Want to find the best Cardiff airport transfers for your next trip?
You are in safe hands- I live close to Cardiff and have flown from this airport so many times!
Cardiff Airport is kind of in the middle of nowhere and at least a 25-minute drive away from Cardiff City Center. So you will need a way to get there (or wherever your end destination is).
The only thing that has always surprised me about flying to and from here is that transport options seem rubbish if you don’t know the area.
Only taxis are advertised and even though they are probably the most direct, there are other options 🤦♀️!
To help you save money and time when using Cardiff International Airport, let’s dive in and explore every transport option available.
No matter your budget or preference, we will find the perfect solution for you!
The Best Cardiff Airport Transfers: Quick Guide
I know what it’s like to be in a hurry and you just want to get to the good stuff, so let’s jump straight in. No matter where you are going in Wales or beyond, these are the best transfer options:
🏆By Car– The best way to compare prices is with Discover Cars
Use if:
✔️ You want the fastest transfer
✔️ You plan on exploring more of Wales and The UK
🚕 By Taxi– GETTRANSFER.com has the most affordable rates whereas Airport Transfer.Com is better for a tailor-made experience and free cancellation!
Use if:
✔️ You need to reach your in 30 minutes
✔️ You are travelling in a group
✔️ Hiring a car is not for you
🚌 Bus– The only service is provided by Traveline Cymru
Use if:
✔️ You have time (the route takes over an hour)
✔️ Budget-friendly transport outweighs the convenience
(I don’t recommend it as there is only 1 bus every hour)
🚞 Train– The provider I always use is Trainline
Use If:
✔️ You are travelling solo
✔️ Reaching your destination in around 50 minutes works for you
✔️ You want to save money
👆 This is the way most locals (myself included) get from the airport if they don’t want to pay for a taxi.
The Best Places To Stay In Cardiff (I have stayed in them both!):
😍 Hotel Indigo Cardiff– This is where I try to stay every time unless it’s fully booked. It is central and the Welsh theme running through the hotel is lush!
✅ Sleeperz Cardiff – Budget-friendly, amazing location, no frills, does the job. Do ask for more pillows when you stay though as you will sleep much better.
Is It Worth Booking An Airport Transfer?
Booking an airport transfer from Cardiff Airport is definitely worth it if you want to save time and money on your city break!
The door-to-door service saves you the hassle of navigating public transportation or finding a taxi upon arrival. If convenience is a top priority, booking a transfer might be worth it.
(Pack waterproof clothing for your wait, especially in Winter. It loves to rain when you are waiting 🙃)
There are public transport options here but the bus service isn’t great and the train will take you 50 minutes once you get the shuttle to Rhoose Train Station.
But it does mean you will see some amazing Welsh landscapes- no matter the time of year!
Just keep in mind that like most things, it works out cheaper if you book it in advance!
What Are The Best Ways To Get To And From Cardiff Airport?
By Car Rental
Driving is the quickest way to reach Cardiff and most areas around it. It takes around 30 minutes (12.1 mi) via A4232.
It is also super handy to have a car if you are in Cardiff for a few days because you can do some amazing day trips.
🤩 For the best rates and vehicle options, I highly recommend using Discover Cars
👆 This is now the only car comparison site I use because they use up-to-date customer reviews. So if a company used to be great now isn’t, you will know!
You will find there are a lot of options available so it can be hard to know which ones to pick. You will find many companies all in the car hire centre just outside the terminal. But if you want to go for the best, pick Avis.
I have used Avis all over the world and they are always so helpful and friendly.
If you have any questions or problems they are more than happy to help and make your car rental experience as easy as possible!
Just note they may ask for a passport if you are visiting from overseas so have that handy!
🏆Check Prices & Availability For Avis Here!
It’s worth noting that in the City centre, there isn’t a lot of free parking.
One of the most popular places to pay to park is St Davids which is linked to the shopping centre. Just watch out though, the road to each floor spirals and you can easily stall or hit the wall if you go too fast!
Other alternatives include John Lewis and Capital. However, it will work out much cheaper if you find a hotel with a car park!
By Taxi
For many, getting a taxi is one of the most popular and best Cardiff airport transfers. Not only is a car the fastest way to reach your end destination, you don’t have the hassle of hiring a car.
I have got a taxi from Cardiff airport and I have to say, I do like the ease of it. However, even though it is super convenient to just throw your luggage in the car and go, it isn’t the cheapest option. In places like Belfast Airport, you will notice the transfer is way less money!
