has a GreenLink minibus service, where you can save on cost and travel in a more eco-friendly way. This is a great option if you’re travelling as a group or don’t mind sharing with other passengers.

Buses to Cardiff Airport

It’s also possible to access Cardiff Airport by bus service. The airport is connected with Cardiff via the 304 bus, going through Barry and Llantwit Major. There is also a cost-effective shuttle bus from the train station to the airport, for just £2.10 per person. The 905 shuttle operates 7 days a week and is an hourly service. You can purchase a ticket through your train ticket if you’re travelling from any station on the National Rail Network. The Cardiff Airport Shuttle Bus will get you there in around 10 minutes.

Driving to Cardiff Airport

If you’re planning on driving to Cardiff Airport, you can follow the postcode CF62 3BD. You should exit the M4 at junction 33 and follow signs to Cardiff Airport along the A4232, A4050 and A4226.

Once arrived, you will find parking at Car Park 1, Car Park 2, Premium Parking, Express Parking and Special Assistance. There are plenty of options, so make sure to choose the best one for you. Airport drop off is located just outside the terminal and costs £3 for up to 10 minutes. There is also a free pickup and drop off in Car Park 2.

 

Top routes to Cardiff Airport

Route Duration from Train company 
 
London Euston to Birmingham International 1h 5mins Avanti West Coast  
Wolverhampton to Birmingham International 33mins Avanti West Coast  
Birmingham New Street to Birmingham International 9mins Avanti West Coast  
Rugby to Birmingham International 19mins Avanti West Coast 
Bristol Temple Meads to Rhoose Cardiff International Airport 1h 34mins South Western Railway
Cardiff Central to Rhoose Cardiff International Airport  31mins South Western Railway 
 Bridgend to Rhoose Cardiff International Airport  24mins South Western Railway 
Caerphilly to Rhoose Cardiff International Airport   52mins South Western Railway 

What to do at Cardiff Airport

There’s plenty to keep you fed, watered and entertained at Cardiff Airport. Make the most of your time here pre-flight with some of the below options.

Where to eat

When you’re looking for good food, Cardiff Airport offers both pick-up and sit-down options. There’s the ever-reliable Greggs and Costa for a quick bite, or The Beer House you’d prefer a hearty meal.

Where to drink

Enjoy a pre-flight coffee at Costa or indulge in a cheeky drink before heading to your destination at The Beer House. Whatever you choose, you’ll start your journey off right.

Shopping

Shopping at Cardiff Airport is great for last minute purchases. Grab some reading materials or gadgets for the flight at WHSmith or shop ‘til you drop at Duty Free.

Airport Lounges

For those who want to enjoy waiting for their flight in a calmer environment, Cardiff Airport offers The 51° Executive Lounge. This area has comfortable seating, hot food and free Wi-Fi.

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Ways to save on your train ticket to Cardiff Airport

If you’re looking to save some extra money on your train to Cardiff Airport, there are multiple ways you can do this.

First up, you can set up Priority Ticket Alerts. This lets you know when we've released our very cheapest tickets. We typically release our cheapest tickets 12 weeks in advance for weekdays and eight weeks in advance for weekends.

The next tip is to travel off-peak. If you can be flexible with your journey time (and your flight time aligns), doing this could save you significant amounts. Specifically, this involves travelling between 10:30 and 14:30 or after 20:00 in the midweek, or any time on Friday or the weekend.

For those of you looking to book tickets as a family, see our Family Tickets. This tells you all you need to know about child tickets and Family Railcards, where you can save a lot of money.

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Get the app

Find, book and track your train to Cardiff Airport with ease when you use the Avanti West Coast App. Start saving and make rail travel simpler today.

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Birmingham International Station

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