One way you can save money is by booking your transfer in advance. To help you out, these are the best ways to find the cheapest taxi transfers:
✔️ 60 Minutes free waiting time if you are delayed
✔️ Zero hidden costs
✔️ Usually cheaper than a normal taxi
✔️ Options for all you can even arrange a bus for 50 people!
✔️ Free Cancellation & money back guarantee
✔️ Zero hidden costs
✔️ Can compare multiple options
✔️ The service is tailor-made for YOU!
Transfer By Taxi FAQs
How much is a taxi from Cardiff Airport?
It depends on where you are going to in Wales. If you are heading to the city centre, you are looking at paying around £45.
By Train
I’ve got the train from Cardiff airport a few times and it takes around 50 minutes.
To get the train you have to take the shuttle bus from the terminal to the train station. The price of the bus is £2.00 but if you book your train tickets in advance, you can have it added to your ticket.
I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance. Even though sometimes there is a booking fee of £0.70, it still works out a lot cheaper.
✅ Book Your Train Tickets In Advance With Trainline Here!
Transfer By Train FAQs
Is there a train station at Cardiff International Airport?
There is no train station at Cardiff Airport. The nearest one is Rhoose train station which is around 11 miles away so it is not walkable from the airport.
What is the closest train station to the Cardiff Airport?
The closest train station is Rhoose train station and the journey takes just under 10 minutes from the airport.
How do you get from Cardiff Airport to Rhoose train station?
There is a shuttle bus which you can take from the airport to Rhoose train station that will cost you £2.00. You can also take a taxi here but the bus is much cheaper. The journey takes under 10 minutes.
Can you buy a ticket on the train in Cardiff?
You can if there are no ticket-buying facilities at the station. However, it does work out MUCH cheaper if you book in advance.
By Bus
If you want my honest opinion, this isn’t one of the best Cardiff airport transfers.
There aren’t many options, the prices aren’t that much cheaper than the train and the services aren’t that frequent.
However, if getting the bus is the best option for you, you need to get the 304 to Llanwit Major. It goes once an hour and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to get to Cardiff Central.
Transfer By Bus FAQs
Is there a Cardiff Airport bus?
You can get the 304 bus which goes once an hour from outside the terminal. There is also a shuttle bus that will take you to Rhoose Train Station for a quicker journey.
How much is the bus 304 from Cardiff Airport?
A single to Cardiff costs £3.40. However, if you are a child or over 60+ your ticket will be cheaper. You can also get day tickets which tend to work out cheaper if you need to get multiple buses that day.
Do Cardiff buses take cards?
You can pay by contactless, Apple pay and Android pay on busses throughout Cardiff. I always take some cash with me just in case there is an issue with the payment reader (which is rare!)
The Best Cardiff Airport Transfers FAQs:
To get from Cardiff to the airport, you have several options. You can use public transportation, such as buses or trains, hire a taxi, or opt for a pre-booked airport transfer service. The best way is by train or taxi if you don’t hire a car.
It depends where in Cardiff you are leaving from but you are looking at paying from £80.00 up to get the Bristol Airport. To save money, book your transfer in advance.
There are some places where you cannot get an Uber from the Airport, but Cardiff isn’t one of them. Uber is fully available and a great way to easily book your transfer.
The first 20 minutes are completely free when dropping someone off at Cardiff Airport. This is a fantastic perk and surprisingly the drop-off zone is never super busy.
The Best Cardiff Airport Transfers Final Thoughts
So there we have it, the best transfers you should consider for your next trip!
I love flying from Cardiff Airport when I can. It isn’t as busy as most airports and is a great place to explore other places in Europe if you get a cheap deal.
Like any transport link, each option has its pros and cons. I hope after this guide you feel confident getting from the airport, no matter whatever method you use.
My one bit of advice is if you are getting public transport, dress for the Welsh weather. You can get really cold and wet standing around which is no fun!
If you are planning to rent a card, it may be worth having a credit card handy.
I hope you found this article useful! To help you plan your trip, here are some more useful posts:
✔️ Best Lodges With Hot Tubs In North Wales
✔️ The Best Tours To Wales From London (By A Local)
✔️ 13 Best Things To Do In Snowdonia For Your Trip
✔️ Can You Drink Tap Water In The UK?
✔️ The Top Cabin Baggage Options For Ryanair Flights
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
